Chauhan
The Chauhans, also known as Chahamanas, were one of the prominent Suryavanshi Rajput clans of medieval Rajasthan. Branches of the Chauhan dynasty ruled from Shakambhari, Ajmer, Nadol, Jalore, and Chandravati. Notable among them was Prithviraj Chauhan, often celebrated in bardic literature and texts like Prithviraja-Vijaya. Later branches like the Deora Chauhans of Sirohi and the others emerged in the 14th–15th centuries.
Origin
The Suryavanshi theory (descendants of the Sun God) asserts that the Chauhans belong to the solar lineage. This perspective is supported by several ancient literary sources, including Prithviraj Vijay, Hammir Mahakavya, Hammir Raso. These texts emphasize the valor and noble descent of Chauhan rulers, especially Prithviraj III (Prithviraj Chauhan).
The inscription of Vigraharaja IV, a prominent Chauhan ruler, also affirms the Chauhans’ identity as Suryavanshi. This inscription is preserved in the Rajputana Museum, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and serves as an important historical record supporting their solar ancestry claim.
Sub-clans
The Chauhan clan is divided into several prominent sub-clans. These include: