Kamboj

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Kamboj (Punjabi: ਕਮ੍ਬੋਜ, Hindi: कम्बोज, Urdu: کمبوہ ) is frequently used as surname or last name by many Kambojs, currently living in India. Their Muslim counter-parts living in Pakistan mostly use Kamboh instead. The Kambojs/Kambohs (and the Kamojis of Kafirstan in north-east Afghanistan) are the modern reprentatives of ancient Kambojas, a well known Kshatriya tribe of the Indo-Aryans terminlogy, said to have had both Indian as well as Iranian affinities [1].

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[edit] Kamboj: A Kshatriya Tribe

In India, the Kamboj people belong to the Kshatriya caste of Indo-Aryan society.

The earliest and most powerful reference endorsing the Kshatriya-hood of the Kamboj is Panini's fifth century BCE Ashtadhyayi. Panini refers to the Kamboj Janapada, and mentions it as "one of the fifteen powerful Kshatriya Janapadas" of his times, inhabited and ruled by Kamboj Kshatriyas [2]. See: Kambojas of Panini

Kamboj warrior
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Kamboj warrior

The Harivamsa attests that the clans of Kambojas, Sakas, Yavanas, Pahlavas etc. were "formerly noble Kshatriyas". It was king Sagara who had deprived the Kambojas, and other allied tribes, of their Kshatiya-hood [3] and forbade them from performing Svadhyayas and Vasatkaras [4].

The Harivamsa also calls this group of Sakas, Kambojas, Yavanas, Pahlavas and Paradas as "Kshatriya-pungavas", i.e., foremost among the Kshatriyas.

The Manusmriti attests that the Kambojas, Sakas, Yavanas etc were originally "noble Kshatriyas", but were gradually degraded to the status of "vrashalatvam" (degraded Kshatriyas), on account of their neglect of sacred rites and non-entertainment of the Brahmanas in their countries [5].

The Mahabharata likewise, also notes that the Kambojas, Sakas, Yavanas, Pahlavas, et al. were originally "noble Kshatriyas", who later got degraded to barbaric status (vrashalatvam) due to the wrath of the Brahmanas [6].

The Arthashastra of Kautiliya [7] attests the Kshatriya Shrenis (Corporations of Warriors) of the Kambojas, Surashtras, and some other nations, and mentions them as living, besides warfare, also by agriculture and trade [8]

The legend of Daivi Khadga or Divine Sword detailed in Shantiparva of Mahabharata [9] also powerfully endorses the Kshatriya-hood of the Kambojas. The sword as the "symbol of Kshatriya-hood" was wrested by the warrior king Kamboj from the Kosala king Kuvalashava alias Dhundhumara, from whom it went to another warrior king called Muchukunda.[10]

See: Mahabharata Sword

Bhagavata Purana [11] references a king of the Kamboj, and calls him a "powerfully armed mighty warrior" (samiti-salina atta-capah Kamboja).

Kalika Purana [12] refers to a war between the Buddhist king Kali (Maurya Brihadratha) and the Brahmanical king Kalika (Pusyamitra Sunga), where the Kamboj came as military supporters to Brihadratha, (187-180) BCE. The Purana notes the Kamboj warriors as Kambojai...bhimavikramaih, i.e. the Kambojas of terrific military prowess", again confirming the Kshatriya-hood of the Kambojs.

Brahmanda Purana talks of 21 battles waged by Brahmin sage Parsurama against the ancient Kashatriya clans of the Indian sub-continent. The list of Kshatriyas whom sage Parsurama fought with includes the Kambojs as well. [13]. This ancient evidence again verifies that Kambojas were a Kshatriya clan.

There are numerous more similar references in the Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana and other ancient Sanskrit and Pali literature, that further document the Kshatriya-hood of the Kamboj peoples.

Also see link: SOME KSHATRYA TRIBES OF ANCIENT INDIA, Dr. B. C. LAW : [14]

[edit] Ancient Kamboj also practiced Brahmanism

Chudakarma Samskaara of Paraskara Grhya-Sutram [14], Vamsa Brahmana [15] of the Sama Veda[15], the Epic Ramayana as well as Mahabharata and some other ancient references profusely attest that a section of the ancient Kambojas also practiced Brahmanism i.e they had adopted the profession of learning and teaching. Thus we see that the ancient Kambojas are known to have been great scholars and teachers. Undoubtedly, they were intimately connected with ancient famous University of Taxila in Gandhara.

Dr Benjamin Walker observes:

"Kambojas were not only famous for their furs and woolen blankets embroidered with threads of gold, their wonderful horses and their beautiful women, but by epic period, they had become especially renowned as Vedic teachers and their homeland as a seat of Brahmanical learning" [16].

