Kamboja Rajput
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
Kamboj/Kamboja Rajputs are a community of Indian Kshatriyas who trace their origin to the ancient Kamboja tribe mentioned in Vedic and epic literature like the Mahabharata. Over centuries, through the sociopolitical process of Rajputization, many Kambojas were assimilated into the Rajput identity, particularly during the early medieval period.
Historical background
[edit]The Kambojas were originally an Indo-Iranian tribe located around the Hindukush region. Ancient sources such as the Aṅguttara Nikāya, the Mahabharata, and Ashoka's rock edicts refer to them. They were known for their horse-breeding and warrior traditions. According to historian B. N. Puri, Kambojas, along with the Shakas and Hunas, were gradually assimilated into Rajput identity.[1]
Kambojas in the Mahabharata
[edit]The Kambojas are prominently mentioned in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, as a warrior tribe of the north-western frontier. They were described as skilled cavalrymen, often allied with other frontier tribes such as the Yavanas, Shakas, and Pahlavas.
In the Mahabharata (Bhishma Parva, Chapter 6), the Kambojas are listed among the allied armies who fought for the Kauravas in the great Kurukshetra war:
- "Yavanas, Kamvojas, Sakas, and Daradas — all Mlechha tribes — came with immense forces to fight under the Kaurava banner."
- — Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva, Adhyaya 6, Verse 66
According to scholars, this reflects their identity as frontier Kshatriyas who, though outside the core Aryavarta, played significant military roles in the epic age. The Kambojas were renowned for their horsemen and chariot warriors, often recruited for their martial prowess.
Some interpretations also identify King Sudakshina as the chief of the Kambojas, who was slain in battle by Arjuna:
- “And Arjuna with a sharp crescent-shaped arrow, cut off the head of Sudakshina, the mighty ruler of the Kambojas.”
- — Mahabharata, Drona Parva, Chapter 87
This mention supports the idea that the Kambojas were regarded as noble warriors with kingly lineages during the Mahabharata period.
References
[edit]- Ganguli, Kisari Mohan (1883–1896). The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Vol. Bhishma Parva, Drona Parva. Calcutta: P.C. Roy.
- Pargiter, F.E. (1922). Ancient Indian Historical Tradition. Oxford University Press.
Rajputization Process
[edit]The integration of Kambojas into the Rajput fold is part of a broader historical pattern known as Rajputization, where martial clans—especially of foreign or mixed origin—were assimilated into Rajput identity from the 6th to 12th centuries CE.[2] Journals document that Kambojas, Shakas, Hunas, and Gurjaras followed a similar path.[3]
Gotras and clans
[edit]Kamboj Rajputs have a wide range of familial and spiritual lineages:
Clan Gotras
[edit]They belong to one of **52 clan gotras**, which are distinct social and ancestral lineages:
Abdal, Ajpal, Angiare, Asoi, Bahujad, Bajne, Bage, Ban, Bhawan, Barar, Bhatti, Basra, Chak, Chandi, Chandna, Chatrath, Daberah, Dhanju, Dhudi, Dote, Dulai, Handa, Jaiya, Jammu, Jaspal, Jatmal, Josan, Jaura, Judge, Kadi, Khere, Kosle, Karanpal, Kaura, Kayar, Khinda, Kirgil, Lori, Mardak, Mehrok, Momi, Mutti, Nadha, Nandha, Nagpal, Nagri, Nandan, Nibber, Padhu, Patanroy, Pran, Ratanpal, Sama, Sandha, Sandher, Sawan, Sohi, Shahi, Suner, Tandne, Tarikha, Thind, Tume, Turne, Vinayak, Pathan, Unmal.
Rishi Gotras
[edit]They also identify their families by ancient **Rishi gotras**, used in religious and marital customs:
- Kashyap
- Bharadwaj
- Atri
- Vashisht
- Kaushik
- Gautam
- Bhrigu
- Vishwamitra
Vansh (lineage)
[edit]Although not originally part of the four Vedic varnas, many Kamboj Rajput lineages later claimed association with either the Chandravanshi and Suryavanshi descent, strengthening their traditional warrior status.
