Draft:Kshatriya Clans

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Kshatriya

Kshatriya (Sanskrit: क्षत्रिय, romanized: Kṣatriya) (from Sanskrit kṣatra, "rule, authority"; also called Rajanya) is one of the four varnas (social orders) of Hindu society and is associated with the warrior and ruler aristocracy. The Sanskrit term kṣatriyaḥ appears in later Vedic society, where society was divided into four classes: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra.

Traditionally, Kshatriyas served as rulers, warriors, and administrators, tasked with the protection of society and the upholding of dharma (righteousness). The concept of Kshatriya is deeply embedded in Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda, Manusmriti, Bhagavad Gita, and the Mahabharata.

Kshatriyas in the Epics

In the Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Kshatriyas play pivotal roles.

In the Ramayana, Lord Rama is portrayed as the ideal king and warrior, born into the Solar dynasty (Suryavanshi) of the Ikshvaku lineage, a Kshatriya dynasty. The epic emphasizes his adherence to dharma and his military campaigns, notably against the demon king Ravana.

In the Mahabharata, Kshatriyas are central characters. The Pandavas and Kauravas, both Kshatriya lineages, represent rival royal factions. Themes of honor, duty, warfare, and morality are explored, particularly through Arjuna's dialogue with Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.

These texts laid the foundation for the Kshatriya Dharma—the code of ethics for warriors and rulers.

Rajput History and Legacy

The Rajputs trace their lineage to the 6th century CE and have established several kingdoms in northern and central India. They resisted invasions and often formed alliances to defend regional autonomy.

Notable Rajput figures include:

• Maharana Pratap (1540–1597), ruler of Mewar, renowned for resisting Akbar at the Battle of Haldighati.
• Prithviraj Chauhan (1149–1192), king of Ajmer and Delhi, remembered for battles against Muhammad Ghori.
• Rana Sanga (1482–1528), who united Rajput forces against Babur.

Dynasties like the Chandelas (builders of the Khajuraho temples) and Solankis of Gujarat also claim Rajput heritage. Rajput culture is defined by martial tradition, chivalry, and patronage of arts.

Maratha Kshatriyas

The Marathas emerged in the 17th century as a dominant Kshatriya force in western India, under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680), who founded the Maratha Empire. Shivaji promoted Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule), established a strong administrative system, and utilized guerrilla warfare effectively.

Though Shivaji was born into the Kurmi (Kunbi) community—a primarily agrarian group—he was formally anointed a Kshatriya during his coronation in 1674 by Gagabhatt.

The Maratha legacy includes:

• Expansion of a sovereign empire across western and central India.
• Rise of dynasties like the Holkars, Scindias, Gaekwads, and Bhonsles.
• Resistance to Mughal and Afghan forces, notably during the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
• A confederate style of decentralized yet coordinated rule.

Types of Kshatriyas

Traditionally, Kshatriyas are divided into **four major lineages (vanshas)**:

• Suryavanshi (Solar Dynasty) – Descendants of the Sun god, Surya.
• Chandravanshi (Lunar Dynasty) – Descendants of the Moon god, Chandra.
• Agnivanshi (Fire Dynasty) – Said to have emerged from a yajna on Mount Abu.
• Nagavanshi – Associated with Nāga deities; prevalent in regions like Chotanagpur, Odisha, and Central India.

Other Warrior Communities Considered Kshatriyas

In addition to the Rajputs and Marathas, several regional communities have historically been regarded as Kshatriyas due to their military roles or royal claims:

• Jats – Found in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and UP; many claim Chandravanshi or Yadava descent.
• Kurmi – An agrarian community with various clans claiming descent from Suryavanshi or Chandravanshi lineages.
• Khatri – Administrative and martial community of Punjab, often linked to Kshatriya origin.
• Reddy – Andhra warrior community, influential during Kakatiya and Vijayanagara periods.
• Kamma – Associated with agriculture and military leadership in Andhra and Telangana.
• Velama – Feudal community in the Deccan, served as landlords and warriors.
• Khandayat – Traditional warrior caste of Odisha.
• Raju – Also called Andhra Kshatriyas, claim descent from ancient dynasties.
• Gujjar (Gurjar) – A pastoral-warrior caste linked to the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty.
• Kayastha (select groups) – Known for administration, but some are termed Brahmakshatriya for their combined priestly and warrior traits.

Kshatriya Surnames

Rajput Surnames

(Suryavanshi, Chandravanshi, and Agnivanshi lineages) Sisodia, Rathore, Chauhan, Parmar, Solanki, Tomar, Bundela, Bais, Gahlot (Gehlot), Bhati, Panwar (Pawar), Kachwaha, Jhala, Jadeja, Kalchuri, Chandel (Chandela), Dodia, Rawat, Gaur, Dahiya, Sengar, Badgujar, Gaharwar, Nikumbh, Dor, Dodiya, Barhath, Banaphar, Salanki, Nirban, Pundir, Tanwar, Mohil, Kathait, Khangar, Bhadoria, Sikarwar, Dhandhul, Naruka, Bisen, Bargujar, Kumbhakarna, Kherwar.

Maratha Surnames

(Prominent in Maharashtra and central India) Bhosale, Shinde (Scindia), Gaekwad, Holkar, Pawar, More, Ghorpade, Nimbalkar, Jadhav, Patil, Mahadik, Deshmukh.

Other Kshatriya Surnames

Singh, Verma, Chola, Pandya, Chera, Kakatiya, Reddy, Patel, Rao, Sachan, Raj, Kol, Varma, Rayudu.