KHANDAYAT CASTE (Kshatriya of Odisha)

Khandayats are the single largest and highest caste of Odisha. According to 4 varna system of Hindu's  Khandayat come's under Kshatriya varna . They occupy 18-20% of the state’s population . Traditionally they are martial caste or people belonging to the warrior class. The name Khandayat is originated from the term "khanda" in Odia which means the sword and ayata means control in specific area.They are divided into various sub groups.The main sub groups are :- Khetriya, Chasa, Dalapati, Benatiya, Kaltua(NOTE:-There is no reln. betn Western Odisha Kulta,Some think they are same but originally they are different),Pandarsagharia(Mosltly lives in Angul&Dhenkanal district),Tinsagharia(Mosltly lives in Angul district) ,Oda/Odia(sometimes called Orh) ,Samanta,chukuliya(Mosltly lives in Puri & Nayagarh district) sukuliya(Mosltly lives in Puri & Nayagarh district) etc. Like Brahmins,some sub group particularly the Mahanaik also wear Sacred thread (paita) only after marriage where others don't .

After Muslim invasion of India Hindu rulers almost lost their power.  At that time Khandayats(Kshatriyas)  mostly concentrated in cultivation to survive . Genetically, they are daring and brave and still it can can be noticed.They are the real warriors of india like rajputs.


The Khandayats were the ruler of Odisha and they provide both the administer and military service to land of Odisha .The history speaks that they were the most superior and highest class in society and lived equally with all other castes.

Common  Surnames of Khandayats:-
 
Biswal,Dhal,Swain,Pradhan 

Rout,Routaray,Paikaray,Sahoo/Sahu,

Deo,Dey,Singhdeo,Dhir,Maharathi,Sendha
Bal,Beura,Behera,Bhanja,Nayak

Khuntia,Kuanr/Kanar,Gadanayak.Indrasingh
Chakra,Bardhan,Chaulia,Parida,Pahi,Aaich
Mansingh.Gumansingh,Baliarsingh,Ranjitsingh,Gajendrasingh
Jayasing,Jujharsingh,Chhualsingh,Kahalsingh,Pahadsingh
Mangara,Mardaraj,Bhola,Bisoi,Bohra,Baral
Ray,Samantaray,Rayguru/Raiguru
Khandayatraj,Khandayatra,Kheluadsingh
Paikaray,Chhotray,Dalasinghray,Srichandanray,Champatiray
Samal,Patil,Bishoyi,Patra,
Patel,Mohanty,Pal,Khatei,Khatua
Dalabehera,Dalei/Dalai,Dandapatta
Harichandan,Srichandan,Badajena,Jena,Jenamani
Khandai,Khandeyi,Khandei,Choudhary
Mohapatra,Samantasinghar,Pattajoshi
Pattasani,Jagadev,Samanta,Bidyadhara,Bairiganjan
Uttarakabat,Pashimakabat,Dakhinakabat,Purbakabat,

Who are the Khandayats of Odisha ? 

Khandayat