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Kshatriya
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Kshatriya (Sanskrit: , katriya from Sanskrit:
Scriptures [show]
, katra)
or Kashtriya meaning warrior is one of the four varnas (social orders) in Hinduism.
Practices[show]
(Praskara Ghyastras 17.4). It
traditionally constituted the militaryPhilosophers
and ruling [show]
elite of the Vedic-Hindu social system
Other
outlined by the Vedas and the Laws of Manu. Topics [show]

Contents
[hide]
1 Etymology Hinduism Portal

2 History Hindu Mythology Portal

3 Kshatriya descriptions and references throughout

vde

Indian history
4 Vedic origin
o 4.1 Varna-Jati-Caste
o 4.2 Theories of origin
4.2.1 Jain origin
4.2.2 Establishments and assimilation
5 Social Status
o 5.1 Past
o 5.2 Present
o 5.3 Present social situation
6 Demographics
 7 Kshatriya Women and children
o 7.1 Women
o 7.2 Male child
o 7.3 Female child
8 Specialties
9 Codes of war
10 Kshatriya Dharma
11 Symbols Associated with Kshatriya
12 Kshatriya lineage
o 12.1 Suryavanshi
o 12.2 Chandravanshi
o 12.3 Agnivanshi
o 12.4 Ngvanshi
o 12.5 Others
13 Non-orthodox Kshatriyas
o 13.1 Outside the Indian subcontinent
14 References
15 Further reading
16 See also

[edit]Etymology

In Sanskrit, it is derived from katra, meaning "roof, umbrella, dominion, power,

government" from a root k "to rule, govern, possess". Old Persian xara ("realm,
power"), xarya ("royal"), and xyaiya ("emperor") are related to it, as are
the New Persian words h ("emperor") and ahr ("city", "realm"). The Thai word for
"king", kasat, and the Malay word for "knight" or "warrior", kesatria or satria, are also
derived from it. The term denotes aristocratic status.
In the early Vedic civilization, the warrior caste was called rjanya (or katrya).[citation
needed]
Rjanya was an adjectival form of rja "ruler, king" from a root rj "to rule",
cognate to the Latin rex "king", the German Reich "empire/realm", and the
Thai racha "king". In Persia, the satraps, or "kshatrapa", were the governors, or
"protectors", of the Persian Empire's provinces.[citation needed]
[edit]History

Initially in ancient Vedic society, this position was achieved on the merits of a
person's aptitude (Sam), conduct (Sam), and nature (Sam). The earliest Vedic
literature listed by organization of function, not of caste, the Kshatriya (holders
of katra, or authority) as first in rank, and the Brahmins second (priests and
teachers of law), before the Vaisya (merchant-traders, farmers and some artisan
castes), and the Sudra (labourers, some farming castes and other artisan castes).
Movements of individuals and groups from one class to another, both upward and
downward, were not uncommon; a rise in status even to the rank of Kshatriya was a
recognized reward for outstanding service to the rulers of the day.[1] Over the years it
became hereditary. In modern times, the Kshatriya varna includes a broad class of
caste groups, differing considerably in status and function but united by their claims
to ruler-ship, the pursuit of war, or the possession of land.
The legend that the Kshatriyas, with the exception of the Ikshvakus, were destroyed
by Parasurama, the sixth reincarnation of Vishnu, as a punishment for their tyranny
is thought by some scholars to reflect a long struggle for supremacy between priests
and rulers that ended in victory for the former. By the end of the Vedic era, the
Brahmins were supreme, and the Kshatriya had fallen to second place. Texts such
as the Manusmti (a book of Hindu law) and most other dharmashastras (works of
jurisprudence) report a Brahman victory, but epic texts often offer a different
account, and it is likely that in social reality rulers have usually ranked first. The
persistent representation of deities (especially Vishnu, Krishna, and Rama) as rulers
underscores the point, as does the elaborate series of ritual roles and privileges
pertaining to kings through most of Hindu history.[2].

[edit]Kshatriya
descriptions and references throughout
Indian history
 Lord Sri Rama (center) with wife Sita, brother-- Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman. Rama
and Lakshmana are always shown to be ready for battle, with bow and arrow, as it is their
Kshatriya dharma to fight. Rama was a Kshatriya of Suryavanshi lineage. He is an
incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Krishna at the Mahabharata war. Krishna, a Kshatriya by birth

ofChandravanshi lineage, He is considered another incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In
theBhagavad Gita he taught Arjuna about the duty of a Kshatriya.

A Hindu ruler was bound by the holy scriptures to govern as a Dharma-Raja (Just
Rule), with the main duties being protection of his subjects and livestock.
The Rig Veda states:
praja arya jyotiragrah'. RV, VII. 33.17
People ruled by Aryans are led by the Divine light.
King Rama of Ayodhya is considered the greatest of the Dharma-Rajas:
arya sarva samascaiva sadaiva priyadarsanah
An Aryan who worked for the equality of all, was dear to
everyone. Rama is also considered an avatar of Vishnu.
The word Arya (Aryan) means "Noble"
(Noble/Lord/Perfect/Pure/Excellent...) and was initially only used for
Kshatriyas (Kings & Nobles) as it is related to the word "Aristocracy".
The Ramayana states:
Like the ancient monarch Manu, father of the human race
Dasaratha ruled his people with a father's loving grace.
[edit]Vedic origin
In the Rig Veda the varnas are not rigid and were related to ones
actions. The Rig Veda refers to the ways in which Gods four body
parts make up the four classes, depending on the nature or values
that the human holds. The Brahmans were to signify spiritual and
intellectual values and were to be in charge of teaching the Vedic
Sanskrit, thus are made up of his head. The Kshatryas were the
warriors who protected the countries and thus are made up of his
arms. The Vaishyas were the farmers and merchants in the
production nature and thus are made up of his belly and the
Shudras were the laborers who perform menial chores of farming,
labor, artisans and all the jobs required of a society and thus are
made up of his legs. This was interpreted as meaning that no one
caste is more important than the other and that society cannot
survive without all parts working together.
According to Vedic theology , Manu is considered the law-giver and
progenitor of humanity. He had over 50 sons. Manu was both king
and priest and his children (and thus all of humanity) are
considered highborn. Due to the eventual differences in
occupations, people ended up in different jtis and castes. Those
who studied the Vedas became known as Brahmins, those who
practiced trade became Vaishya, those who labored
became Sudra, and those who took upmartial arts became
Kshatriyas.
Rajputs/Thakurs came into being in 6th century AD through a myth
of so called yagya done by brahmins. As Jats, assimilated many
Surya, Chandra, Nag and Yaduvanshis into their being, same way
Rajputs increased their vansh by assimilating same clans of
Kshatriyas. Most Yaduvanshis became part of Jat and Rajput
clans. For example, Bharatpur's Jat kingdom belong to Sri
Krishna's Vrishni clan. Many Gurjar clans like Bhati got divided
between Rajput, Jat and Muslims.
Most of the Gurjars (or Gujjars) believe to have descended
from Suryavanshi Kshatriyas (Sun Dynasty) and connect
themselves with Shri Ram Chandra.[3]Historically, the Gurjars were
Sun-worshipers and are described as devoted to the feet of the
Sun-god (God Surya).Their copper-plate grants bear an emblem of
the Sun and on their seals too, this symbol is depicted. [4] Also the
Gurjar title of honor is Mihir which means Sun.[5][6]
[edit]Varna-Jati-Caste
There is confusion between Varna, Jati and Caste. While the term
varna refers to the four broad different classes in society, the term
jati refers to the different specific endogamous sections of the
Hindu Society which are known as castes. Varna means "color" as
well as "veil". It shows the four different ways in which the Divine
Self is hidden in human beings. In the context of color people have
confused it to mean race but it actually represents the distinct
qualities (guna) that the four functional classes possess in their
hearts and minds. The four different qualities of human beings:
1. If a person possessed the qualities of purity, love, faith and
detachment, seek true knowledge and have a spiritual
temperament, they would be represented by the color White
(sattva = truthful). Those that belong to this color, belong to
the Brahman class.
2. If a person possessed the qualities of action, will,
aggression, and energy, seek honor, power, status and have
a martial and political temperament, they would be
represented by the color Red (rajas = energetic; the color of
 blood, sacrifice). Those that belong to this color belong to
the Kshatriya class.
3. If a person tried to seek communication, interchange, trade,
business and possessed a commercial temperament they
were represented by the color Yellow. They make up the
Vaishya class.
4. For those individual in society who love of growing crops
(nature) the love of arts(shudra)(farmers and artisans) they
were represented by the color Black (tamas = inert, solid).
Those belonging to this color are shudras
One hymn of the Rig Veda states:
(RV 9.112.3)
"I am a bard, my father is a physician, my mother's job is to grind the corn......"
The use of 'color' in this sense is metaphorical, however
over time racialist interpretations, most notably the 'martial
races' theory of the British Raj, gave way to the concept of
'heritable dharma', family castes, and the present divisions
in Indian society.
Panchjanya, meaning five people, is the common
name given to the five most ancient Vedic kshatriya
tribes. It is supposed they are all descendants of the
Turvasu. They are Yadu, Sini [disambiguation
needed]
, Puru, Anu and Druhyu. For example, Yadav is
descended from the Yadu; Saini is descended
from Shini andShoorsen both of whom
were Yaduvanshi kings, Paurav is descended from
the Puru; etc.
[edit]Theories of origin
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The caste system was very fluid early on and an individual

