List of Rajput Community in Uttarakhand: Caste, Culture, and History

The Rajpur community in Uttarakhand plays an important role and is spread across many parts of the state. Known in history as a warrior group, the Rajputs are that group that is remembered for their courage and bravery. In Uttarakhand most of the Rajputs are found in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. 

The history of the Rajputs in Uttarakhand goes back to ancient times. They have played an important part in the rules and defence of the region. The kings of Garhwal and Kumaon were also connected to Rajput surnames and families. Talking more, the Chand dynasty, which ruled Kumaon, and the Panwar dynasty, which ruled Garhwal – both of these dynasties came from Rajput clans. These rulers gave great contributions to the cultural and social growth of Uttarakhand. 

The traditions of the Rajput community are an important part of Uttarakhand’s folk culture. The Rajput community usually wear clothes like the angrakha, churidar pyjama, and sofa (turban). Their marriage customs and celebrations are also special, filled with folk music, songs and dances. All of these are enjoyed with much enthusiasm. 

Rajput community of Uttarakhand – Rajput Caste

The Rajput community in Uttarakhand is a lively and diverse community with a very long history. Many Rajputs migrated from different parts of India and made their homes and motherland in Uttarakhand. In these communities there are subgroups, and each subgroup has their own customs and traditions, which shows their strong bond with the land and its heritage. The history & culture of these groups have become an important part of life in both Garhwal and Kumaon. As mentioned above, the Rajputs are known for their bravery, traditions and strength, which continue to add to the identity and culture of the region. 

The Garhwali Rajput 

The Garhwali Rajputs have a very long and proud history of bravery that goes back more than a thousand years in the western Himalayas. Somewhere between 1200 and 1815 AD, the Garhwal kingdom grew and flourished, with Rajputs playing the role of rulers as well as important military leaders. 

The word “Rajput” means “ruler” or “son of a king”. This shows their royal background and the noble roots of Rajputs. In the social order of Hinduism, the Garhwali Rajputs are placed in the Kshatriya Varna; this is the second highest group, known for their role as warriors and protectors. 

As the 19th century came closer, the Garhwali kingdom had to face many difficulties and challenges from outside powers. The Gurkhas and later the British invaded the land, and in the end the kingdom came under British rule. Even with these hardships and challenges, the Garhwali Rajputs showed great courage and strength. Many joined the Indian army in large numbers, keeping alive their tradition of bravery and service as warriors. Talking about the stats, a large number of people who join the army come from the holy land of Uttarakhand. Here we have 2 different army regiments. The Garhwali Rifles and the Kumaon regiments. 

In today’s times, the Garhwali community has made its presence felt in many different fields. A number of Garhwalis are well known in the Indian film and TV industry, helping to represent and protect our culture and identity. The community also has many successful athletes, businessmen, politicians and many others who have achieved recognition in their dedicated fields at both national and international levels. 

Economically, Garhwali Rajputs have a wide range of occupations. There are families whose members are in private jobs, government jobs, the army and working internationally. This variety shows the adaptability and determination of the community. The Garhwali Rajputs continue to play an active role in shaping the culture and society of Uttarakhand. Their history and present-day achievement stand as proof of their important and contributing desire for the nation. 

The Kumaoni Rajput

The Kumaoni Rajputs, also known as the Thakur, Rajputs or Kshatriya, are a respected caste of Kshatriya Rajputs of the 

Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The history of Kumaoni Rajputs goes back as early as the 4th century, when they held great power in the area until the Gurkha attack in the late 18th century. Known for their strong warrior background, the Kumaoni Rajputs serve in many important positions, like soldiers, nobles and administrators in the Kumaon kingdoms. 

As mentioned, the name “Rajputs” means “ruler” or “son of a king”. This reflects their royal heritage and their place in the Kshatriya Varna, the warriors’ group of the Hindu society. In the hard times like the Gurkha invasions and later the British rule, the Kumaoni Rajputs kept their identity and traditions alive. Just like the Garhwali Rajputs, the Kumani Rajputs also continue to serve in the Indian Armed Forces, keeping their legacy of warriors, legacy and honour alive. 

