Castes Claiming Rajput Identity

Various communities across India that have, over time, asserted or adopted Rajput identity, either partially or wholly. These claims often emerge due to social, political, and cultural motivations, including upward caste mobility (Sanskritization), historical reinterpretation, or shared traditions. These claims are contested or viewed as efforts to gain social prestige or political representation.

Background

The term Rajput (from Sanskrit Rajaputra, meaning "son of a king") traditionally denotes a group of martial clans primarily from northern and western India. Rajputs historically held positions as rulers, landholders, and warriors. Over centuries, as the rigid caste hierarchy of India evolved, many communities sought to align themselves with the Rajput status to elevate their social standing, especially during colonial and post-colonial periods.

Notable Examples

Community	Region	Basis of Claim
Lodhi	Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh	Military roles; Sanskritization
Arakvanshi	Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar	Warrior lineage claims
Kushwaha	Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh	Mythological descent
Koli	Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra	Militarized clans
Kurmi/Mali	Northern and Central India	Agricultural dominance; Sanskritization
Karnwaj	Uttar Pradesh, Bihar	-
Gadariya	Northern India	Shepherd community claiming warrior status
Kachhi	Uttar Pradesh, Bihar	Agricultural caste claiming Kshatriya/Rajput status
Kahar	Northern India	Traditionally service caste claiming warrior lineage
Rawani	Bihar, Uttar Pradesh	Claims linked to martial traditions
Lodha	Eastern India	Tribal group claiming Rajput descent
Khangar	Bundelkhand region	-

Reasons for Claiming Rajput Identity

Sanskritization

Sanskritization refers to the process by which lower or intermediate castes adopt practices and rituals of upper castes to improve their social status. In many cases, claiming Rajput lineage was a part of this process.

Political and Social Mobility

In the colonial and post-independence eras, caste identities became tied to political representation, reservation benefits, and social prestige. Adopting Rajput identity often allowed castes to benefit from association with a historically dominant group.