rose or fell depending on his own merit[citation needed] .
Historians generally agree that caste became hereditary
around the time of the rise of Buddhism and Jainism
based on archaeological, literary, and artistic evidence of
the communities that existed in India.Gautama
Buddha and Mahavira are two Kshatriya sages who made
a lasting impression on the world. They did not believe in
the preeminence of the Vedas and taught to the masses,
not keeping spirituality to an elite few. Many of the ancient
rulers such as Ashoka Maurya were ardent followers of
this faith and promoted it throughout the Mauryan empire.
This resulted in the decline in status of the Brahman order.
Priests in all three faiths were the record keeper and as
you will see in the coming examples there was a definite
trend towards placing rulers in the Sudra varna if they did
not follow Vedic teachings and maintain the prominence of
the priestly order, losing their Kshatriya status [citation needed] .
Puranic origins for Kshatriyas begins from Brahma. They
were originated from the chest and arms of Lord Brahma,
except for Jats, who originated from the Jata (locks) of
Lord Shiva[citation needed]. Two camps exist about the
importance of these texts. One camp is similar to the
literalists of the Christian faith who believe that their holy
texts are verbatim documentation of real people, events
and dates and that modern society is descended from
them. The other camp believes that the holy texts are not
meant to be taken literally and should be used
symbolically as examples of the proper way to live.
Those who believe
the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas were verbatim
documents feel that modern Kshatriyas are descended
from the Vedic Kshatriyas[citation needed]. The reason for the
controversy is that we do not have any physical evidence
of their existence. There are no bones, forts, weapons,
coins, monuments, pictures etc. discovered to state
unequivocally that they existed. However the clans as
mentioned in Mahabharat for certain castes has existed as
it is since time unknown, and provides the basis for belief
in these texts. The literalists believe that most of the
Kshatriya communities descend from Surya, Chandra,
orAgni. The Surya descendants claim descent from
the Sun Dynasty (Suryavanshi). Rama also belonged to
this dynasty, and the Suryavanshis, who trace this lineage
via Rama's son, Luv) trace their linage back to him.
Maharaja Agrasen also belonged from the same descent.
The Chandra descendants claim descent from theLunar
Dynasty (Chandravansh). Krishna also was born in this
dynasty. Chandravanshi Kshtriyas consider him as an
ancestor. This is mentioned in the Rig Veda and other
Puranas as well as in Great epics, the Ramayana,
the Mahabharata and the Raghuvaa.
[edit]Jain origin
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Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, was born into the Kshatriya

caste.(All of 24 Thirtakaras were born into Kshatriya Varna)

According to Jainism, Rishabh, the

first Tirthankar founded three varnas namely Kshatriyas,
Vaishyas, and Shudras. Later, Bharat, eldest son of
Rishabh, and the first Chakravarti founded the Brahmin
varna in the absence of Rishabh. "They will promote
inequality in people."
Thus four varnas came into existence: namely, the
Kshatriyas, Brahmins, Vaishyas and Shudras. According
to Jain and Buddhist literature, Kshatriyas are nothing but
those who own a land. And Kshatriyas are descendants of
Rishabh, the first Jain Tirthankar. This fact is clearly stated
in many Hindu puranic texts like the Bhagwat Purana,
Brahma Purana, Vishnu Purana, etc..[citation needed]
The clan of Rishabh was called Ikshwaku and is thus the
clan of all Kshatiyas. He was descended from Rama's son
Lava. Later two branches of this clan came into existence.
The first was Suryavanshi which was named after
Adityayash (Ark kirti), the elder son of Bharat and the
Grand Son of Rishabh and second Somvansh named
after Somyash, the elder son of Bahubali. (Bahubali was
younger brother of Bharat and son of Rishabh). Rajputs
and Marathas believe that Suryavansh was divided, later,
into 36 clans and Somvansh was divided into 60 clans.
Thus the total number of Kshatriya clans became 96. , due
to assimilations of all Mahabharat clans, all Hun, Kushan,
Parthian invaders, part of Khatri, Rajput, etc. along with
portions of Surya, Chandra, Nag and yaduvash.
[edit]Establishments and assimilation
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In ancient times there was mobility between varnas, as

people learned new skills and changed their actions and
occupations. The nomadic tribes of ancient India did not
have a fixed caste system. They initially assigned roles
based on an individual's aptitude and ability. This was
necessary in order to ensure the tribe's survival. The
stronger members of the tribe became the warriors and
were given higher status in society, as they were more
important to the survival of the tribe at the time. As the
tribes became more familiar with farming they built up
surpluses and settled. This more sedentary and leisurely
lifestyle shifted the people's focus to accumulating wealth
and finding a meaning to life. Priests began to take the
preeminent role in society as they ensured spiritual
salvation. This led to society forming a more rigid social
system, where one's position was determined by birth
rather than merit. Thereafter, those in the more powerful
classes enforced this caste system to remain in power, a
pattern also exhibited by the nobles of Europe. During
the Epic Age people began to question these institutions.

[edit]Social Status
[edit]Past

An 1876 engraving of Khokar Rajputs of Punjab from

the Illustrated London News.

In the past people looked upon Kshatriyans to protect

them from all dangers. Kshatriyans were kings and
warriors in the army, all soldiers knew basics of
Kshatriyan martial arts. The folkloretalks of some great
Kshatriyans and legends. The status of Kshatriyans was
clearly exalted. Legends tell that Kshatriyan could be told
by sight because of his tall, strong and muscular male
look. They were supposedly able to fight blindfolded and
archers could hit a target by just sound in the dead of the
night. Stories of exemplary courage still circulate by word
of mouth and are recorded as folk-tales. Teachers of
Kshatriyans never accepted non-kshatriyans, for example
see the story of Ekalavya.
[edit]Present
While some Kshatriya-families survive from the past,
many claim to be descendants of particular Kshatriyans or
Kshatriya-kula's[citation needed] . Raja-kudumba's also exist but
the number has fairly decreased. Kshatriyan martial arts
have survived and are being revived[citation needed]. Families
consider it as a status symbol or a decoration to have the
famous two crossed swords in a shield symbol of a
Kshatriyan hung in their house. The Kshatriyan is still a
great name and older generation of rural India still attach a
great value to it. South Indian Kalarippayattu gurukal
teach the old martial art still. The Kalarippayattu is
seriously being revived but the old tradition of accepting
only Kshatriyans to learn Kalarippayattu has been
dropped. The Marathas inMaharashtra and central India
attach great pride and command a sense of respect
among common people by
their lineage while Rajput in Rajasthan.
[edit]Present social situation
The situation has changed in these modern times and
Kshatriyas do not have much to gain or lose in status by
their Kshatriya lineage. Only grown or old men take actual
pride and speak about a Kshatriya lineage. But one area
where the Kshatriya heritage reigns supreme is the Indian
Army. Even now, the majority of the Indian army is
composed of Kshatriyas[7]. And many of the high ranking
officers state openly that they are proud to be born as
Kshatriya. For example, Major General KP Candeth once
told reporters who were interviewing him during the Indo-
Pakistani War of 1971:"I am a Nair from Kerala. I am a
Kshatriya"[8]
Kshatriya regiments make up a huge portion of the Indian
and Nepali Armed forces. Notable among them are Punjab
Regiment (Mostly Punjabi Rajput), 9th, 16th and 17th
Battalions of Madras Regiment (Nair), Maratha Light
Infantry (Maratha), Rajputana
Rifles (Marwari Rajput), Rajput
Regiment (Marwari Rajput), Dogra
Regiment (Dogra Rajput), Jammu & Kashmir
Rifles (Mostly Dogra Rajput), Garhwal Rifles (Pahari
Rajput), Kumaon Regiment (Pahari Rajput), Gorkha
Regiments(Chhetri), Jat Regiment (The Jat Regiment's
class composition is 100% Jats from Haryana, Rajasthan,
Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh except for the 12th, 15th and
20th Battalions), etc. (See Also: Martial Races in Indian
Army)

[edit]Demographics

According to the 1891 Census of India, Martial

Races made up more than 10% of the population of British
India. This percentage might have decreased over the
years, as Kshatriyas traditionally had the highest death
rate and lowest birth rate for any community in India [citation
needed]
. A striking example is that of the Nairs inKerala who
were decimated during the Islamic Invasion of Kerala.
Nairs constituted more than 30% of the population of
Kerala during the 1854 census[9], but decreased to 14.41%
in 1968 and further decreased to 12.88% in 2000. [10][11]
[12]
Frequent warfare was the main cause for demographic
decline during early years, but low fertility is the main
problem nowadays. (In Kerala, the Malayala
Kshatriyas are having a fertility of 1.47 children per
women, while the Muslims are having 2.97 children per
women).[13] Demographic studies for Kshatriya
communities in other Indian states are not available, but
almost all of them seem to have low birth rates compared
to the general population.

