Negi (caste)
Overview
Negi means "Royal" and "perfect rajputs".[1] They principally belong to the royal family and it also refers to the title given to nobles by the kings. They live in the highlands of Garhwal and "Negi" also refers to the title and a surname of Rajputs in Garhwal,himachal district of kinnaur, Kumaon and regions of Uttarakhand.
Title
Similar to the title or the surname of "Chaudhary"/"Choudhary" or "Singh", "Negi" was adopted or mostly given as an honor to the kshatriyas who migrated from their homelands of Rajasthan to hills of Uttarakhand in early 19th Century. They served as the ruling the class in these areas and successfully fended off the attacks of the invading Britishers, until the invaders gave up. They eventually established various strongholds and palaces to house themselves and prevent fututre invasions. These chieftains would often name their areas after the places in their homeland like "Udhampur", etc.
Military
The Negi clan has been an integral part of the nation's defence forces. A distinct regiment was created to enlist the people of the region, mostly consisting of the motivated youths from the hills, the Garhwal Rifles. It's headquarter is in Lansdownne, Uttarakhand which also serves as the basic and initial training grounds for the recruits. It's often open for the public
Notable People
- Darwan Singh Negi Victoria Cross recipient
- Gabar Singh Negi Victoria Cross recipient
- Mir Ranjan Negi-hockey
- Narendra Singh Negi-folk singer
- Parimarjan Negi-Chess Grandmaster
- Sanjay Kumar Negi- Entrepreneur
Further reading
- Uttaranchal: Historical and cultural perspectives, Uma Prasad Thapliyal.
- Encyclopedia of Indian surnames, Shibani Roy and S.H.M Rizvi
References
- ↑ name="ViyogiAnsari2010">Viyogi; Naval & M Anawar Ansari (1 January 2010). History Of The Later Harappans And Silpakara Movement (2 Vols.). Gyan Publishing House. pp. 419–. ISBN 978-81-7835-751-5.