Pundir
Pundir (also spelled Pundhir, Pundeer, or Poondir) are a Suryavanshi Rajput clan, traditionally associated with warriorhood, nobility, and landholding. The name "Pundir" is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word "Purandara," which means "destroyer of enemies." Known for their valor, the Pundirs have historically held estates (riyasats) in parts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana, playing key roles in regional politics, warfare, and defense of Hindu traditions.
History
The Pundirs trace their origins to the Suryavansha (Solar Dynasty), which is believed to descend from Lord Rama, the legendary king of Ayodhya. The gotras associated with the Pundir clan include Pulastya and Parashar, both named after revered sages, which reflect the clan's deep connection to Vedic culture and Brahmanical traditions.
The Pundirs have historically maintained a presence in key North Indian regions, where they served as feudal lords, warriors, and protectors of local kingdoms. Their main centers of influence included:
- Nahan (Himachal Pradesh)
- Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
- Nagaur (Rajasthan)
- Garhwal (Uttarakhand)
Their shakha (branch) is known as Koolwal, and they revere two major Kuldevis (clan deities):
- Shakumbhri Devi, especially worshipped in Saharanpur and parts of Rajasthan
- Punyakshini Devi, worshipped in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand
The Pundir Rajputs were known to participate in the military campaigns of regional kings and offered steadfast resistance to foreign invasions, including those by the Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal incursions in northern India. Over time, they became influential landholders and maintained their martial identity.