[edit]Kshatriya Women and children

[edit]Women
The women in the past were mainly confined to their
houses and did not play a significant role. Once the girl
marries a man the husbands home becomes hers and her
main job was to do puja to the family deity[citation needed]. Each
Kshatriya family had its own God which may or may not
have been similar to Gods of other Kshatriya families.
They were also supposed to maintain a
certain decorum as a Kshatriyans wife. At times the most
influential wife's son would become the next king or head
of the family. If there were many sons for that particular
wife then the mothers favorite would get the throne or
family heirloom.
[edit]Male child
A boy child was taught by a Kshatriya guru or even a
Brahmin teacher who knew about the Kshatriya ways. A
male child was the symbol of masculinity of a Kshatriya
father and was the future of the family. While the family
was always the foremost in a Kshatriyans mind the
country's honor was also to be cared for by a Kshatriyan.
All these and many other finer aspects of Kshatriyan life
were taught to a male child and he was introduced to the
society of Kshatriyans before being taught the weapons
and martial arts.
[edit]Female child
The girl child was supposed to be docile and gentle. She
was supposed to be spiritual and devoted. The girl child
was usually well-educated in the social subjects of that
time and was usually prepared to become the woman she
was expected to become. In contrast to the male child, the
female child was never let out of the women circles in a
Kshatriya society[citation needed]. She was considered to be a
weakling in general and to be served by servants and
protected by husband[citation needed]. Manu Smriti, a sacred
Hindu scripture, describes a woman's life as:
In childhood a female must be subject to her father,
in youth to her husband, when her lord is dead to
her sons; a woman must never be independent.
(Manu Smrithi 5:148)
As always, exceptions existed, even in this case like
the Rani of Jhansi.

[edit]Specialties

The Rajputs were known to make deft political maneuvers

to consolidate their kingdom or to defeat an enemy. They
are also known to follow certain codes of war to fight a
battle. They are recorded in history as a kind of fierce
warrior clan who make brave attempts within their war
codes to retrieve a lost kingdom or defeat a dangerous
enemy. They are also legendarily said to have untiring
persistence to attain their goal as in the case of Maharana
Pratap.The rajputs are considered to be most revered and
persistent Kshatriyas.Legendary Rajputs like Rana
kumbha,Rana sanga,Raja Bhoja,Rana Mokal,Prithiviraj
Chauhan,Rana Hamir,Hadi ke rani.
Praiseful references of might and administration of
the Gurjars can be found in Arab records as well
as Indian inscriptions.Kupadvanj inscription of 910A.D.
mentions them as Roaring Gurjar.[14]Arab records say that
the Gurjar king maintained numerous forces and no other
Indian prince had so fine a cavalry.Arab invaders
referredGurjars as their greatest foe.[15]
The Kshatriyans were specialized in guerrilla warfare[citation
needed]
. History has it that the Maratha warrior and
emperor Shivaji Bhonsale, born April, 1627 (also Shrimant
Rajaram Shivaji Raje Bhonsle - Chhatrapati Maharaj) had
his own army specialized in guerrilla warfare and a
particular tale of valor is also a historical fact. It is the tale
of Sinhagad Fort. Jats employed guerilla warfare in
Bharatpur, which was very close to the stronghold of
Mughals. They were able to fight successfully against
Mughal ruler Aurangzeb just 30 km from Agra.
South India, particularly Kerala also has its own share of
Kshatriyans who are better known as members of Raja-
Kudumba's or royal families. They practice the worlds
oldest martial art known as Kalarippayattu. The
Kalarippayattu has something commonly known as Marma
Kalai or Varma Kalai where the Marmam is attacked which
instantly disables or kills the enemy without making any
externally visible injury.

