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.

## Rana among Rajput clans of Punjab and Haryana 
### 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