Gusain, Thakur & Bhandari Rajput community

Gusain Rajput community – Gusain Rajput Caste

The history of the Gusain Rajput community is both intriguing and significant. This community is primarily found in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. The origins of the Gusain Rajputs are believed to be linked to various regions. The Kandari Gusain are said to have come from near Mathura, while the Ghurdunda Gusain migrated from Mehsana in Gujarat to Garhwal around the 9th century, with their ancestor being Chandradev Ghurdeva. The Patwal Gusain came from Prayag in 1212 AD and settled in Pata village, giving rise to the name “Patwal Syu.” The Rauthan Gusain are believed to have come from Rathbhan near Delhi, and the Khati Gusain settled in Khatsyun, Pauri Garhwal. The Gusain community held a prominent place in society and was often appointed to administrative and military positions.

The Gusain Rajput community consists of several prominent clans with distinct historical origins in Uttarakhand:

• Kandari Gusain: The Kandari Gusain clan is believed to have migrated to Garhwal around 428 AD from a place near Mathura. They are considered descendants of the Thakuri rulers of Kandari Garh.
• Ghuraduda Gusain: According to historian Ratudi, the Ghuraduda Gusain clan traces its origins to Mehsana, Gujarat, around the 9th century. Their forefather is believed to be Chandradev Ghurdev. In Garhwal, a whole region is known as their “Thakurai Patti,” and some members later migrated to Kumaon from Garhwal.
• Patwal Gusain: The Patwal Gusain clan is believed to have migrated from Prayag (modern-day Allahabad) to Garhwal in 1212 AD. After settling in Pata village, the region came to be known as Patwal Syun, named after the clan.
• Rauthan Gusain: The Rauthan Gusain clan migrated to Garhwal around 945 AD from an unknown place near Rathbhou, Delhi.
• Khati Gusain: In Pauri Garhwal, Khati Syun is considered the home region of the Khati Gusain clan.

Each of these Gusain Rajput clans holds an important place in the history of Garhwal, contributing to the region’s cultural and social fabric.

Thakur Rajput community – Thakur Rajput Caste

The Thakur Rajput community in Uttarakhand has a rich and varied history, with its roots tracing back to various regions of India. Several prominent Thakur clans have made significant contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Garhwal and Kumaon.

• Sajwan Thakurs: Believed to be descendants of the Maratha dynasty, the Sajwan Thakurs migrated to Garhwal from Maharashtra. They are considered descendants of the ancient Thakuri kings.
• Makhlorga Thakurs: Originating from the Pundir lineage, the Makhlorga Thakurs migrated to Garhwal in 1403 AD from Mayapur and settled in a village named Makhlorgi, which later became their permanent settlement.
• Tadial Thakurs: The Tadial Thakurs are known to have first settled in Tadi village in Garhwal, and the village name is associated with their lineage.
• Payal Thakurs: These Thakurs are believed to be descendants of the Kuru dynasty, originally from Hastinapur. They later migrated and settled in Payal village in Garhwal.
• Rana Thakurs: The Rana Thakurs are part of the Suryavanshi (Solar Dynasty) lineage, who migrated from Chittorgarh to Garhwal around 1405 AD and made Garhwal their home.

Each of these Thakur Rajput community holds a significant place in the social and military history of Uttarakhand, contributing to the region’s defense and governance throughout the centuries. Their roles as military leaders, administrators, and landholders have left a lasting legacy in Uttarakhand’s cultural and historical narrative.

Bhandari Rajput community – Bhandari Rajput Caste

The Bhandari Rajput community resides in various states of India, including Uttarakhand, Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, with a significant historical presence in Kumaon, Uttarakhand. Originally settled near Wazir Kot in Champawat, they later moved to Bhandargan near Almora after the capital of the Chand kings shifted there. Traditionally, Bhandaris extracted toddy from palm trees and played an active role in education by establishing schools for all castes. They served as infantry in the Maratha Empire and the British Indian Army, with notable members known as “Hetkari” Bhandaris in Shivaji’s army. The term “Bhandari” signifies a treasurer or keeper of a granary, reflecting their historical role in society.

