Draft:Sainik Kshatriya

Sainik Kshatriya Caste (Rajput Mali)

Origins from Rajput Lineage: According to historical documents such as the Marwar Census Report of 1891 and the Census Report of India 1901, the Sainik Kshatriya (Rajput Mali) community has a distinct origin from Rajput warriors who, over time, transitioned into the profession of agriculture. This shift did not affect their Kshatriya status, and they continued to maintain their Rajput lineage, particularly through their gotras (clan affiliations).

1. Marwar Census Report of 1891: The census notes that the Rajput Mali community is of Rajput origin, with clear connections to the Kshatriya varna. It highlights how Rajput clans shifted their professions from warrior roles to agricultural work due to socio-political changes.

2. Census Report of India 1901, Vol - XXV (Rajputana) by A.D. Bannerman:

  - This report documents a local tradition in Marwar (Jodhpur State). It states that some Rajputs, who had been imprisoned by Shahabuddin Ghori, were released through the efforts of a gardener named Boba in the emperor’s service. In exchange for their freedom, the Rajputs promised to adopt the profession of Agriculture.
  - Although they took up agriculture, these Rajputs retained their Rajput clan names and continued to be considered of Kshatriya descent. This tradition emphasized that the profession of agriculture was adopted for survival, but the caste or status of these Rajputs remained unchanged.
  - Notably, figures like Risaldar Chatur Singh and Dafedar Dhur Singh Kachhwaha were part of the Jodhpur State cavalry, which traditionally recruited only pure Rajputs, further affirming the community’s Rajput origins.

Gotras (Clans) of Sainik Kshatriya (Rajput Mali):

The Sainik Kshatriya (Rajput Mali) community retained the names of their Rajput clans (gotras) to preserve their lineage and connection to the Rajput warrior class. Some of the prominent gotras include: 1. Rathore 2. Kachhwaha 3. Solanki 4. Chouhan (Deora Chouhan, a pure Chouhan clan) 5. Parihar 6. Dahiya 7. Panwar (Sankhla, a sub-clan of Panwar) 8. Gahlot 9. Tak 10. Bhati 11. Chavda 12. Tanwar

These gotras show the direct connection of the Sainik Kshatriya (Rajput Mali) to various Rajput clans that held significant power and influence in historical Rajputana (now Rajasthan). The adoption of agriculture as a profession was a circumstantial shift, but the community’s Kshatriya identity remained intact through their gotras.

Key Distinctions from Bhagirathi Mali, Phul Mali, and Other Malis:

The Sainik Kshatriya (Rajput Mali) community is distinct from other groups within the broader Mali caste, such as Bhagirathi Mali and Phool Mali. While all of these groups may have connections to agriculture or gardening, their origins and social identities differ significantly.

1. Bhagirathi Mali: This group is part of the larger Mali community and is known for their association with agriculture, particularly gardening and floriculture. They do not claim Rajput ancestry or Kshatriya status. 2. Phul Mali: Similar to Bhagirathi Malis, Phul Malis are recognized for their expertise in floriculture and gardening. They are also a part of the traditional Mali caste and do not share the Rajput lineage that Rajput Malis (Sainik Kshatriya). The Sainik Kshatriya (Rajput Mali) group identifies itself as Kshatriya Rajputs who adopted Farming as a profession but never lost their Rajput lineage. They do not intermarry with Bhagirathi Mali, Phul Mali, or other non-Kshatriya groups due to these significant differences in social standing and lineage.

Marriage Practices and Regional Exceptions: Historically, the Sainik Kshatriya (Rajput Mali) community practices endogamy, meaning they marry within their own group to preserve their Rajput ancestry. However, in Western Haryana, particularly in Hisar, there is an exception where Rajput Malis marry into the Saini community. This is because the Saini of this region are also considered to have Rajput origins, specifically from the Shoorsaini Rajput (connected to the Yadava dynasty of Lord Krishna).

Unlike Bhagirathi Mali or Phool Mali, the Saini community in Western Haryana shares a similar Rajput background, making marriage between Rajput Malis and Saini more acceptable.

References

For your article, you can include the following references:

1. Marwar Census Report of 1891 – Provides insights into the origins of Rajput Malis, documenting their transition into agricultural professions while retaining their Rajput lineage.

2. Census Report of India 1901 (Vol - XXV Rajputana) by A.D. Bannerman – Discusses the tradition of Rajput in Marwar adopting farming as a profession, while continuing to uphold their Kshatriya identity.

  - Reference: Census Report of India, 1901, Vol - XXV (Rajputana), Part 1 by A.D. Bannerman (Page 156).

3. "Rajasthan ki Jatiyon ka Itihas aur Ritirivaaj" – This book provides a detailed history and customs of various castes in Rajasthan, including the Sainik Kshatriya (Rajput Mali). It covers their origins, traditions, and the distinctions between Rajput Malis and other Mali groups like Bhagirathi Mali and Phul Mali.

These sources will help support the historical accuracy of your article on the Sainik Kshatriya (Rajput Mali) community.