Ghotra
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 India  Canada  United Kingdom | |
| Languages | |
| Punjabi, Hindi, English | |
| Religion | |
 Sikhism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Labana |
Ghotra(or Kotdaa) (Punjabi: ਘੋਤਰਾ/ਘੋਤੜਾ) is a prominent Labana clan of the state of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir in India. These are also called Ajrawat(or Azrot) (fathegharia) Punjabi: ਅਜ੍ਰਾਵਤ). These are categorized under clan Sandlas and Lakhmans. This is a caste/clan/surname in Labana's. Mostly Ghotras are following Sikh belief, few also include their ancestral beliefs like Pipal Worship, Shaheed Worship, Sati Worship etc. It is one of the highest ranking, most prestigious tribes in Labana ethnic group.
Ghotra should not be confused with Ghotra surname in Ramgarhia,[1] which is pronounced similarly.
Origin and history
According to HA Rose in glossary of tribes and castes of Punjab, Ghotra/Ajrawat are from Suryavanshi lineage, also called sons of King Luv. The greatest rulers of his time in Punjab still remembered for his bravery and nobility.[2][3] Ajrawat is derived from word Aja who was one of great grandson of Rama.
The lineage of Lava engaged in trading and farming as per historical facts mentioned in Bachitra Natak, an autobiography of Guru Gobind Singh, which leads to the conclusion that this clan also adopted the trading profession.[4] It states:
DOHRA
ਬਿਪ੍ਰ ਕਰਤ ਭਏ ਸੂਦ੍ਰ ਬ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਛਤ੍ਰੀ ਬੈਸਨ ਕਰਮ॥
The Brahmins started works of Shudras and Kshatriyas(Descendents of Luv kush) engaged into work of Vaishyas.
ਬੈਸ ਕਰਤ ਭਏ ਛਤ੍ਰਿ ਬ੍ਰਿਤਿ ਸੂਦ੍ਰ ਸੁ ਦਿਜ ਕੋ ਧਰਮ॥੨॥
The Vaishyas became Kshatriyas and Shudras followed path of Brahmins.2.
| Ghotra/Ajrawat | |
|---|---|
| Varna | Kshatriya |
| Kuladevi (female) | Devi Sandlas (Hindus) |
| Guru | Guru Granth Sahib (Sikhs) |
| Religions | Hindu, Sikh |
| Languages | Labanaki, Punjabi, Hindi |
| Country | India, North America |
| Original state | Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana |
| Family names | Ghotra, Ghoti, Ajrawat, Lakhman |
| Reservation (Employment) | Other Backward Class (India) |
According to Denzil Ibbetson(1847-1908), the largest population of ajrawats were present in Gujrat and Lahore area with around 4100 souls.[5]
In Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat areas, Hindu Ghotras are known as Ghoti.[6] Their Kuldevi is Devi Sandlas, whose temple is situated in Village Parnala, Kushalgarh, Banswara district, Rajasthan.
List of prominent people
- Dr. Rattan Singh Ajnala - Former M.P. from Tarantaran
See also
References
- ↑ List of Clans in Ramgarhias
- ↑ A glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Of Untouchables Ancient, Medieval And Modern, Raj Kumar
- ↑ Fifth Chapter,`The Description of the Spiritual Kings (Preceptors)
- ↑ Page 255, Punjabi Castes, Sir Denzil Ibbetson
- ↑ labanasamaj.in