Kshatriya is the traditional warrior and ruling varna of the Hindu caste hierarchy, historically associated with military service, land control and kingship across the Indian subcontinent. Kshatriya status is claimed by numerous regionally distinct lineages and communities, including the Rajput clans of northern and western India and the Maratha community of western India, whose historical claims to Kshatriya rank have themselves been subjects of documented scholarly and social contestation (a process sometimes termed Sanskritization). As with other varna categories, Kshatriya identity today spans the full range of modern occupations rather than the historical martial role alone.
Facts
Group TypeSourced to the subject's own account Typical RegionSourced to the subject's own accountSouth Asia (India and Nepal) 1 Primary LanguageSourced to the subject's own accountRegional Indian languages 1 Subsistence ModeSourced to the subject's own accountTraditionally warrior, ruling and administrative occupations within the varna system, including historical Rajput, Maratha and other regional ruling lineages that claim Kshatriya status. 1 Open Questions
Population Estimateno reliable modern population figure exists 1 Sourced to the subject's own accountIndia has not published a caste-wise census since 1931, and Kshatriya identity today is claimed by numerous regionally distinct communities whose totals have never been aggregated in a single reliable count. Sources
Reader Challenges (0 open reader challenges)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.
View At A Past Year
The atlas records no dated fact of its own for this entry, so there is no other year to choose.