Similar Pardeshi community in Maharashtra, Hingorja (Community), Kadia (Muslim) Region Punjab Religion Hindus and Sikhs | ||
The Handa family Handa (Punjabi: ਹਾਂਡਾ, ہانڈا; Hindi: हाँडा) is a prominent, Kshatriya clan originating from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. They originated in Batala of Punjab in India. Handas are all Punjabi's and are Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. Many Handa trace their origin to the Pakistani districts of Punjab: Lahore, Gujranwala and Gujrat. Lakhanwal Khas and Jalalpur Jattan are two towns within the Gujrat district that spawned many Handa's. After Pakistani independence many Handa left their native homes in Pakistan and relocated to various parts of Northern India. Many Handa can be found in regions like Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Kashmir and Rajasthan. Some Handa families may also be found in mid- and southern parts of India; especially those families that are a part of the Indian armed forces.
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History
The majority of Handa are Hindus and Sikhs. They are descendants of the Suryavansha or Solar Dynasty (Sūrya-vaṃśa). This dynasty is one of the oldest and ruling Kshatriya dynasties of India. The Solar Dynasty is also known as Ādityavanśa (आदित्यवंश), Mitravanśa (मित्रवंश) and Arkavanśa (अर्कवंश). The handa's were an ancient and prominent Kshatriya tribe of northwest India, attested in the Samaveda, Atharvaveda, Yajurveda, Mahabharata, Valmiki Ramayana, numerous Puranas, Manusmriti and a host other ancient Sanskrit and Pali texts.
Ancient Sanskrit and Pali texts such as Ashtadhyayi of Pāṇini, Manusmriti, Mahabharata, Kautiliya's Arthashastra, Harivamsa, Vayu Purana, Brahmanda Purana and several other authorities that the ancestors of the modern Kambojas, in ancient times, were prominent Kshatriyas and were established in the Kshatriya-Dharama as a warriors and a rulers. They have been stylized as Rajaniyas as well as Kshatriyas in these ancient texts.
The Handas, among other Kshatriya warrior groups, had a significant role in molding the Aryan history of India.
Role in Mughal rule
During the Mughal era in India, the Hada warrior clan emerged as a noteworthy group. Originating from Rajputana (present-day Rajasthan), the Hadas were recognized as a Rajput clan, celebrated for their bravery and loyalty. Over time, this clan was disbanded, with its members dispersing across India. Those who relocated to Gujarat in the Punjab region were referred to as "Handa." Meanwhile, members who moved to Maharashtra, Kashmir, and Haryana were known as "Hande," "Handoo," and "Hudda/Hooda," respectively.