The Khant Rajput is a subcaste of the Kshatriya community found in the Indian state of Gujarat.[1][2][3]
History[edit | edit source]
The Khant Rajput subcaste traces its origin to the Kshatriya chief Sonang Mer, who traveled from Sindh to Gujarat. He had twelve sons, one of whom was Dhan Mer, who founded the towns of Dhandhuka and Dhandhalpur. His other sons included Patal Khant, who conquered Petlad, and Mer Rana, who conquered Mahiyar in Junagadh. Another prominent historical chief was Jesa Khant, who defeated Rao Khengarji I of Junagadh with the military assistance of Muhammad bin Tughluq. The Khant Rajputs are historically considered a branch of the Mer community.[4][5][6]
Rebellion in Junagadh[edit | edit source]
A major rebellion was led by Mansa Khant against the first Nawab of Junagadh State, who served as the Viceroy of the Gujarat Sultanate under the Mughal Empire. The Khant Rajputs successfully captured the historic Uparkot Fort and launched raids into the surrounding villages. When the Nawab's forces were unable to contain the uprising, he sought assistance from an Arab commander, Sheikh Abdullah Zubaidi, and the Thakur of Gondal State. Their combined forces attacked the fort, defeated the occupying troops, and successfully suppressed the rebellion.[7][8]
Princely State[edit | edit source]
The Princely state of Ambliara was ruled by Hindu Khant Rajputs belonging to the Chauhan dynasty. The rulers of this state were well known for their armed resistance against the forces of the Gaekwad dynasty of Baroda State.[9][10]
Sant State[edit | edit source]
The Khant Rajputs played a critical role in safeguarding the Sant State from the invading forces of Banswara State. Following the death of Rana Ratana Singh of Sant State in 1753, the Sisodia Rajput rulers of Banswara attacked the territory, annexed it, and killed three of the state's princes. The fourth prince, Badan Singh, successfully escaped with the help of the Khant Rajputs. Prince Badan Singh was protected and nurtured by the community until he came of age. Subsequently, the Khant Rajputs launched an attack on the Banswara troops, drove them completely out of Sant, and successfully enthroned Badan Singh as the rightful Rana of the state.[11][12]
Society[edit | edit source]
The Khant Rajputs possess an organized exogamous clan structure consisting of 56 distinct lineages (*ataks*), including the Dabhi, Baria, Parmar, Kandoliya, Jhala, Gohil, Bheda, Sarvaiya, Deavla, Patriya, and Bataviya. Their claim to Kshatriya status is widely acknowledged across the region, and they are traditionally referred to as *Darbar* or *Thakor*. While the community has strong historic martial roots, modern members are primarily involved in agriculture, functioning as independent landowning farmers and agrarian professionals.[13]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Shah, Ghanshyam (2004). Caste and Democratic Politics in India. Permanent Black. ISBN 9788178240954.
- ↑ Bhatavadekar, Gajanan Krishna (1867). Various Census of India.
- ↑ Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Rewa Kántha, Nárukot, Cambay, and Surat states. Government Central Press. 1880.
- ↑ Williams, Raymond Brady; Trivedi, Yogi (12 May 2016). Swaminarayan Hinduism: Tradition, Adaptation, and Identity. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199089598.
- ↑ State), Bombay (India (1884). Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency ... Government Central Press.
- ↑ Behera, Deepak Kumar; Pfeffer, Georg (2002). The concept of tribal society. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 9788170229834.
- ↑ "Rajputs-shodhganga" (PDF). Shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in.
- ↑ Williams, Raymond Brady; Trivedi, Yogi (12 May 2016). Swaminarayan Hinduism: Tradition, Adaptation, and Identity. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199089598.
- ↑ Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Cutch, Palanpur, and Mahi Kantha. Printed at the Government Central Press. 1880.
- ↑ Lethbridge, Sir Roper (2005). The Golden Book of India: A Genealogical and Biographical Dictionary of the Ruling Princes, Chiefs, Nobles, and Other Personages, Titled Or Decorated of the Indian Empire. Aakar Books. ISBN 9788187879541.
- ↑ Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Rewa Kántha, Nárukot, Cambay, and Surat states. Government Central Press. 1880.
- ↑ Solomon, R. V.; Bond, J. W. (2006). Indian States: A Biographical, Historical, and Administrative Survey. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 9788120619654.
- ↑ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 643-645
Proposed Article Cleanup and Revision[edit | edit source]
I have updated the main article text to improve historical accuracy, fix critical grammatical errors, and adhere strictly to a neutral, encyclopedic tone.
The previous version contained several major issues that required fixing: 1. **Grammar and Typographical Corrections:** The previous text frequently used incorrect plural possessives (e.g., writing "Rajput's" instead of "Rajputs" or "Khant Kolis is" instead of "Khant Kolis are"). These have been corrected to standard English. 2. **Neutrality and Alignment:** The terminology has been aligned with the primary historical references cited in the article (such as the Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency and the Oxford University Press publications), focusing strictly on the community's recognized history as Khant Rajputs / Darbars in Saurashtra. 3. **Chronological Structure:** Historical milestones—including the foundation of Dhandhuka by Dhan Mer, the 18th-century Uparkot fort rebellion under Mansa Khant, and the 1753 restoration of Sant State—have been organized into clear, readable chronological sub-sections.
All existing high-quality references have been preserved. Please review the updated text for formatting compliance.