[edit]Codes of war
Codes of war were very important to a Kshatriyan and his
lineage. They are still talked about for their innate decency
and respect of the enemy and women. There exist old
palm-leaf inscriptions on these topics. They are known to
many a Kshatriyan families which still believe in the old
ways of virtuous Kshatriya living. A trained Kshatriyan -it is
said- is never trained till he knows and follows the codes
of war. Charans in the medieval times ensured that code
of war is complied with by theRajput.Charans constantly
reminded them the deeds of their ancestors in the times of
peace and War apart from motivating them to wage war
for the cause. In the battlefield also Charans fought along
with the Rajputs and simultaneously encouraged them to
fight with courage and dignity.Later Charan would make
the folklore of his fallen brave friend and these are sung till
date by the Dholis ( the singer community ) specially in
marriages and other ceremonies which are performed
inCharans and Rajputs.
The Kshatriyan codes of war are stuff of legends and
folklore in India. Mahabharatha a Hindu epic also talks
about war codes. Conclusive archaeological evidence has
not yet been obtained but more or less all sources agree
that such codes of war existed and they were followed.
Some of the more important codes are listed below.
War should not affect the unarmed - meaning that the
civilian population should not be attacked for any
reason nor should the disarmed and seriously
wounded soldiers or warriors unless it is for killing them
as an act of mercy.
Rest should be provided for both sides - meaning that
the war should not continue after sunset unless or
otherwise it is a guerrilla war.
All foes should be defeated - meaning that even if your
kinsman fought against you, you should not hesitate to
defeat him.
Raids should not be undertaken unless completely
necessary - meaning that a raid should not be
undertaken unless the motive is to compensate for
past losses or to humiliate the enemy.
Women should not be looked at unless she challenges
you - meaning that unless a woman is in your enemy's
army as a soldier or warrior you should not attack her.
If the woman is the ruler then she can be attacked or
asked to surrender only after the whole army is
defeated.
 A guerrilla war should not be waged unless the
objective is victory - meaning that the warriors chosen
for a guerrilla war should be the best, able to defeat
any large army in the given situation and such an
attack should be done only to attain a political goal and
not to raid the enemy's supplies.
A traitor should never escape death - meaning that a
traitor or defector of ones own army should be
guaranteed death.
[edit]Kshatriya Dharma
Kshatriya Dharma is the rules to be followed by a
Kshatriyan to do justice to his caste and status. it still
exists in more logical and evolved forms.
It used to be unthinkable for a Kshatriya to marry outside
his class[citation needed]. It would be breaking the biggest
tradition of his family and would cause disgrace to his
whole family and community;it has still not changed for
most families even today. There is a very strong emphasis
on following the customs and traditions of the class which
have evolved over centuries[citation needed]. In addition to
these, there are also further traditions which will be
specific only to particular prominent Kshatryia families
which has been handed down from generations. Following
these traditions are a matter of great honour and
importance that breaking them has resulted in families
splitting up or being excluded permanently from the caste
(jati) even in the present times. The Joint family system is
still widely practised among the Kshatriya families and the
family elders have the final say on all important decisions.
It was believed that the Kshatriyas were assigned to be
protectors of Dharma (duty/justice) and their people.They
were sanctioned by the Gods to serve humanity. The
noble king is regarded as a Dharma Raja (Just Ruler).
People ruled by aryas (honourable men) are led by the
Divine light[citation needed].
Kshtariya Dharma is specifically described in the
Mahabharata: "Have you never heard the Kshatriya
Dharma: Stand straight and never bow down, for this
alone is manliness. Rather break at the knots than
bend!"[16]

[edit]Symbols Associated with Kshatriya

The flag of Mahl Kshatriyas.

In rituals, the Nyagrodha (Ficus Indica or India

Fig/Banyan tree) danda, or staff, is assigned to the
Kshatriya class, and along with a mantra, intended to
impart physical vitality or 'ojas'.[17]
The Nyagrodha or Banyan tree, (not to be confused with
the Pipul, Ficus Religiosus or Sacred Fig), with its
hanging, branch-like root-trunks which can grow to several
acres, is considered symbolically equivalent to the
Kshtariya. Where the Nyragrodha is fastened to the
ground and supported by its downward growths, the
Kshatriya is thought of as supported by the larger society
'beneath' it.[18]
In the Manu Smriti, or Laws of Manu, the Kshatriya caste
is given the Varna (Color) red.

