Rawat (surname)
| Language(s) | Hindi, Kumaoni, Garhwali |
|---|---|
| Origin | |
| Region of origin | Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat |
| Other names | |
| See also | Panwar, Negi, Rautela, Parmar, Bisht, Bhandari, Rana |
The surname Rawat is a prominent family name in South Asia, particularly in India and Nepal.[1] It is commonly associated with Rajputs, a warrior and land-owning caste traditionally from the northern and western regions of India, including Rajasthan,[2] Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.[3] The name is also used among various communities in the Himalayan regions and carries connotations of nobility and leadership.
History
[edit]The Rawats have a rich history of valor and resistance, particularly in defending their territories against invaders. In Uttarakhand, they are often linked with the traditions of Garhwal and Kumaon,[4] where they held significant roles in local governance during the rule of the Katyuri and Chand dynasties.
Origins and Meaning
[edit]The surname Rawat is derived from the Sanskrit word "Rajvata," meaning "ruler" or "kingdom." Historically, it was used as a title for local chieftains or rulers who governed smaller territories under larger empires. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
Distribution
[edit]- India: In India, Rawats are prevalent in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. In Rajasthan, they are associated with the Rajput community, while in Uttarakhand, the surname is common among both Rajputs and other communities such as Thakurs.
- Nepal: In Nepal, the surname is used among certain Tharu and Khas communities, where it also signifies a connection to leadership or governance.
Cultural Aspects
[edit]In modern times, Rawats are found across various professions, yet the surname often retains its association with pride, heritage, and regional identity. Festivals, folklore, and traditional practices in regions like Uttarakhand often reflect their historical significance.
Notable people
[edit]- General Bipin Rawat (1958–2021) An Indian Army officer who served as the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India.
- Chitrashi Rawat, Indian actress
- Harish Rawat, Senior Leader Indian National Congress
- Harish Chandra Singh Rawat, ( Mountaineer , Padma Shri , Arjuna Award )
- Jaswant Singh Rawat 1941-1962 ( Maha Vir Chakra Indian Army ), Jaswant Garh War Memorial built in his Memory
- Madhulika Rawat (1963–2021), Indian social worker ( she belong to shahdol royal family in MP )
- Menuka Rawat ( Athlete 1988 Olympics )
- Nain Singh Rawat, Indian Explorer ( Patron Medal from Royal Geography Society )
- Navaraj Rawat, Former State Minister of Health and population Nepal
- Navi Rawat, US actress
- Pradeep Rawat (politician), MP from Pune, Maharashtra
- Prem Rawat, speaker , teacher , author , formerly known as Guru Maharaj Ji
- Hans Maharaj ( Indian Religious Leader )
- Teelu Rauteli, 17th century warrior
- Pradeep Rawat (actor), Indian actor
- Prashant Singh Rawat, Indian basketball player
- Tirath Singh Rawat, Ex Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
- Trivendra Singh Rawat, Ex Chief Minister Uttarakhand
- Lakshman Singh Rawat ( Lieutenant General Indian Army )
- Bhupindra Singh Rawat (Indian football player)
- Nitendra Singh Rawat (Athlete 2016 Rio Olympics )
- Chandan Singh Rawat (football 1952 olympics)
- Manish Singh Rawat ( racewalker)
- Anuj Rawat ( cricketer)
- Deepak Rawat ( IAS Officer )
- Satpal Maharaj ( famous politician)
- Jagat Rawat ( bollywood actor )
- Bhakt Darshan ( Educationist, Journalist, Politician)
- Tejpal Singh Rawat ( former DG of Assam Rifles )
- Yadubir Singh Rawat ( Director General Archaeological Survey of India )
- Vijaypal Singh Rawat ( Indian Navy MARCOS )
- Satpal Rawat ( IG CRPF )
- Vinod Rawat ( Director , Writer, known for Pushtaini )
- Rajinder Singh Rawat (Hockey 1988 Olympics)
- Sidharth Rawat (Indian Tennis Player)
- Abhishek Rawat ( Actor )
- Shonal Rawat ( femina miss India)
- Suraj Rawat( footballer )
- Pradeep Kumar Rawat ( Indian diplomat)
- Amisha Rawat ( Indian Olympian Athlete)
- Asha Rawat ( Indian Cricketer)
- Om Prakash Rawat ( 22nd Chief Election Commissioner of India)
- Veena Rawat ( Electrical Engineer former president of CRC )
- Suman Rawat ( Athlete , Arjuna Award )
- Gopal Singh Rawat (Civil Servant )
References
[edit]- ^ Studies in Nepali History and Society. Mandala Book Point. 2003.
- ^ Lavania, B. K.; Samanta, D. K. (1998). Rajasthan. Popular Prakashan. ISBN 978-81-7154-769-2.
- ^ Singh, Kumar Suresh (2005). People of India: Uttar Pradesh. Anthropological Survey of India. ISBN 978-81-7304-114-3.
- ^ Arora, Ajay (1996). Administrative History of Uttarakhand (Kumaon and Garhwal), During the Rule of the East India Company, 1815-1857. Eastern Book Linkers. ISBN 978-81-86339-33-6.
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