Raizada

The Raijada are a Rajput clan found in the state of Gujarat in India.[1] [2] Whereas, The Raizada are Punjabi Rajputs. The Punjabi Rajputs are members of the Rajput caste found throughout the Punjab region that was divided between India and Pakistan in 1947. The people of the area are known as Punjabis and their language is also called Punjabi. Raizada is also used as a surname by Saxena families belonging to Kayastha (A class of Learned Kshatriyas) in some parts of North India. Raizada is very commonly used as a title or second name or surname in some parts of Rajasthan, majorly areas like Jaipur, Udaipur, Alwar. It is a title given to the fathers and fore fathers of the "Kayastha" community. (Simillar to the title of "sir" in british era in india). This title continues generations after generations as the surname. Rajasthani Raizadas are saxena, srivastava, sinha or some other kayastha. They are hindus. In some parts of Maharashtra kayastha are called "kayastha prabhu" or the "warrior brahmins". Raizadas are pure hindus. They are a part of the brahmin community who were well versed also with "shastra vidya" or the art of archery. Hence, they are also referred as kshatriyas or the warrior sect in some parts of india.

Origin

The Raijada or Raizada are the descendants of the ruler of Junagadh. A Kingdom in Shaurashtra peninsula. . Junagadh was then under the Chudasama Rajputs a branch of the Lunar or Chandravanshi line of Rajputs, who trace their origin to Lord Krishna. The Ruler of this Kingdom was addressed as " The Rah' " ( E.g. Rah' Navghan, Rah' Khengaar, Rah' Dayaas, Rah' Maandalik) The Crown Prince to Throne of Junagadh was known as the Rah' as & when and until he occupied the Throne. Rah' was the Title adopted by the Ruler of Junagadh. As it happened in all the Monarchy, The eldest or the worthy son of the Ruler was made the King while other sons were granted Jagirs within the Kingdom. Likewise the son that came to the throne was known as The Rah' while the rest of the sons were given the jagirs and were known by their clan The Chudasama or Sarvaiya.

The Kingdom of Junagadh was invaded by the Moguls in the early 17th Century which put an end to the Rajput rule on Junagadh. The Rah' was dethroned and was given the Jagir of Vanthali. The Rah' no longer the ruler of Junagadh was de titled by the Moguls and was given a new Title "Rah'-Zada" meaning The Son of Rah' in Urdu. The reason of taking away the title was to take away the power from him so he cannot reform an army and revolt against the Mogul rule in Junagadh.

See also


References

  1. ↑ The Rajputs of Saurashtra by Virbhadra Singhji Sangam Books
  2. ↑ Kuldeepsinh Chudasama- Ambli Bhal