Prajapati Caste, Gotras, and Marriage Rituals

Prajapati is a caste found mainly in Northern and Western India. Prajapati has traditionally been associated with various artisans and business activities. The name Prajapati comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "Lord of Beings".

If we talk about Rajasthan, there are six sub-groups of Prajapati caste which include Mathera, Kheteri, Marwada, Timaria and Mavaliya. In the area he is also known as Kumhar. Apart from this, their number is very high all over India.

MatrimonialsIndia is working to connect two families by allowing registration by Prajapati candidates and families across India. Where you will be able to marry within the same caste on the basis of location, Prajapati sub-caste, professional profile etc. So, if you are looking for a single bride or groom for yourself, MatrimonialsIndia presents Prajapati matrimony for you.

Origin and history

• Prajapati community is of Brahmin warriors. They are considered to be the descendants of Prajapati Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Maharaj Manu. Prajapati means protector as well as patron (king).
• According to history, during the Dwapar era, Pandavas stayed at Prajapati's house. During that time, the Prajapati community was quite blessed, and its culture was sophisticated. But after some time, social discrimination started happening in the name of Prajapati. However, its old, high and sacred values can still be seen in a hidden way.
• This caste is considered to be the traditional potters and sculptors of India. Prajapati as a potter is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Mahabharata.
• Today they are found in many states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Note: In many states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, the Prajapati caste is classified under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category. In some states, some subcastes of Prajapati are considered to belong to the general category.

Prajapati Gotra

The gotras found in Prajapati families can vary greatly depending on their geographical region, religious influence and family lineage.

• In North India, this caste includes gotras like Gautam, Kashyap, Vishwakarma, Garg and Bhardwaj, which talk about the connection with the knowledge of ancient times.
• Moving towards the west of Central India, it includes gotras like Solanki, Chauhan, Parmar, Rathod, Bhati, Parihar, Sengar and Jadeja.
• South India includes the Nagavanshi, Yadav, Reddy, Naidu, Nayak, Gounder and Shetty gotras that link ancient lineages to regional identity.
• Eastern India includes the Sen, Das, Sarkar, Mandal, Ghosh, Dey and Chaudhary gotras which echo the heritage of kingdoms of the past.

Note: You will be surprised to know that about 315,000 people in India bear this surname.

Traditional business

As a potter, Prajapati makes his living by making earthen pots, lamps, toys, idols and other clay objects as a business. Apart from pottery, they are also associated with art, sculpture and jewelery making.

Prajapati Marriage Rituals

People of this caste follow traditional Hindu marriage rituals. Its major ceremonies include Chunri Chadana, marital matchmaking, Tel Chadana, Mehendi, Sangeet, procession, Jayamala garland exchange, Kanyadaan, rounds around the sacred fire, Sindoor and Mangalsutra ceremony, farewell and housewarming.

Culture and lifestyle

The Prajapati caste is considered to be predominantly Hindu but some families have converted to other religions such as Islam and Christianity. These people speak different languages like Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi. Their dress and customs can be traditional and modern.