Rajput

A Rajput, derived from the Sanskrit term raja-putra, meaning "son of a king," belongs to one of the patrilineal clans primarily located in the western, central, and northern regions of India, as well as parts of Pakistan. Rajputs claim ancestry from the Hindu warrior classes that once ruled in North India, gaining prominence between the 6th and 12th centuries. Up until the 20th century, Rajputs held authority in the majority of princely states across Rajasthan and Saurashtra, areas historically known for their numerous princely states.

Today, Rajput populations and former Rajput-ruled regions are found across the subcontinent, particularly in northern, western, and central India, with significant communities in Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.

Rajputs are divided into several main subdivisions, known as vansh or vamsha, which sit just below the larger classification of jati. These vansh signify distinct lineages, with the three primary vansh being Suryavanshi (descendants of the sun deity Surya), Chandravanshi (descendants of the moon deity Chandra), and Agnivanshi (descendants of the fire deity Agni). Some of the lesser-known vansh include the Udayvanshi, Rajvanshi, and Rishivanshi, whose historical records are maintained in texts known as vanshaavalis.

Each vansh further divides into smaller groups such as kul, shakh ("branch"), khamp or khanp ("twig"), and nak ("twig tip"). Marriages within the same kul are generally avoided, although exceptions are sometimes made for different gotra lineages. The kul serves as a key identity marker for many Rajput clans, and each kul is traditionally protected by a family goddess, the kuldevi.

Main Lineages

The Rajputs, who trace their ancestry to the thirty-six royal Kshatriya clans mentioned in the sacred texts, the Puranas, and the Indian epics “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana,” are divided into three primary lineages (vanshas or vamshas):

• Suryavanshi: Also known as Raghuvanshis (clans of the Solar dynasty), these Rajputs trace their lineage through Manu, Ikshvaku, Harischandra, Raghu, Dasaratha, and Rama.

• Chandravanshi: Also called Somavanshis (clans of the Lunar dynasty), these Rajputs are descended through Yayati, Deva Nausha, Puru, Yadu, Kuru, Pandu, Yudhisthira, and Krishna. The Yaduvanshi and Puruvanshi are notable sub-branches of the Chandravanshi lineage. Lord Krishna belonged to the Yaduvanshi lineage, while the Kauravs and Pandavs from the Mahabharata were Puruvanshis.

• Agnivanshi: Known as Agniculas (clans of the Fire dynasty), these Rajputs are descended from Agnipala, Swatcha, Mallan, Gulunsur, Ajpala, and Dola Rai.

Each of these lineages is further divided into numerous clans (kulas), all claiming descent from a common male ancestor. Some of the 36 main clans are further divided into shakhas, or “branches,” which follow the same patrilineal lineage system.

36 Royal Races

• Surya or Solar
• Rathore
• Gáhlot or Grahilot
• Tuár or Tanwar
• Parmara or Ponwar
• Chaluk or Solanki
• Hán or Hún
• Jaitwar or Kamari
• Balla
• Sóm or Lunar
• Kachwaha
• Yádu, Jádu or Jadon
• Jhala
• Tak or Takshak
• Chawura
• Jit, Gét, or Jat
• Katti
• Dabi
• Chauhan
• Gohil
• Bargujar
• Sengar
• Silar
• Sarwaiya
• Gaur
• Dor or Doda
• Gaharwal
• Parihara
• Sikarwar
• Bais
• Dahima
• Johya
• Mohil
• Nikumpa
• Rajpali
• Dahia

Each shakha, or primary sub-clan, holds a unique genealogical record detailing its key characteristics, religious beliefs, and original homeland. This record serves as a reference for traditional alliances and contains all information that dictates the rules of intermarriage.