Randhawa

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Randhawa, (pronounced: rann-dhaa-waa and anglicised to "ran-dhwa") is one of the many last names of early Sikh's and Jat/Jatt warrior clans that played an important historical role in Sikh history by adopting Sikhism.

1 Etymology
2 History
3 Geographical distribution
4 Religion
5 Famous Randhawas

[edit] Etymology

According to popular belief, the word 'Randhawa' is most probably a combination of the Sanskrit words Rann, meaning 'war' and Dhawa, meaning 'attack'. So, literally, the word 'Randhawa' is said to mean 'one who leads the battle front'.

Another translation for "Rann" is "battlefield", hence changing the translation of the word to "one who leads the attacks on the battlefield". Randhawas are known for their martial spirit and are at the apex of the Jatt pyramid.

[edit] History

Randhawas are offspring of Raja Ramdas, who was a ruler of a princely state in Punjab.They were the best warriors around that time.

[edit] Geographical distribution

In India, Randhawas are found in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Randhawas are settled in large numbers in Gurdaspur,Delhi, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Fatehgarh, Patiala, Sangrur, Nabha, Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Moga, Ferozepur, Bathinda and Ropar areas in Malwa,Majha and Doaba in Punjab (India). In Pakistan Randhawas is mostly found in Faisalabad, Multan, Sheikhupura,and Mirpurkhas(Sindh). Randhawas have migrated to all corners of the globe with significant populations having settled in parts of Malaysia, Canada, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom and Australia.

[edit] Religion

In India and else-where, Randhawas are predominantly Sikh while the few in Pakistan are Muslims.

[edit] Famous Randhawas

Baba Buddha, one of the most sacred and revered saints in Sikhism.
Dara Singh, Indian wrestler and actor
Jyoti Randhawa, Indian golfer
Kuljeet Randhawa, deceased Indian model and actress.
Kulraj Randhawa, Indian television and film actress.
- Chandni Randhawa, American survivor of AP Chemistry in Mrs. Walker's class in MSR.
Paljinder Randhawa, founder of One Care iT Limited (UK)