Mair (caste)

Mair Rajput
Sonar, Sunar, Sunyar
Jāti	Rajput
Religions	Sikhism, Hinduism
Languages	Punjabi, Haryanvi, Hindi, Marwari, Urdu
Lineage	Solar Dynasty
Status	Goldsmiths

The Mair are an Indian caste found in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and other surrounding areas. They are also known as Rajputs and Verma. In Haryana, they are called Deshwali Sunar.

Etymology and Historical Background

The Mair(maidhh, medes) ancient Kshatriya community, comprising families of eldest sons of ancient kings, who took care of all treasure of their dynasty. In modern times, sometimes traditionally known for their skills in jewelry-making (Sunars), is found predominantly in northern India. Historically, the Mair community was classified by the British Raj administration under the theories of Herbert Hope Risley, which categorized Indian communities based on social hierarchies for the 1901 census. The Mair and Tank communities were initially classified in a manner that did not reflect their self-perceived status. Originally renowned as warriors, the Mair Rajputs forged a strong alliance with the Chauhan Rajput tribe. This alliance is reflected in many Mair Rajput families adopting the surname "Chauhan," despite each having distinct gotras (clans). This historical and cultural affiliation underscores their shared martial traditions and strategic partnerships in regional conflicts. Economic changes over time prompted some Mair Rajputs to diversify their livelihoods, with many choosing craftsmanship, particularly in goldsmithing. This specialization led to them being known as Sonars or jewel-makers among the populace, highlighting their skill in working with precious metals.

Caste identity

In modern India, the Mair community was among those that challenged their official classification by the British Raj administration, which was based in large part upon the theories of Herbert Hope Risley. Under this system, the various communities of India were assigned a position on the social ladder in order to assist in categorisation for the 1901 census. In 1911, a caste association - Hindu Mair Rajput and Tank Kshatriya Rajput Sabha of Lahore - petitioned the authorities in an attempt to overturn the classification that had been designated for both the Mair and the Tank communities, stating that

In early times we occupied the same high position in society as our brother-Rajputs. But under pressure of many vicissitudes we were driven to making our living by some handicraft. We generally preferred working in precious metals. Hence we came to be called Sonars (or jewelmakers) by the populace - Today, by the grace of the Almighty and the help of the British Officers, we have regained what we had almost lost, our Rajput prestige and title.

Goldsmith Identity

The Mair Rajputs, renowned for their ancestral warrior tradition, also have a distinguished legacy in the craft of goldsmithing. The Mairs transitioned to the artisanal profession of jeweller maker time, earning them the moniker jewel-makers among local communities. This transition was driven by economic shifts and their adeptness in working with precious metals. The craftsmanship of the Mair Rajputs in jewel-making reflects not only their skill but also their adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit in sustaining their livelihoods and community prosperity. Today, their expertise in the art of jewelry-making continues to be a source of pride, preserving their cultural heritage and contributing to the artisanal traditions passed down through generations.

Lineage

In fact Mair Rajputs are real Brahm-kshatriyas with 56 original gotras totalling to 120 gotras others being the marrital alliances. The lineage of the Mair Rajputs is deeply intertwined with the Surya Vansh, Chander Vansh , Agnivansha, Rishi lineages, tracing their origins to ancient Royal Kshatriyas of Achaemenid Empire of medes. In anciant times, only the eldest sons (yuvrajs) were educated especially and worked as the managers of the treasures of their dynasty. Onwards the families of eldest sons of the kings were known as Mair kshatriyas/rajputs. They are an endogamous group till now keeping all their traditions intact. The prime sage Maharishi Shri Parshuram gave them the title of Brahm-Kshatriyas, as they were educated nobels. Therefore they allow higher brahmins to marry them also. This lineage is foundational to their identity as Kshatriyas, born warriors celebrated for their courage, honor, and commitment to duty. Across generations, the Mair Rajputs have upheld their esteemed heritage, serving as stalwart defenders of their territories and custodians of their cultural traditions. Beyond their martial prowess, the Mairs are also known for their proficiency in artisanal crafts, Today, the Mair community continues to honor and preserve their Kshatriya lineage through rituals, communal festivities, and the transmission of ancestral knowledge, ensuring that their noble lineage remains a pillar of their identity and a legacy cherished by future generations.