Dr A. D. Pusalkar observes:

“The speech of Kambojas is referred to by Yaska as differing from that of other Aryans and Grierson sees in this reference the Iranian affinities of the Kambojas, but the fact that the Kambojas teachers were reputed for their Vedic learning shows them to have been Vedic Aryans, so that the Kamboja was an Aryan settlemen”[17]

See also : Brahmanism of Ancient Kambojas.

[edit] Overlap with Kshatriya and Brahmin clan names

The modern Kamboj are said to be divided into two divisions of 52 and 84 clans names (the actual number is however somewhat higher than these figures). Dr J. L. Kamboj observes that more than 15 of the Kamboj clan names overlap with that of the Brahmins and over 80 overlap with other Kshatriya and Rajput clans of northern India. But according to S Kirpal Singh, the respective figures are over 25 overlapping with Brahmins and over 100 overlapping with other Kshatriyas and Rajputs. [18] In his well known book Glossary of Tribes and Castes of Punjab and North-west Frontier Province [19], British ethnographer and ethnologist, H. A. Rose, had also observed in early 20th century that there is seen an overlap of the Kamboj clan names with that of the Brahmins and other Kshatriyas. Rose also admitted that the reason of this overlap was not clear to him [20]. But, today with all the information provided in the articles in Wikipedia about the Kambojas, it would seem clear as to why there is such an overlap.

[edit] List of Kamboj Gotras (clans)

For more expanded list of Kamboj clans visit: [16]

52 Gotras: Abdal, Ajpal/Ajapal, Angiarey, Asoi, Bahujad, Bajye/Bajne, Bage, Ban/Bhaun/ Bhawan, Barar, Batti/Bhatti, Basra, Chak, Chandi, Chandna/Chandne/Chand, Chatrath, Daberah, Dhanju, Dhot/Dhat/Dhudi, Dote, Dulai, Handa/Handey, Jaiya/Jie/Joiye, Jammu, Jaspal/Jakhpal, Jatmal, Josan/Jossan, Jaura/Jaure, Judge/Juj, Kadi or Karhi, Khere, Kosle/Kausle, Karanpal, Kaura/Kaure, Kayar, Khinda/Khinde/Khande, Kirgil, Lori/Laure, Mardak, Mehrok/Mirok, Momi, Mutti/Moti, Nadha/Nandha/Nandhey, Nagpal, Nagri/Nagra, Nandan, Nibber/Nibher, Padhu/Pandhu, Patanroy/Patanrai, Pran, Ratanpal, Sama/Samey, Sandha/Sandhey, Sandher, Sandheyer/Sandheer, Sawan, Soi/Sohi, Shahi, Suner, Tandne, Tarikha/Trikhe, Thind, Tume, Turne/Turna, Vinayak, Pathan, Unmal

84 Gotras : Aglawe, Ambri/Ambrey, Angotre, Bagwan/Bagyan/Bagban, Bahia, Bangwaye, Bangar/Bangare, Banjahal/Bhunjal, Banur, Barham, Barhgotey, Bassi/Basi, Bastorh, Beeharh/Beharh, Bhujang, Brahman/Behman, Chamri/Chimre, Chaupal/Chaufal, Cherta/Churta/Churawat, Chhanan/Chhiyanwe, Chhichhoti/Chhichhote/Chhachhate/Chhachha, Chichare/Chachare, Chimne/Chimni/Chimna, Chine/Chini/China, Churiye/Chirwey/Chidey/Charway, Dange, Datane/Dotane/Datana/Dutane, Dehar/Dehal, Dehgal/Duggal, Dhare, Dheel/Dhillan, Dhehte, Dode, Doliyan, Fukni, Gadre or Gadra, Gagre/Gagra, Gande/Gandi, Gandheyor/Gandhare/Gandhi, Gaure/Gore/Rai Gore/Gori, Geelawe, Ghasitey, Gogan/Gugan, Gosiley, Gal/Gayile/Goyale, Ghangra, Harse, Jade/Jarhe, Jagman, Judge Jande/Jandu, Jangle/Jangli, Jhamb/Jham, Jhand/Jhandu, Kalra/Kalre/Kalar, Kalsia/Kalsi/Kalas, Camari/Kamari/Kamare, Khokhar, Kokar/Kakar/Kakra, Kukri/Kukar, Lahere/Lehri, Lakhi, Lahndey, Late/Lata, Lahange/Lahinga/Lahinde, Lall, Machhliye/Machhle, Magu/Mage, Makore/Makkar, Mall, Momsarang, Sarang, Mandey/Mande, Melle/Meliye/Malle, Multani, Nagambr/Nigambar, Nehriye/Nehre/Ner/Naru/Nehru/Nauhriye, Nepal/Nipal/Naipal, Nuri, Pandey/Pandhey, Padhasi, Sainik, Sandle, Sathand, Senpati/Senapati, Sapre Or Sapra/Sawre, Sarnote/Sarkude, Satte, Sauki/Soki, Soni, Suhagi/Suhage, Sunehre, Silahre/Sulahre/Sulare/Sulehre, Sulhiro, Tande, Tagal/Tugal, Taparhiye, Thathai/Thathaiya/Thathe, Thingrey/Thengrey, Topchi