Common surnames
[edit]Many members of the Kamboj Rajput community adopt their clan or gotra names as surnames. In several regions, the word Kamboj itself is used as a surname to denote their identity. Additionally, some Kamboj Rajputs use the title Thakur, which is commonly associated with Rajput lineage and martial heritage. The title "Thakur" is especially prevalent among Hindu Kamboj Rajputs in regions like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where it reflects their traditional Kshatriya (warrior class) status.
Another commonly used title is Chaudhary, which has historically been associated with landownership, local leadership, and agrarian elite status in north Indian society. Many Kamboj Rajputs who held large tracts of land or led local communities adopted this title, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
These surnames and titles are often used interchangeably or in combination, depending on regional customs and family traditions. For example, some families may go by "Chaudhary Kamboj" or "Thakur Kamboj".
Common surnames and titles among Kamboj Rajputs include:
- Kamboj
- Thakur
- Singh
- Chauhan Kamboj
- Rana
- Chaudhary / Chaudhary Kamboj
- Parmar Kamboj
- Mehrok
- Vinayak etc.
Note: Some of these surnames may also be found in other communities; however, in the context of Kamboj Rajputs, they hold distinct historical and clan-based significance.
Kuldevis and Kuldevtas
[edit]They maintain ancestral worship of deities such as Bhadrakaali the form of Durga, Veerbhadra the form of Mahakaal, and other local gods. Clan-specific Kuldevtas vary by region and gotra.
Modern classification
[edit]Although Kamboj Rajputs are traditionally Kshatriyas, which use to come under General, but they are categorized under OBC in many states like Punjab and Haryana. This is largely due to displacement and loss following the Partition of India (1947), especially among Sikh Kambojas who lost land and wealth, leading to economic hardship and lesser political influence.
They follow **Rishi Gotras** for spiritual lineage and **clan gotras** for familial identity—distinct systems that continue to shape their social customs.
Recognition as Rajputs
[edit]- Romila Thapar and B. N. Puri note the assimilation of Kambojas into Rajput identity.[4] - The Anthropological Survey of India lists Kamboj communities as Rajputs.[5] - J. N. Singh Yadav confirms Rajput descent for clans tracing back to Kambojas, Shakas, and Hunas.[6]
They are widely recognized and considered as Kamboj Rajputs in many states of India. Specially the Kambojas who follow Hinduism and Sikhism. According to Many people's they are recognized as Dogra Rajputs.
Genetic and scholarly evidence
[edit]Genetic studies support a shared ancestry among north Indian Rajput communities tracing to Central Asian tribes such as Kambojas, Shakas, and Hunas.[7]
Related dynasties
[edit]The Kamboja Pala dynasty of Bengal (c. 10th century CE) is sometimes linked to Kamboj Rajputs, though this remains debated.[8]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Puri, B. N. (1965). India under the Kushanas. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 82. ISBN 978-8190365015.
- ^ Stein, Burton (1980). A History of India. Oxford University Press. pp. 107–108. ISBN 978-0195610676.
- ^ Dirks, Nicholas B. (2001). Castes of Mind: Colonialism and the Making of Modern India. Princeton University Press. p. 218. ISBN 978-0691096589.
- ^ Thapar, Romila (2013). The Past as Present: Forging Contemporary Identities Through History. Aleph Book Company. pp. 88–91. ISBN 978-9382277545.
- ^ Singh, K. S. (1997). People of India: National Series Volume VI. Anthropological Survey of India. pp. 582–584. ISBN 978-8176710501.
- ^ Yadav, J. N. Singh (1992). Yadavas Through the Ages, Vol. 1. Sharada Publishing House. p. 144. ISBN 978-8185205029.
- ^ Witzel, Michael (2006). Early Indo‑Iranian Peoples and the Vedic Aryans. Harvard University Press. ISBN 978-0674018247.
- ^ Raychaudhuri, Hem Chandra (1972). Political History of Ancient India. University of Calcutta Press. p. 73. ISBN 978-8120917760.