Gotras of the Mair Rajputs

The Mair Rajputs are organized into numerous gotras, each tracing their lineage through paternal descent. Some of the prominent gotras among the Mair Rajputs include:

A-Gotras

• Ahat
• Ahi
• Ajipal
• Alu
• Ashat
• Achil
• Adhupiya
• Ajwal

B-Gotras

• Babbar
• Bachcha
• Badra
• Badliya
• Bagga
• Baghel
• Bagri
• Bahrawal
• Bajania
• Ballan
• Barare
• Basaan
• Buttan
• Bir
• Bham
• Bhashaan
• Bhodla
• Bhulla
• Bhutta
• Bohr
• Brajpal
• Buland
• Buttar (Butra)
• Bageshwar
• Begal
• Bhajwal
• Bhamber
• Bhatala
• Bhatwar

C-Gotras

• Chalagni
• Changeri
• Chauhan (Note: Many families adopted Chauhan as a surname despite different gotras)
• Chatrana
• Chamras
• Chhahrawa
• Chhurga
• Chhapola
• Chhaparwal
• Chind
• Chandora

D-Gotras

• Dadar
• Dahli
• Dahm
• Dasaur (Desor)
• Dasamedhia
• Dawar
• Dhalla
• Dhariwal
• Dharma
• Dharna
• Dhunna (Dhunta, Dhuna)
• Dhupar (Dhoopa)
• Dur
• Dhuma
• Daangar
• Dahela
• Dala
• Dalal
• Dhaya
• Dhera
• Dhooliya
• Dholiyan
• Dhorana
• Dhundahra

G-Gotras

• Gogar
• Gogna
• Gogta
• Gohngla
• Gori
• Gund
• Gajjar
• Gotiyan

H-Gotras

• Hira

J-Gotras

• Jala
• Jahlu (Jhalu)
• Jalur
• Jaura (Joda/Jora)
• Jhangi
• Jhangli
• Jhatiwal
• Jhingoa
• Julpan
• Jajoriya
• Jalagaria
• Janglawa
• Jatyan
• Jhajhora
• Jhoonda

K-Gotras

• Kuchhera (Kachiyara)
• Kakka
• Karwal
• Kanda
• Kandiwal
• Karor
• Karwal
• Kashiari
• Khepal
• Khich
• Khokhal
• Khori
• Khungar (Khangar)
• Khurmi
• Kunjhai
• Kalwa
• Kanak
• Kangra
• Kanwar
• Khajuria
• Khajwal
• Khajwania
• Kikan
• Kukra
• Kungadiya

L-Gotras

• Ladhar (Lodhar, Luddhar)
• Ledha
• Lota
• Luthra

M-Gotras

• Main
• Malhaddi
• Malpana
• Mahaich
• Mandhari
• Mannan
• Masaun
• Maston
• Mitru
• Modan
• Mukara
• Mahesh
• Manda
• Mandan

N-Gotras

• Nagora
• Nahal
• Narnori
• Nischal
• Nakhla
• Nagrana
• Narnauli

O-Gotras

• Odar (Udera)

P-Gotras

• Paham
• Pajji
• Pidri
• Phaur
• Partola
• Pikhi
• Plaud
• Pancham
• Parwala

R-Gotras

• Rajpal
• Rangar
• Ranman
• Ratti
• Roda
• Rudke
• Rudra
• Runwal

S-Gotras

• Sadhiora (Sehdev)
• Sarwana
• Sarna
• Sanderia
• Shinh (Sinh, Sheen)
• Sedha
• Seedha
• Siri
• Sunik (Sunak)
• Sachchu (Suchchu)
• Sur (Suri)
• Susa

T-Gotras

• Tarriwal
• Thakran
• Tunwa
• Tohaj
• Toshawar
• Tukrada
• Teenagriya

U-Gotras

• Udera (Odar)

V-Gotras

• Vaid
• Varma
• Vichcha

W-Gotras

• Waddar

Notable people

• Atul Karwal, IPS, NDRF Chief Indian Police Services.
• Jagjit Singh Chohan, 1st President of Council of Khalistan.
• Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, Jathedar of Damdami Taksal.
• Raja Pahar Singh Mair, King of the Princely state of Faridkot.
• Gireesh Sahdev, Indian actor
• Piyush Sahdev, Indian actor
• Paramdeep Sehdev, television presenter, and radio presenter.
• Gurpreet Singh, Artist (Shinh) is an internationally recognized painting artist.
• Rishi Sunak, British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
• Parmish Verma, Punjabi Actor and Singer.
• Veena Verma (politician), Indian politician

Further reading

• Chattopadhyaya, Brajadulal. The Making of Early Medieval India. Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1994.
• Jain, Kailash Chand. Ancient Cities and Towns of Rajasthan. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1972.
• Saggar, Balraj. Who's Who in the History of Punjab: 1800-1849. New Delhi: National Book Organisation, 1993.
• Singh, K.S. National Series Volume VIII: Communities, Segments, Synonyms, Surnames, & Titles. Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1996.
• Srivastava, Ashirbadi Lal. The History of India: 1000 A.D.-1707 A.D. Jaipur, Shiva Lal Agarwala & Co., 1964.
• Walker, Benjamin. The Hindu World: An Encyclopedic Survey of Hinduism. New York: Frederick Praeger, 1968.