[edit] Roots of Kamboj in Remote Antiquity

The Siah-posh Kafirs of the Hindukush ranges, who till recently were collectively known as Kamoges or Kamojis [21] (Sanskrit Kambojis or Kambojas) are stated to have been a remain of a considerable ancient people among whom were original Kashmerians and a greater part of Badakshan and Kabol as far as Deggan tribes...and on the southern face of the higher ridges of Himalaya extending to an unknown distance...Though whole of their pristine population being subjected to Muslim conquerors in the middle ages, and having mixed with them, they have now lost their pristine individuality of national character but still among the Kabulis, in particular, it is still not unfrequent to observe heads and figures that might serve for models to the sculptors who would portray a Jupiter or a Mars according to the refined idealism of the ancient Greeks. The Kafirs have oval faces, their brows are well-arched and the nose and mouth even more refined than the Greeks. They are still fairer, generally, with lighter hair and gray eyes [22]. Blending with the nearest black-haired tribes, the ancestors of the Kamoges are believed to have given rise to ancient Persians and with the faired-haired on the north, they are said to have produced the handsome tribes of the Goths [23] [24]. The name Kamoges or Kamojis apparently reminds one of the ancient Kambojas [25] living in Hindukush, Pamirs as well as in Badakshan. (See: Kamboja Location). The modern Kamboj or Kamboh people of northern India are stated to have descended from the ancient Kambojas and are believed to belong to the same ancient stock as the Kamoges or Kamojis of Hindukush [26] [27] [28].

