Rawat Community (Rawat Caste)

Rawat is an Indian surname primarily associated with individuals belonging to the Hindu Rajput community. It is generally considered synonymous with “prince.” Historically, this title was conferred by kings in recognition of valor, which eventually became a customary addition to names according to lineage. The Rawat surname is found among the Ahir, Rajput, Meena, and Gurjar communities, with a significant concentration in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Some members of the community can also be found in neighboring Nepal.

The Rawat community consists of great warriors from ancient times, holding a position of high esteem just below that of kings. Their bravery, valor, and heroism instilled fear in their enemies. Historically, even the British faced defeats at their hands, allowing the Rawats to emerge as one of the few independent surnamed communities in India. In Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district, the Rawat Yadavs (Ahirs) are associated with this lineage, while in Madhya Pradesh, the Rawats are primarily linked to the Meena community.

In Garhwal, the Rawat caste is considered a prominent community of Rajputs. It encompasses several sub-castes that have settled in Garhwal from various places. The Rawat caste has many sub-divisions, some of whose histories and original locations are as follows:

Dikola Rawat: The ancestral lineage of the Dikola Rawat is Maratha. They migrated to Garhwal from Maharashtra in the year 415 Samvat and made Dikoli village their home.

Gorla Rawat: The Gorla Rawat are descendants of the Panwar dynasty who arrived in Garhwal from Gujarat in the year 817 Samvat. Gurad is considered their first village.

Ringwara Rawat: They are believed to be descendants of the Kaintyura dynasty, which migrated from Kumaon to Garhwal in the year 1411 Samvat. Their first settlement was Ringwara village.

Bangari Rawat: The Bangari Rawat migrated to Garhwal from Bangar in the year 1662 Samvat. Bangari is derived from the word Bangri.

Butola Rawat: They are descendants of the Tanar dynasty and migrated from Delhi to Garhwal in the year 800 Samvat. Their ancestral figure is considered to be Buta Singh.

Barwani Rawat: These are descendants of the Tanar dynasty who came from Masigarh in the year 1479 Samvat. Their first residence in Garhwal was Nairbhana Kshatriya.

Jayada Rawat: They came to Garhwal from an unknown location near Delhi. Their first stronghold in Garhwal is considered to be Jayadgarh.

Manyari Rawat: There is limited information available about their original location. They are called Manyari Rawat because they settled in the Manyarsyun region of Garhwal.

Jawadi Rawat: Their first village is considered to be Jawadi village.

Parasara Rawat: They are descendants of the Chauhan dynasty who migrated to Garhwal from Jawalapur in the year 1102 Samvat and settled in Parasari village.

Farswan Rawat: They migrated to Garhwal from a location near Mathura in the year 432 Samvat. Their first village in Garhwal is considered to be Farasu village.

Maundara Rawat: They are descendants of the Panwar dynasty who settled in Garhwal in the year 1405 Samvat. Their first village is considered to be Maundadi village.

Kayara Rawat: They are believed to be descendants of the Panwar dynasty who arrived in Garhwal in the year 1453 Samvat.

Gavina Rawat: They are also believed to be descendants of the Panwar dynasty, with Gavanigarh as their first stronghold.

Lutda Rawat: They are descendants of the Chauhan dynasty who migrated to Garhwal from Loha Chandpur in the year 838 Samvat. The old Rajput Thakurs Asha Rawat and Basha Rawat are referred to as Thokdar.

Kathela Rawat: About the Kathela Rawat Rajput caste, Pandit Harikrishna Raturi writes that “their original lineage is Katoch/Kathauch, and their gotra is Kashyap. They settled in Garhwal from Kangra. It is believed that they had a blood relation with the Garhwal royal family. Their Thaat region is considered to be Kathulsyun in Garhwal. In the village of Devail in Kumaon, where the Kathela Thokdars reside, there was also ‘Kathela Garh.’

Terla Rawat: They are considered Thokdars of the Gujru region.

Mawal Rawat: Their Thaat region in Garhwal is considered Mawalsyun. Their original residence is Nepal, and they are believed to be of the Kunwar lineage.

Doodhadhaari Rawat: They are considered residents of Binoli village, Chandpur.

Masolya Rawat: The Masolya Rawat, who are descendants of the Panwar lineage, are native to the Dhara region and have settled in Garhwal.

In addition, information about Jetha Rawat, Todda Rawat, Kadwal Rawat, Tulsa Rawat, Mauroda Rawat, Guradi Rawat, Kolla Rawat, Ghandiyali Rawat, Farsuda Rawat, Jhinkwan Rawat, Manesa Rawat, and Kafola Rawat is yet to be obtained.

The Rawat community, while primarily based in Garhwal, has significant historical ties to Kumaon and is an integral part of the larger cultural tapestry of Uttarakhand. Their migrations and settlements have shaped the social landscape of these regions, reflecting a rich heritage that continues to thrive today. Each sub-caste contributes uniquely to the traditions and practices that characterize the vibrant culture of Uttarakhand and Kumaon.

The Rawat caste is a prominent Rajput community in Garhwal, encompassing several sub-castes that have migrated from various regions throughout history. Each sub-caste has its unique lineage and settlement history, such as the Dikola Rawat, who are Maratha descendants from Maharashtra; the Gorla Rawat, descendants of the Panwar dynasty from Gujarat; and the Ringwara Rawat, believed to be from the Kaintyura dynasty in Kumaon. Other notable sub-castes include the Bangari, Butola, and Barwani Rawats, each with distinct origins and established villages in Garhwal. While primarily associated with Garhwal, the Rawat community has historical connections to Kumaon, contributing significantly to the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.