[edit]Kshatriya lineage
This article is missing citations or needs foot
citations to guard against copyright violations
inaccuracies. (March 2010)
 Siddhartha Gautama or Gautama Buddhawas born into a
Hindu Kshatriya family

The major branches of Kshatriya varna

are Suryavanshi (solar line), claiming direct descent
from Ramachandra and descent
from Surya, Chandravanshi (lunar line), claiming descent
from Chandra, Agnivanshi, claiming descent fromAgni,
and the Nagavanshi, claiming descent from the Ngas.
[edit]Suryavanshi
Main article: Suryavanshi
The Suryavanshi or Solar dynasty lineage claims descent
from Surya. Suryavanshis also claim descent from Rama,
who was himself born into a Suryavanshi dynasty. Out of
the 36 major clans of Rajastani Rajputs, 10 belong to the
Suryavanshi lineage (Shekhawat, Rathore, Sisodia,
Kachwaha.etc)[19][20]
Bedi[21]
 Maurya[22]
Shakya
Bisen[23]
Gurjar[24]
Jhala Rajputs[25]
Rana Rajputs[26]
Rajus[27]
Kachwaha Rajputs
Arora and Khatri[28][29][30]
Manhas Rajputs[31]
Ror[32][33]
Shekhawat Rajputs
Sisodia Rajputs
Pundir Rajputs
Rathore Rajputs
[edit]Chandravanshi
Main article: Chandravanshi
The Chandravanshi or Lunar dynasty lineage claims
descent from Chandra.
Chandravansh encompasses the descendants of
Som. Yadavansh and Puru Vansha are prominent
divisions of the Chandravanshi. Yaduvanshi Lord Sri
Krishna is Isht Dev of most Chandravanshi
Rajputs. Rajputs of
Kanwar, Bhati Clan, Tomar/Tanwar clan, Jadaun Rajputs
(Madhya Pradesh) and Rajputs of Mathura andBharatpur,
claim descent from the Chandravanshi lineage.
Baghel Rajputs[34]
Katoch Rajputs[35]
Sinsinwar Jats[36]
Bundela Rajputs[37]
Chandela Rajputs[38]
 Bhati Rajputs[39][40]
Khokhar Rajputs[41][42]
Kukhran[43] - Kukhrans are a sub-group of Khatris.[44]
Haihaya[45]
Jadaun Rajputs[46]
Jadeja Rajputs[47]
Jethwa Rajputs[48]
Pathani Rajputs[49]
Sainis of Punjab [50][51]
Pathania Rajputs
Tanwar/Tomar Rajputs [39]
[edit]Agnivanshi
Main article: Agnivanshi
The Agnivanshi lineage claims descent from Agni. Clans
like Bhadauria, Chauhan, Parihar, Panwar & Solanki are
of Agnivanshi lineage.[19][52][53]
Bhaduria Rajputs
Chauhan Rajputs
Gurjar[54]
Paramara / Pawar Rajputs
Panwar Rajputs
Parihar Rajputs / Gurjara Pratihara
Sena of Bengal[55]
Solanki Rajputs / Chalukya / Vaghela
[edit]Ngvanshi
Main article: Nagavanshi
The Ngvanshi or Serpent dynasty is a sub-clan of
Suryavanshi kshatriyas. They adopted Naga as their
symbol and worshipped Lord Shiva in various forms.
Ngvanshis include most of the Nair[56][57]
[58]
and Bunt[59] clans as well as some Rajput (Saharan
Rajputs[60], Bais Rajputs, Naga Rajputs, Takshak
Rajputs[61].etc) and Jat clans. The Ngvanshi (or
Ngbanshi) are known for ruling Chhotanagpur.[62][63] Most
important among the Jat clans which are of Nga origin
includesBachak[64], Kaliramna[65], and Katewa[66].[67] Outside
India, the Balinese Kshatriyas[68][69][70] claim descent from
Ngvanshis. In South West India, the Naga Sendraka
rulers of Nayarkhanda (Nagarkhanda) were feudatories to
the Chalukyas.[71] The Sindas of Bastar were also of
Nagavanshi origin.[72]
Notable Ngvanshi clans are as follows:
Bachak
Bais Rajputs
Balinese Kshatriya
Bunts
Gaur Rajputs
Illathu Nair
Kaliramna
Krkotaka
Kiryathil Nair
Naga Rajputs
Nagyal Rajputs
Saharan Rajputs
Samanthan Nairs
Swaroopathil Nair
Samanta Kshatriya
Takshak Jats
Takshak Rajputs
[edit]Others
Velirs/Vellalars, Tamil gentry, ancient feudal landlords[27]
[73][74][75]
.
Chera/Chola/Pandya, Tamil royal lineage linked to the
Velir/Vellalar caste[76][77].
 Kodavas, like the Ngas, they didn't wear the sacred
thread, but they owned land, carried arms, and had
other such warrior customs, they originated from the
Coorg (Kodagu) region of Karnataka.[citation needed]
Ahom kings of Assam claimed descent from Indra
(identified with Khunlung) and Syama (a low-caste
woman), and called themselves Indravanshi (or
Indravamsa) Kshatriyas.[citation needed]
