Mair caste

Mair Rajput also known as Sunar, Sonar, Sunyar, Suniyara, is a goldsmith community traditionally found in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and other surrounding areas .^[1]

Etymology and Historical Background

The Mair community, traditionally known for their skills in jewelry-making (Sonar), 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

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.^[2]

Kshatriya Warrior Tradition

The Mair Rajputs have a storied warrior tradition deeply embedded in their historical identity, reflecting their Kshatriya heritage. Originating from Rajasthan, particularly around Ajmer and the Mewat region, the Mair Rajputs forged a formidable reputation as skilled fighters and defenders of their territories. Historically allied with the Chauhan Rajputs, the Mairs participated prominently in regional conflicts, notably defending Ajmer against external invasions such as the siege by Turkish forces in the 12th century. Accounts from historical texts highlight their valor and strategic acumen in battles alongside their Chauhan counterparts, underscoring their pivotal role in safeguarding their ancestral lands. The Mairs' martial prowess and steadfast loyalty to their alliances not only fortified their reputation as fierce warriors but also solidified their status as Rajputs, a community esteemed for their courage, honor, and resilience in the face of adversity. This enduring legacy of military excellence continues to resonate within the Mair community, symbolizing their commitment to upholding their Kshatriya lineage and preserving their cultural heritage through generations

Goldsmith Identity

The Mair Rajputs, renowned for their ancestral warrior tradition, also have a distinguished legacy in the craft of goldsmithing, which has been integral to their cultural identity. The Mairs transitioned to the artisanal profession of goldsmiths over time, earning them the moniker "Sonars" or 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 jewelry-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

The lineage of the Mair Rajputs is deeply intertwined with the Surya Vansh, or the solar dynasty, tracing their origins to ancient Rajput clans associated with the solar deity Surya. 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, particularly in the meticulous art of goldsmithing, which showcases their skill and creativity. Today, the Mair community continues to honor and preserve their Surya Vansh 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
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

D-Gotras:

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

G-Gotras:

Gogar
Gogna
Gogta
Gohngla
Gori
Gund
Gajjar
Gotiyan

H-Gotras:

Hira

J-Gotras:

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

K-Gotras:

Kuchhera (Kachiyara)
Kakka
Kanda
Kandiwal
Karor
Karwal (Gharwal?)
Kashiari
Khepal
Khich
Khokhal
Khori
Khungar (Khangar)
Khurmi
Kunjhai
Kalwa
Kanak
Kangra
Kanwar
Khajuria
Khajwal
Kikyan
Kukra

L-Gotras:

Ladhar (Lodhar, Luddhar)
Ledha
Lota
Luthra

M-Gotras:

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

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

S-Gotras:

Sadhiora (Sehdev)
Sarwana
Sarna
Sanderia
Shinh (Sinh)
Sedha
Seedha
Siri
Sunik
Sachchu (Suchchu)
Sur
Susa

T-Gotras:

Tarriwal
Thakran
Tunwa
Tohaj
Toshawar
Tukrada

U-Gotras:

Udera (Odar)

V-Gotras:

Vaid
Vichcha

W-Gotras:

Waddar

References

^ Census of India. 1901. p. 309.
^ Rowe, William L. (2007) [1968]. "Mobility in the nineteenth-century caste system". In Singer, Milton; Cohn, Bernard S. (eds.). Structure and Change in India Society (Reprinted ed.). Transaction Publishers. pp. 202–203. ISBN 9780202361383. Retrieved 2011-12-17.