[edit] References

  1. ^ See: Vedic index of names & subjects by Dr. Arthur Anthony Macdonnel, Dr Arthur. B Keath, I.84, p 138; Afghanistan, p 58, W. K. Fraser, M. C. Gillet; Afghanistan, its People, its Society, its Culture, Donal N. Wilber, 1962, p 80, 311 etc.
  2. ^ Ashtadhyayi, 4.1.168-175
  3. ^ Harivamsa 14.19
  4. ^ Harivamsa, 14.17
  5. ^ Manusmriti verses X.43-44
  6. ^ MBH 13.33.31-32
  7. ^ Arthashastra 11.1.04
  8. ^ Says Kautiliya:
    Kambhoja.surastra.ksatriya.shreny.aadayo vartta.shastra.upajiivinan ||
    Licchivika.vrjika.mallaka.madraka.kukura.kuru.panchala.aadayo raaja.sabda.upajiivinah ||
    Translation:
    • The corporations of warriors (Kshattriya sreni) of Kambhoja, and Surashtra, and other countries live by agriculture, trade and wielding weapons.
    • The corporations of Lichchhivika, Vrijika, Mallaka, Madraka, Kukura, Kuru, Panchala and others live by the title of a Raja.
    (See: Kautiliya’s Arthashastra, 1966, para 378, p 407, Book Xi, Chapter 1, Dr Shamasatry). See Link: [1].
  9. ^ MBH 12.166.1-81
  10. ^
    Sanskrit:
    Dhundhumarachcha Kambojo Muchukundastato.alabhat
    MuchukundanMaruttashcha Maruttadapi Raivatah
    (MBH 12.166.77-78)
  11. ^ BHagavata Purana 2.7.35
  12. ^ Kalika Puranna 20/40
  13. ^ Brahmanda Purana, 3.41.36; Ancient Kamboja, People and the Country, 1981, p 19, Dr J. L. Kamboj; Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, p 15, S. Kirpal Singh
  14. ^ Paraskara Gryya-sutram verse 2.1.2; Commentary: Pt Harihar.
  15. ^ Vamsa Brahmana verse 1.18-19.
  16. ^ Hindu World? Vol I, Benjamin Walker , p 520.
  17. ^ History & Culture of Indian People, The Vedic Age, Dr A. D. Pusalkar, Dr R. C. Majumdar, Dr K. D. Munshi, 1952, pp 259-260; cf: Location of Kamboja, Purana, Vol VI No1, Jan 1964 pp 212-213; Problems of Ancient India, 2000, p 224, K. D. Sethna.
  18. ^ The Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, p 27, 431.
  19. ^ Based on 1880 census of India
  20. ^ Glossary of Tribes and Castes of Punjab and North-West Frontier Province, 1915, Vol II, p 444-445 fns, H. A. Rose
  21. ^ Ref: Nature - p 222, by Nature Publishing Group
  22. ^ These physical characteristics of the Kafir Kamoges wonderfully remind us of the physical charactersitcs of the ancient Kambojs who have especially been described as exceedingly handsome race (Mahabharata 7.23.43). Ancient Kamboj princes have also been noted as tall like towers, exceedingly handsome and of gaura varna (See: Mahabharata 8.56.113-114; Mahabharata ; MBH 7.92.72-76), having faces illustrious like the full moon (Mahabharata 8/56/111), lotus eyed (Mahabharata 8/56/110-114), handsome like the lord-moon among the stars (Mahabharata 1/67/31). Even Ramayana calls the Kambojas as ravisanibha i.e with faces illustrious like the Sun ( Ramayana 1/55/2). Besides, there are also ancient references, Buddhist as well as Brahmanical, which speak very high of the beauty of the Kamboj women. See link: [2]
  23. ^ ref: The Natural History of the Human Species: Its Typical Forms, Primaeval Distribution, Filiations,...pp 403-405, Charles Hamilton Smith
  24. ^ See link: [3]. IMPORTANT: It may be noted that in this link, the author Charles Hamilton Smith has mistakenly written Mamoges for the Kamoges or Kamojis. The Kamoges Kafirs have been referred to as Caumogee or Caumoze by M. Elphinstone (See: An account of the kingdom of Caubol) and Kamoz, Kam and Kamtoz by Sir George Robertson Scott (See: The Kafirs of Hindukush, 1896, pp 76-77); See also: The Kom (Kam) by Richard F. Strand: Nuristan, Hidden Land of the Hindu-Kush [4]
  25. ^ Political History of Ancient India, 1996, p 133, Dr H. C. Raychaudhury, Dr B. N. Mukerjee; The Sun and the Serpent: A Contribution to the History of Serpent-worship, 1905, p 127/128, Charles Frederick Oldham; cf: A trace of Kambojas, in their original seat, seems to remain in the Kaumojas of the Hindukush: See foot note 5 [5] etc.
  26. ^ M. Elphinstone, An account of the kingdom of Caubol, fn p 619; Journal of Royal Asiatic Society, 1843, p 140; Journal of Asiatic Society of Bengal, 1874, p 260 fn; Political History of Ancient India, 1996, p 133, fn, Dr H. C. Raychaudhury, Dr B. N. Banerjee; The Achaemenids and India, 1974, p 13, Dr S Chattopadhyaya; cf:There is an apparent trace of their (Kambojas') name in the Caumogees of Kaferistan, who may have retreated to the mountains before the advance of the Turk tribes (Dr H. H. Wilson). See fn 374:15: [6]; Cf: Die Kafirs werden Kamoze oder Kamboja genannt (nach Elphinstone) (Adolf Bastian)  :See: Die Voelker des Oestlichen Asien Studien und Reisen, Band I. Die Geschichte der Indochinesen, p 456: See link: [7]; cf: A trace of Kambojas, in their original seat, seems to remain in the Kaumojas of the Hindukush: See foot note 5: [8]; See also: The Sun and the Serpent: p 127-128, Charles Fredrick Oldham: See link: [9]; See also: Die altpersischen Keilinschriften: Im Grundtexte mit Uebersetzung, Grammatik und Glossar – 1881, Page 86, Fr. (Friedrich) Spiegel): See link: [10];See also: Caravan Journeys and Wanderings in Persia, Afghanistan, Turkistan, and Beloochistan, p 512, Appendix (D), Joseph Pierre Ferrier: See Link: [11] .
  27. ^ The Sun and the Serpent: A Contribution to the History of Serpent-worship, 1905, pp 127/128, Charles Frederick Oldham. See Link: [12].
  28. ^ Revue d'ethnographie also notes that the Kamoze, Hilar, Silar and Kamoje were the former clans of the Siaposh Kaffirs and they are linked to the Kambojas of Mahabharata (See: Revue d'ethnographie, 225. See link: [13]).

[edit] Source of Kamboj Gotras (clans)

  • The Kambojas Through the Ages, 2005, pp 423-432, S Kirpal Singh ji
  • Glossary of Tribes and Castes of Punajb and north-west Frontier Provinces, Vol III, p 524, H. A. Rose
  • Kamboja Itihaas, 1972, pp 42-43, S H. S. Thind
  • Jatt Tribes and Zira, 1992, pp 141-42, H. S. Shergill
  • Vishal Kamboj, Monthly
  • http://kambojsociety.com/subcastes.asp

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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