Gangwar, (Hindi:गंगवार Urdu: غنغور ) is a Hindu Subcaste within the Kurmi Kshatriya caste.
Gangwars are mainly in the state of Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. Gangwar term indicates towrds the kshatriya clan living around Ganges basin. This title is derived from holy river Ganges. Gangwars are originally from Kannauj and people of this clan are found in the Rohilkhand or ancient Panchala region of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Specially in the districts of Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit and Farukhabad.
In the districts of Rampur, Bareilly, Pillibhit & Farukhabad, they were mercenaries in the army of Shiva Ji and later settled around the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh hence the surname seems of Maratha origin. They are mainly speakers of the Hindi language. Gangwars are well cultured, civilized people and followers of Sanatan Dharma. The Gangwars are primary involved in agriculture, and also the service industry, academics,technology and politics. Gangwars are originally from Kannauj and people of this clan are found in the Rohilkhand or ancient Panchala region of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Specially in the districts of Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit and Farukhabad.
| Kshatriya clan: Gangwar (गंगवार) | |
| Vansh | Suryavanshi |
| Descended from: | Kannauj (Gaharwar) |
| Language: | Kannauji |
In the medieval history this clan is found to be mercenaries in the army of Shivaji and other Maratha Kshatraps; from known historical facts it is found that they originally belonged to Gaharwar family ruling Kannauj before the invasion of Gori in last decade of 13th Century. After this turmoil Gaharwars settled themselves in Swargdwari in the Ganges basin and Marwar. Gaharwars ruled Swargdwari till King Kunwar Rai Singh, better known as Khor left this place and set up a new Gorakha Kingdom in Gorakhpur in Terai region in 1210 A.D. Khor was a disciple of Guru Gorakhnath and lost war against Samsuddin, subedar of Badaun under Qutubuddin Aibak. Gangwars returned back to region with the joint army Sindhias Holkars in 1751 defeating Afghans and Pathans. After this great victory over Rohilkhand Gangwars decided to settle in this region. Gangwars are often cited as some of the most prominent people in the ancient Indian history and they are Suryavanshi Kshatriyas, the great rulers of ancient India under the Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka the Great.