The Bhandari Rajput community consists of various subgroups with historical significance in Uttarakhand:

• Kala Bhandari: This group is considered to be the original inhabitants of Kali Kumaon.
• Pundir Bhandari: The Pundir Bhandari clan traces its origins to Mayapur, and they are believed to have migrated to Garhwal in the year 1700 AD.
• Tel Bhandari: The Tel Bhandari clan is recognized as an important group in the Garhwal region, contributing to the area’s local history and society.
• Son Bhandari: The Son Bhandari clan is also part of the Bhandari community and forms an integral part of the local Garhwal population.

These clans are key contributors to the rich heritage of the Bhandari Rajput community in the region.

The Bhandari, Gusain, and Thakur Rajput communities of Uttarakhand hold a significant place in the region’s cultural and historical landscape. Each of these groups has unique origins and contributions, ranging from administrative roles to military service.

• The Bhandari Rajputs have roots in regions like Kali Kumaon and Garhwal, with subgroups like Kala Bhandari and Pundir Bhandari playing important roles in local governance and migration history.
• The Gusain Rajputs trace their lineage to ancient migrations from places like Mathura, Gujarat, and Prayag, contributing to both military and social leadership in Garhwal and beyond.
• The Thakur Rajputs, such as the Sajwan and Rana clans, bring a rich tradition of martial heritage, tracing their ancestry back to royal dynasties like the Marathas and Sun dynasty.

Together, these communities reflect the diversity and richness of Uttarakhand’s Rajput heritage, each leaving a lasting legacy on the state’s social, political, and cultural fabric.

FAQs

What is the significance of Rajput communities in Uttarakhand’s history?
The Rajput communities of Uttarakhand particularly the Gusain, Thakur, and Bhandari—have profoundly shaped the state’s cultural, social, and political identity. Historically, these groups played crucial roles in regional governance, military service, land administration, and the spread of education. Many Rajputs served as warriors, landlords, village heads, and royal advisors under the Garhwal and Kumaon kingdoms. Their customs, oral traditions, and community institutions continue to reflect the state’s rich feudal past and vibrant local heritage.

Where did the Gusain Rajputs originate from?
The Gusain Rajputs have diverse and historically rich origins. Different clans trace their roots to various parts of India:

• Kandari Gusains are believed to have migrated from the region near Mathura around 428 AD and are said to be descendants of the Thakuri rulers of Kandari Garh.

• Ghuraduda Gusains migrated from Mehsana in Gujarat around the 9th century, led by a revered ancestor, Chandradev Ghurdev.

• Patwal Gusains came from Prayag (modern Allahabad) in 1212 AD and settled in Pata village, giving rise to the name “Patwal Syun.”

• Rauthan Gusains are believed to have come from Rathbhan, a region near Delhi, around 945 AD.

• Khati Gusains settled in Khatsyun in Pauri Garhwal and are locally known for their influence in the area.
  These diverse roots reflect a pattern of migration, settlement, and integration into the sociopolitical structure of Garhwal and Kumaon.

What roles did the Gusain Rajputs play in society?
The Gusain Rajputs were prominent in both military and administrative domains. They served as commanders in regional armies, heads of local territories (pattis), and advisors to rulers. Many were given land and administrative rights by Garhwal kings in recognition of their service. Their influence extended beyond warfare to local governance, justice systems, and community leadership, cementing their place as a high-ranking and respected caste in the region.

Who was Chandradev Ghurdev?
Chandradev Ghurdev is considered the founding patriarch of the Ghuraduda Gusain clan, which migrated from Mehsana, Gujarat, to Garhwal in the 9th century. His descendants established a strong socio-political base in the region, with a large tract of land known as “Thakurai Patti” named after their ruling rights. The legacy of Chandradev Ghurdev is preserved in local folklore and regional records.

What does “Patwal Syun” mean?
“Patwal Syun” refers to the territory named after the Patwal Gusain clan. The term “Syun” in Garhwali refers to a regional division or area. The Patwal clan settled in the village of Pata after migrating from Prayag in 1212 AD, and the area came to be known as Patwal Syun. This name indicates both geographic identity and the clan’s historical association with the land.

What is the origin of the Thakur Rajput community in Uttarakhand?
The Thakur Rajputs of Uttarakhand trace their ancestry to various ruling and noble lineages across India.

• The Sajwan Thakurs are believed to have Maratha roots and claim descent from the ancient Thakuri kings, migrating from Maharashtra to Garhwal.

• The Makhlorga Thakurs, from the Pundir lineage, came to Garhwal in 1403 AD from Mayapur and settled in Makhlorgi village.

