Somavanshi

Somavanshi Rajputs are considered the Southern branch of the Kuru dynasty, the same dynasty to which the Pāndavas of the Mahābhārata belonged. While the Arjunāyans (later known as the Tomar Rajputs) ruled regions in Northern India (including modern-day Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand), the Somavanshis established their stronghold in the Kaushambi region, ruling the ancient Vatsa kingdom.

King Udayana and the Vatsa Kingdom

The most renowned ruler of the Somavanshi lineage was King Udayana of Vatsa, a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. Udayana is extensively referenced in Buddhist texts such as the Udāna and Avadāna literature, as well as in Hindu Mahāpurāṇas and Sanskrit dramas. He is the central figure in the legendary romantic tale of Udayana and Vasavadatta, which remains popular in Indian folklore.

Following their rule in Kaushambi, the Somavanshis appear to have relocated to Jhusi, near Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad). Located on the banks of the Ganga, Jhusi became their principal administrative and military center until the advent of Islamic invasions in the 12th century CE.

Impact of Islamic Invasions

The arrival of Muhammad Ghori and the Ghurid campaigns in the late 12th century CE dramatically altered the political landscape of North India. The Somavanshis, along with several other Rajput clans such as the Chauhans, Gahadwalas, Gautams, Bisens, and Parmāras, faced severe defeat, displacement, and loss of territory.

The Somavanshis were forced to abandon Kaushambi and Jhusi, eventually migrating eastward and establishing themselves in the region now known as Pratapgarh in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Pratapgarh and Maurha States

In Pratapgarh, the Somavanshis founded the Pratapgarh State, which would continue under their rule until India's political unification post-independence. Later, they also established the Maurha State. One of the notable modern rulers was Sri Raja Ajit Pratap Singh Ji of Pratapgarh, who upheld the traditions and heritage of the Somavanshi Rajputs.

Relation to the Tomar Rajputs

The Tomar Rajputs, or Arjunāyans, represent the Northern branch of the same Kuru lineage. Various sources—including the work of Thakkura Pheru, Alexander Cunningham, and inscriptions from Rohtas, Delhi, and Gwalior—trace their descent from Arjuna through Parikshit, Janamejaya, and the Puru-Chandra lineage. The Tomars established cities such as Delhi (Dhillika) and ruled major kingdoms such as Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh.

Both Tomar Rajputs and Somavanshi Rajputs share a common claim to the Kuru and Pāndava ancestry, emphasizing their descent from Arjuna, thus representing two geographical divisions of the same epic lineage.