The Brahmavansha lineage descends from the
Brahmavanshi king Chulki.[citation needed]
The Vayuvanshi are another Kshatriya clan although
not much is known about the clan.[citation needed]
The Rexulvanshis are popular for being the kings of
Surguja.[citation needed]
The alien hordes that didn't follow priestly customs or
traditions (Shakas, Kushans, Indo-
Greeks, Hunas and Parthians) were stated as Vratya
Kshatriyas in Manusmriti[78].
The Meitei of Manipur were recognized as Kshatriyas
by the Bengali and Assamese Brahmins as they are
thought to be the descendants of Lord Arjuna.[79]
Gurung and Magar ethnic groups are recognized as
Kshatriyas in Nepal by the Bahun, along with other
Kshatriya groups such as Thakur and Chhetri.[80]
Shrestha subdivision among ethnic Newar is
recognized as Kshatriya in Nepal.[81]
[edit]Non-orthodox Kshatriyas
Though the Ashtadhyayi of Pini (sutra 4.1.168-175)
attests that the Kamboja and Gandhara were very
important Kshatriya kingdoms of Uttarapatha during or
prior to Pinian times (500 BC), they came to be
regarded as Sudras for not following the teachings of
the Vedas. See more on ancient Kamboja Kshatriyas.
 The Manusmriti, written about 200 AD states that
the Sakas (Scythians), Yavanas (Ionian, Indo-Greeks),
Kambojas (Central
Asians), Paradas (Sinkiang),Pahlavas (Persians), Kirat
as (Nepal, Assam), and Daradas (Dards) were
originally noble Kshatriyas but were relegated to the
Barbaric (Vrishala) status due to their neglect of
the Brahmanas as well as due to their non-observance
of the sacred Brahmanical codes (X/43-44).
Anushasanaparava of the Mahabharata also views the
Sakas, Kambojas and the Yavanas etc. in the same
light. Patanjali in his Mahabhasya regards the Sakas
and Yavanas as pure Sudras (II.4.10).
The Vartika of the Katyayana informs us that the kings
of the Sakas and the Yavanas, like those of the
Kambojas, may also be addressed by their respective
tribal names.
The Mahabharata also associates
the Sakas, Yavanas, Gandharas (Northwest
India), Kambojas (Pamir-Badakshan), Pallar, Tushara
s, Sabaras, Barbaras, Dravidas, Boyars etc.. and
addresses them all as
the Barbaric tribes of Uttarapatha.[citation needed]
In another verse the epic groups the Shakas,
Kambojas and Khashas together and state them as the
tribes from Udichya, i.e. north division (5/169/20).
The Kishkindha Kanda of the Ramayana locates the
Sakas, Kambojas, Yavanas and the Paradas in the
extreme north-west beyond the Himavat (i.e.
Hindukush) (43/12) in the Shakadvipa, adjoining the
land of Uttarakurus.
The Udyogaparava of the Mahabharata (5/19/21-23)
tells us that the composite army of
the Kambojas, Yavanas and Sakas had participated in
the Mahabharata war under the supreme command
 of Sudakshina Kamboja. The epic repeatedly applauds
this composite army as being very fierce and wrathful.
Some verses of Mahabharata also attest that
the Tusharas or Tukharas were also included in the
Kamboja division (e.g.: MBH 6.66.17-21; MBH
8.88.17). ' Tocharians
Puranic accounts attest that the Dravidas are
Kshatriyas and are said to be descendants of the sons
of Vishwamitra. Like the Kambojas, Sakas, Yavanas,
Daradas, Khashas etc [82], the Dravidas were recorded
as originally a noble Kshatriya people who no longer
were initiated into the sacred thread due to their
neglect of the Brahmanas as well as due to their non-
observance of the sacred Brahmanical codes.[83]
[edit]Outside the Indian subcontinent
About 40 percent of the total population
of Bali is Balinese Kshatriyas. Balinese Hinduism has
a caste system and is heavily influenced by theVedas.
[citation needed]

The Balamon Hindu Cham people of Vietnam consist

of 70% Kshatriyas (pronounced in Vietnamese as
"Satrias"). Although Balamon make up only 25% of the
over all Cham population (the other 75%
are Muslims or Cham Bani).
These Balamon Kshatriyas claim to be the
descendants of the ChampaEmpire.[citation needed]