• The Tadial Thakurs settled in Tadi village, giving their clan its name.

• The Payal Thakurs are thought to descend from the legendary Kuru dynasty of Hastinapur.

• The Rana Thakurs, of Suryavanshi lineage, migrated from Chittorgarh around 1405 AD and played a major role in Garhwal’s military history.
  These clans brought with them traditions of valor, administration, and cultural richness, contributing significantly to Uttarakhand’s feudal order.

What role did Thakurs play in the region?
Thakurs in Uttarakhand were typically feudal lords, landowners, and military leaders. They served in royal courts as advisers and generals, managed land revenue systems, and protected villages from external threats. Many also controlled vast tracts of agricultural land and played a central role in social organization, dispute resolution, and community rituals. Their legacy continues through prominent family lineages and regional institutions that trace their roots to these historic Thakur clans.

Who are the Sajwan Thakurs descended from?
Sajwan Thakurs claim descent from the Maratha dynasties and ancient Thakuri rulers. Their migration from Maharashtra to Garhwal brought a blend of Maratha military discipline and Rajput nobility to the hills. They have historically occupied influential positions in the region’s administration and are still a respected group in Uttarakhand’s social hierarchy.

What is the historical significance of the Bhandari Rajputs in Uttarakhand?
The Bhandari Rajputs have a notable legacy in both the hills and plains of India. In Uttarakhand, they were originally centered around Wazir Kot in Champawat and later settled in Bhandargan near Almora after the Chand kings relocated their capital. Traditionally, they served as treasurers, revenue officers, and infantry soldiers. They were also skilled in toddy extraction and agricultural practices. Their reputation for discipline and leadership extended to military service in the Maratha and British armies. In particular, “Hetkari” Bhandaris were known for their valor in Shivaji’s forces. The community also made progressive contributions to education, establishing schools open to all castes a remarkable step for the time.

What does the term “Bhandari” mean?
“Bhandari” is derived from the Sanskrit word bhandarika, which means treasurer or custodian of a storehouse. Historically, Bhandaris served as royal treasurers, managers of granaries, or collectors of revenue. This role granted them considerable status and trust in medieval and early modern governance systems, especially under kings and local rulers.

Who are the Kala Bhandaris?
The Kala Bhandaris are considered among the original Bhandari inhabitants of the Kali Kumaon region. They played key roles in managing lands, resources, and local governance. Their deep-rooted presence in the region makes them an important lineage within the broader Bhandari Rajput community.

Did Bhandari Rajputs contribute to education?
Yes, the Bhandari Rajputs were early advocates of education, and many of them worked toward establishing inclusive schools that served all castes and classes. This was a progressive approach for the time and reflected their commitment to social development, literacy, and upliftment of marginalized communities within rural Uttarakhand.

How do these three communities reflect Uttarakhand’s heritage?
Each community contributes a unique thread to the fabric of Uttarakhand’s history. The Gusains bring a tradition of administrative leadership and military service with roots in ancient migrations. The Thakurs reflect martial heritage and feudal governance, with links to major dynasties across India. The Bhandaris contribute through their roles in finance, agriculture, military, and inclusive education. Together, they encapsulate the diversity, migration history, and regional integration that defines the Rajput legacy in Uttarakhand.

Are these communities still active in modern Uttarakhand society?
Yes, descendants of these Rajput lineages continue to play vital roles in Uttarakhand’s politics, civil services, education, and cultural preservation. Many individuals from these communities are elected leaders, social reformers, educators, and military officers. Their traditional values and heritage are kept alive through festivals, oral histories, temple traditions, and clan gatherings.

The Gusain, Thakur, and Bhandari Rajput communities represent the resilient spirit, deep-rooted values, and rich legacy of Uttarakhand. Their histories, shaped by ancient migrations, royal service, and local leadership, continue to influence the cultural and social landscape of the state. Each community brought with it traditions of bravery, governance, spirituality, and education leaving an indelible mark on the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. Whether as warriors defending the hills, treasurers managing the wealth of kingdoms, or landowners fostering community life, these Rajput groups reflect the layered history of the Himalayas. Their stories remind us that the heritage of a region is not built by rulers alone, but by the people who serve, protect, and enrich its soil across generations. As modern Uttarakhand continues to evolve, the legacy of these communities lives on in the values they upheld, the places they built, and the people who still carry their names with pride.