| Caste Name: | Mair Rajput |
| Caste Name In Local: | Sonar, Sunar, Sunyar |
| Varna: | Kshatriya |
| Jati: | Rajput |
| Languages: | Punjabi, Haryanvi, Hindi, Marwari, Urdu |
| Lineage: | Solar Dynasty |
| Status: | Goldsmiths |
| Religions: | Sikhism, Hinduism |
Mair Rajput found in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and other surrounding areas.They are also known as Sunar and Verma.In haryana they call themselves Deshwali Sunar.[1] [2]
The Mair(maidhh) community Mair-Minhas Rajputs, traditionally known for their skills in jewelry-making, is found predominantly in northern India. Historically, the Mair community was classified by the British Raj administration under the theories of Herbert Hope Risley, which categorized Indian communities based on social hierarchies for the 1901 census. The Mair and Tank communities were initially classified in a manner that did not reflect their self-perceived status. Originally renowned as warriors, the Mair Rajputs forged a strong alliance with the Chauhan Rajput tribe. This alliance is reflected in many Mair Rajput families adopting the surname "Chauhan," despite each having distinct gotras (clans). This historical and cultural affiliation underscores their shared martial traditions and strategic partnerships in regional conflicts. Economic changes over time prompted some Mair Rajputs to diversify their livelihoods, with many choosing craftsmanship, particularly in goldsmithing. This specialization led to them being known as Sonars or jewel-makers among the populace, highlighting their skill in working with precious metals.
The Mair community was among those that challenged their official classification by the British Raj administration, which was based in large part upon the theories of Herbert Hope Risley. Under this system, the various communities of India were assigned a position on the social ladder in order to assist in categorisation for the 1901 census. In 1911, a caste association - Hindu Mair Rajput and Tank Kshatriya Rajput Sabha of Lahore - petitioned the authorities in an attempt to overturn the classification that had been designated for both the Mair and the Tank communities, stating that
The Mair Rajputs have a storied warrior tradition deeply embedded in their historical identity, reflecting their Kshatriya heritage. Originating from Rajasthan, particularly around Ajmer and the Mewar region, the Mair Rajputs forged a formidable reputation as skilled fighters and defenders of their territories. Historically allied with the Chauhan Rajputs, all mair's are not chouhan. Mair belongs form different clans the Mairs participated prominently in regional conflicts, notably defending Ajmer against external invasions such as the siege by Turkish forces in the 12th century. Accounts from historical texts highlight their valor and strategic acumen in battles alongside their Chauhan counterparts, underscoring their pivotal role in safeguarding their ancestral lands. The Mairs' martial prowess and steadfast loyalty to their alliances not only fortified their reputation as fierce warriors but also solidified their status as Rajputs, a community esteemed for their courage, honor, and resilience in the face of adversity. This enduring legacy of military excellence continues to resonate within the Mair community, symbolizing their commitment to upholding their Kshatriya lineage and preserving their cultural heritage through generations.[3] [4]
The Mair Rajputs, renowned for their ancestral warrior tradition, also have a distinguished legacy in the craft of goldsmithing, but some ST and SC cast mix in mair and say mair is sunar,sonar but mair is not sunar,sonar which has been integral to their cultural identity. The Mairs transitioned to the artisanal profession of jeweller maker time, earning them the moniker jewel-makers among local communities. This transition was driven by economic shifts and their adeptness in working with precious metals. The craftsmanship of the Mair Rajputs in jewel-making reflects not only their skill but also their adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit in sustaining their livelihoods and community prosperity. Today, their expertise in the art of jewelry-making continues to be a source of pride, preserving their cultural heritage and contributing to the artisanal traditions passed down through generations.[5]
The lineage of the Mair Rajputs is deeply intertwined with the Surya Vansh, or the solar dynasty, tracing their origins to ancient Rajput clans associated with the solar deity Surya. This lineage is foundational to their identity as Kshatriyas, born warriors celebrated for their courage, honor, and commitment to duty. Across generations, the Mair Rajputs have upheld their esteemed heritage, serving as stalwart defenders of their territories and custodians of their cultural traditions. Beyond their martial prowess, the Mairs are also known for their proficiency in artisanal crafts, Today, the Mair community continues to honor and preserve their Surya Vansh lineage through rituals, communal festivities, and the transmission of ancestral knowledge, ensuring that their noble lineage remains a pillar of their identity and a legacy cherished by future generations.
The Mair Rajputs are organized into numerous gotras, each tracing their lineage through paternal descent.[6] Some of the prominent gotras among the Mair Rajputs include: