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Thakur or Thakore (Sanskrit: ठक्कुर) is a feudal title and a surname used by upper class communities in India and Nepal. "Thakur" title was used by the Royal families of India, but 24 years after the Independence of India, the concept of Kingdoms and Monarchy were abolished by the Democratic Government, under the 26th Constitutional amendment of 1971 that abolished privy purses.
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The word Thakur means lord, god or master, The title was used by rulers of several princely states including Ambliara, Vala, Morbi and Varsoda. Sons of Thakurs, were given the title of Kunwar, denoting the prince.
In the zamindari system, Brahmins and Rajput Thakurs were landlords who used to collect revenue in their jagir (feudatory estate).
A Thakur's (e)state, called Thakorate, reached salute state rank in the British Empire of India. The Thakore Sahib of Dhrol, Thakore Sahib of Limbdi, Thakore Sahib of Palitana and Thakore Sahib of Rajkot were recognised with hereditary 9-gun salutes, while the Thakur Sahib of Gondal received an 11-gun salute.
Etymology
It is derived from the Sanskrit word thākura meaning deity, idol, chief or man of rank. Hindu god, Dharma Thakur is worshipped in the Rarh region folklore.
Thakurs
Thakur served as the title of many princely states, including: Beja State, Bija State, Chuda State, Dhadi State, Kachhi Baroda State, Kathiwada State, Kawarda State, Khirasra State, Kunihar State, Mahlog State, Mohanpur State, Ranasan State, Sanjeli State, Sayla State, Tharad State, Valasna State, Wadagam State.
In some states, the Thakur's title was later changed, notably:
In Tharoch State, the ruler's title of Rana was changed to Thakur, before being reverted back to Rana again later.
Compound variants
The title had loftier compound variants, notably: