Chaprana

**Rana** is a historical title and surname used by Rajput communities in North India, particularly in the present-day states of Punjab and Haryana. Among Rajputs of this region, _Rana_ functioned originally as a royal or martial title denoting sovereignty or chieftainship and later evolved into a hereditary surname. The title has been associated with multiple Rajput clans, including Tomar (Tanwar), Chauhan, Panwar/Parmar, and Bhati, among others. **Rana** is a surname used by the Rajput.

## Etymology and origin

The term _Rana_ is derived from the Sanskrit word _Rāṇaka_, meaning a ruler, warrior, or military leader. Historically, it was used as an honorific title by Rajput rulers and chiefs to signify independent authority or high martial status. The feminine form of the title is _Rani_. Over time, _Rana_ became hereditary in many families and gradually came into use as a surname.

## Historical usage among Rajputs

In medieval North India, Rajput society was organised around clan lineage (_gotra_ or _vamsha_) and territorial rule. Titles such as _Rana_, _Raja_, _Rao_, and _Thakur_ were commonly adopted by ruling or warrior elites. In the regions of Punjab and Haryana, _Rana_ was frequently used by Rajput chieftains who exercised local authority over villages or estates.

As political structures changed over centuries due to invasions, regional conflicts, and the decline of feudal systems, many Rajput families retained _Rana_ as a hereditary surname even after the loss of political power.

### Tomar (Tanwar) Rajputs

The Tomar or Tanwar clan is considered an ancient Rajput lineage, traditionally associated with the Chandravanshi (lunar dynasty). Tomar rulers historically governed parts of present-day Delhi, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. In Haryana and adjoining regions, several Tomar Rajput families adopted _Rana_ as a title, which later became a surname, reflecting their status as local rulers or military leaders.They generally use Tanwar as their surname and have presence in big numbers in Bhiwani-Hisar-Mahendragarh.

### Chauhan Rajputs

The Chauhan clan is traditionally classified among the Agnivanshi Rajputs. Chauhans held significant power in medieval North India, including areas of Rajasthan and Haryana. In parts of Haryana and southern Punjab, Chauhan Rajputs historically used titles such as _Rao_ and _Rana_, depending on regional custom. Over time, _Rana_ became a common surname among certain Chauhan-descended families in these regions.

### Panwar (Parmar) Rajputs

The Parmar, also known as Panwar or Puar, is another prominent Rajput clan with historical roots in central and western India. Branches of the Panwar Rajputs migrated or established settlements in Punjab and Haryana, where some families adopted the _Rana_ title. In local traditions, the title denoted authority, land ownership, or military distinction.They ruled the city of Rohtak.

### Bhati Rajputs

The Bhati Rajputs claim descent from the Yaduvanshi lineage and historically ruled regions in western India, particularly around Jaisalmer. Bhati influence extended into parts of Punjab and Haryana through migration and conquest. In certain areas, Bhati Rajput families used _Rana_ as an honorific or surname, although clan-based surnames such as _Bhati_ or _Bhatti_ also remained common.

## Clan name and title distinction

In Rajput tradition, a distinction exists between a clan name (such as Tomar, Chauhan, Panwar, or Bhati) and a title or surname (such as Rana, Singh, Rao, or Thakur). While clan names denote genealogical lineage, titles historically indicated rank, authority, or martial status. In Punjab and Haryana, many Rajput families came to use _Rana_ as a primary surname, sometimes replacing or obscuring the original clan name in everyday usage.

## Modern usage

In contemporary India, _Rana_ continues to be used as a surname by Rajputs of Punjab and Haryana, reflecting historical tradition, regional identity, and ancestral association with Rajput martial and ruling heritage.

## See also

- Rajputs
- Rana (title)
- Tomar (Rajput clan)
- Chauhan
- Parmar (clan)
- Bhati

## References

__STATICREDIRECT__

## See also

- Rajput clan
- Tomar dynasty
- Bhati dynasty

## Infobox (caste)

- **caste name**: Rana
- **jati**: Rajput
- **religions**: Hinduism, Islam
- **languages**: Punjabi language, Punjabi, Haryanvi, Hindi, Urdu
- **country**: India, Pakistan
- **region**: Haryana, Punjab
- **ethnicity**: Indian people, Indian, Pakistani
- **lineage**: Chandravanshi, Suryavanshi Agnivanshi,