In the present day, Kumaoni Rajputs are active in many different fields of work, like politics, business, education, and the army, both nationally and internationally. Their dedication, governance and local development have also helped protect & promote the cultural Kumaoni tradition. With this strong dedication and ties to their roots, the Kumaoni Rajputs still take pride in their history, showing resilience and adaptability that has defined their community for centuries.

List of Rajput Caste in Uttarakhand

1. Rawat – The Rawat clan is considered one of the most important Rajput groups in Garhwal.
2. Negi – The Negi Rajputs also have many sub-groups and are an important group in Garhwal region.
3. Bisht – The Bisht clan in Garhwal includes many subgroups, showing that they were formed by different communities settling in Garhwal.
4. Gusain – The Gusain Rajputs also have sub-groups and are an important group in Garhwal region.
5. Thakur Rajput – have many sub-groups.
6. Bhandhari – The Bhandari community is considered part of the Rajput category.
7. Parmar (Pawar) – Migrated from Dhar, Gujarat, to Garhwal in late 945 AD and became part of the Garhwal royal dynasty. 
8. Kunwar – A sub-brand of the Pawar lineage, who also settled in Garhwal after migrating from Dhar, Gujarat, in 945 AD. 
9. Rautela – Another subgroup from the Panwar lineage. 
10. Aswal – Believed to be linked to the Nagvansh, they migrated from Ranthambore near Delhi in 945 AD. In Garhwal they are often called Thokdars.
11. Bartwal – Considered descendants of the Panwar lineage, they came from Ujjain/Dhar in 945 AD and settled in Baret Village. 
12. Mandrawal (Manural) – Rajputs of the Kasthuri lineage who migrated from Kumaon to Garhwal in 1711 AD, believed to descend from the Katyuri kings. 
13. Rajwar – Another Katyuri descendant group who also moved from Kumaon to Garhwal in 1711 AD. 
14. Chand – Arrived in Garhwali in 1613 AD and are considered descendants of the Chand rulers of Kumaon. 
15. Ramola – Descendants of the Chauhan Lineage, they migrated from Mainpuri (Uttar Pradesh) to Garhwal in 254 AD and took their name from Ramoli Village. 
16. Chuhan – Migrated from Mainpuri to Grahwal with Uppugadh believed to be their stronghold. 
17. Miyan – Migrated from Suket and Jammu due to family relations, not originally from Garhwal.
18. Rana – Connected to the Nagvansh lineage, believed to have migrated from Hunland to Garhwal and considered ancient settlers. 
19. Kathait – Descendants of the Katoch dynasty, they came from Kangra, Himachal, to Garhwal.
20. Vedi Khatri – Descendants of the Khatri lineage, they came from Nepal to Garhwali in 1700 AD. 
21. Pazai – Regarded as the original inhabitants of Kumaon. 
22. Rangdar – Migrated from Sharanpur to Garhwal. 
23. Kaintyura – Descendants of the Nagarkoti lineage who came from Nagarkot, Kangra, and settled in Nakot village in Garhwal. 
24. Kamine – Very little historical information is available about this surname. 
25. Kirmani – Believed to descend from an ancestor named Kurm.
26. Dhamada – Considered descendants of the old Gandhadheeh (ruler of forts).
27. Kandiyal – Named after their first settlements, Kandi Village. 
28. Baidoga – First settled in Baidogi village, Garhwal region. 
29. Mukhamal – Their first home is believed to be Mukwa or Mukhem Village. 
30. Thapliyal – Named after their settlements in Thapi village, Chandpur. 
31. Dangwal – Settlers of Dan Village in the Garhwal region. 
32. Mehta – Originally a Vaishya group that migrated from Panipat to Garhwal in 1590 AD. Later integrated with the Rajput identity. 
33. Ranot – Considered a brand of the Sisodias who migrated from Rajputana to Garhwal. 
34. Ruchhela – Migrated from Delhi to Garhwal. 
35. Jaskoti – came from Saharanpur and settled in Jasot village in Garhwal. 
36. Doryal – Thought to have roots in Dwarahat, Kumaon. 
37. Mayal – Regarded as original inhabitants of Kumaon.
38. Kandpal – “Kand” means Protector of Kanda and is a surname from the Kanda area. And “Pal” means Protector. 
39. Khandpal – Protector of Khand/Khandi
40. Tolia – From a village named Toli. This is a place-based surname. 
41. Martolia – From Martoli from the Munsiyari, Uttarakhand region. 
42. Airi – From the Ari/Airi area, often linked to warrior service. 
43. Pargai – Likely tied to old administrative units. 
44. Bora/Bohra – Traditionally linked to treasurers/merchants, also used as a toponymic in Kumaon. 
45. Karki – Old Khasa/Chhetri officer title, often read as ‘official’ or ‘administrator’. 
46. Partyal – From the Phartoli area. 
47. Kainthola – from Kaintholi/Kainthola, also linked to the kainth tree. 
48. Mahara/Maher – Used for Kshatriya lineage in Kumaon. 
49. Gaur – From the Gaur/Gurjar region, an old North Indian Rajput clan. 
50. Rathore – Major Rajput clan of Marwar. 
51. Tomar – From the Tomara dynasty, often linked to “spear-bearer”.
52. Solanki – From the Chalukya/Solanki line; a royal dynasty name.
53. Sisodia – “From Sisoda” (a village in Mewar); the Mewar ruling clan.
54. Bhati – Yaduvanshi clan, tied to the Jaisalmer/Thar region.
55. Kachhwaha – Old Amber/Jaipur ruling clan; name origin debated, often linked to the Kusha/Yadu line.
56. Bais – From Baiswara (Awadh region); a well-known clan in U.P.
57. Gahlot (Guhil/Guhilot) – From Guhil/Guhaditya, the founder; Mewar lineage.
58. Jadon/Jadaun – Yaduvanshi line (from Yadu); spread across western U.P./Rajasthan.
59. Chandel (Chandela) – From the Chandela dynasty of Bundelkhand (chandra = moon).
60. Bundela – From Bundelkhand; historical warrior houses are there.
61. Jhala – From the Jhalawar/Jhala region; princely-state lineage.
62. Gaharwar (Gahadavala) – From the Gahadavala kings of the Kannauj/Varanasi region.
63. Pal (Katyuri-Pal) – “Protector”; used by some Katyuri-linked lines in Kumaon.
64. Karkiya/Karkyala – A regional/administrative variant of Karki used in the hills.
65. Saud – Often a a hill-merchant/landholder line; also used by Kshatriya families in Kumaon.
66. Kanwal/Kanyal – Toponymic; tied to Kanwal/Kanyal villages/estates in the hills.

Note – We might have missed some of the surnames, we will continue adding more and more surnames in this list. 

Conclusion

The Rajput community, or the Rajput group in Uttarakhand, carries a long and meaningful history filled with traditional and cultural values. With many subgroups each adding their own customs and values, the Rajputs have shown strength and bravery that shaped the lands of Garhwal and Kumaon. By keeping their heritage alive, they continue to play an important role in adding richness to the culture and heritage of Uttarakhand. Their legacy makes sure that the stories, customs and traditions of the Royal Uttarakhandi Rajputs are passed on to future generations. Their presence not only reminds us of the region’s past but also shows the unity and diversity that together form the true identity of Uttarakhand. With this, let’s end this topic, and I hope you enjoyed and learnt a lot with this article. See you next time with another interesting story. Till then, goodbye!! And don’t forget to visit Uttarakhand Magazine for more such informative articles.