Negi Community (Negi Caste)

Negi Caste is a title given to hill Rajputs or Thakurs. This title is derived from the word “nek,” which means “virtuous.” The origin of the Negi title can be traced to the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu.

Important Information Related to the Negi Title:

• This title was conferred by kings, warriors, and ministers.
• Individuals holding the Negi title were entrusted with the task of collecting taxes from villages.
• They were given a percentage of the amount collected as remuneration.

Thus, the Negi title is an essential part of the culture and history of the hill society, reflecting the social and administrative contributions of its holders.

The history of the Rajput clans of the Negi community and their migration is very interesting. Here is a description of some prominent Negi clans that settled in the Garhwal region at various times:

Prominent Negi Castes:

Pundir Negi: They arrived in Garhwal from Saharanpur in the Vikram Samvat 1722. According to Ratudi Ji, they are mentioned in the Prithviraj Raso as being from near Delhi.

Baglana Negi: They came from the Baglan region in Vikram Samvat 1703, with their main village being Shula.

Khunti Negi: They settled in Garhwal in Vikram Samvat 1113 after coming from Nagarkot-Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Their first village is Khunti.

Sipahi Negi: They arrived in Garhwal in Vikram Samvat 1743 from Nagarkot-Kangra. Their name is derived from their enlistment as soldiers.

Sangela Negi: Descendants of the Jat Rajput community, they came to Garhwal from Saharanpur in Vikram Samvat 1769. They are known as Sangela Negi due to their tradition of carrying a sword.

Kharkhola Negi: They are considered descendants of the Kaintyura community and migrated to Garhwal from Kumaon in Vikram Samvat 1169, serving as village headmen in Kharkholi village.

Saund Negi: Related to the Rani caste, they migrated to Garhwal from Kailakhuri and settled in Saundari village.

Bhotia Negi: Descendants of the Huna Rajput community, they came from the Huna country to Garhwal.

Mahar/Mwara/Mahar Negi: Descendants of the Gurjar Rajput, they migrated from Landhaura to Garhwal.

Bagdi/Bagudi Negi: They arrived in Garhwal from Mayapur in Vikram Samvat 1417, and their name derives from the place of origin, Bagad.

Singh Negi: Related to the Bedi caste, they migrated to Garhwal from Punjab in Vikram Samvat 1700.

Jambal Negi: They settled in Garhwal after migrating from Jammu.

Rikhlya/Rikhola Negi: They came from Reekhali Garhka in Doti, Nepal, and resided in Chhand.

Padiyar Negi: Descendants of the Parihar clan, they migrated to Garhwal from near Delhi in Vikram Samvat 1860.

Lohwan Negi: Descendants of the Chauhan caste, they settled in Lohba pargana in Garhwal in Vikram Samvat 1035.

Gagwadi Negi: They arrived in Garhwal from near Mathura in Vikram Samvat 1476, settling in Gagwadi village.

Chopariya Negi: They migrated from Hastinapur to Garhwal and settled in Chopra village in Vikram Samvat 1442.

Sarwal Negi: This community settled in Garhwal after migrating from Punjab in Vikram Samvat 1600.

Gharkandyal Negi: They are believed to be residents of Pang, Ghuddaurasyun.

Kumyan Negi: They reside in villages like Kumain and Kanda.

Bhana Negi: They are originally from Patna.

Koliya Negi: This community migrated from Kumaon and settled in Koli village in Garhwal.

Sautyal Negi: They came from Doti, Nepal, and settled in Sauti village in Garhwal.

Chintola Negi: They are original residents of Chintolgarh.

Khaddakadi Negi: They migrated from Mayapur to Garhwal.

Bulsada Negi: These are descendants of the Kaintyura community and are originally from Kumaon.

Neelkanthi Negi: This clan typically resides in the Garhwal region, and their name is associated with the worship of Neelkanth.

Neki Negi: The history of the Neki Negi clan is also linked to the culture of Garhwal, and they are dedicated to their traditional values and customs.

Jardari Negi: The name of this clan is related to their traditional activities and lifestyle.

Hathi Negi: This community is generally found in certain parts of Garhwal, and the word “Hathi” in their name reflects a specific custom or tradition.

Khatri Negi: The Khatri community is skilled in trade and craftsmanship and holds a distinct identity in the Garhwal region.

Monda Negi: Members of the Monda Negi clan reside in various villages of Garhwal and contribute significantly to the local culture.

The history, culture, and traditions of all these Negi clans are an essential part of the rich and diverse cultural tapestry of Garhwal. Collecting more information about them and preserving their traditions is necessary to ensure that future generations can understand and respect the legacy of their ancestors. This knowledge will not only keep the culture of Garhwal alive but will also preserve the heritage of all of Uttarakhand.