Pathani

Pathani (Hindi: पथनी) of the Attigoan and Kamsyar region of Gangolihat tehsil Pithoragarh district of the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand belong to the Chandravanshi clan of Kshatriyas Kumaoni Rajputs (कुमाँऊनी राजपूत).

Not to be confused with Pathan or Pathania.

Pathni/Pathani
Classificationaristocracy, feudatory, landlord
ReligionsHinduism
LanguagesGangoli variation of Kumaoni, Hindi
Populated statesUttarakhand
SubdivisionsClans based on Raaths. E.g.: Dhuri,Padhan.


Pathani people are members of an old Kashyap Gotra, Chandravanshi or Somvanshi Rajput clan which migrated from the Pathankot, Nurpur of India to Bhaaloaagar and then to their current location in Uttarakhand in the early 16th century AD.[1] Atkinson described them as the groups holding small principalities in Kumaon at the end Katyuri rule and the advent of the Chand dynasty in Kumaon.

After a brief stint with the Chands they were awarded a grant of the patti of Attigaon and Kamsyar i.e. the area from Ganaigangoli to Banspatan.

Origins

They trace their origin from two chieftains Raimal and Jaimal two Kashyap gotriya Chandravanshi Rajputs, based in Pathankot which was also known as Paithan in the medieval age.

Etymology

The name Pathani (पथनी) comes from the medieval name of Pathankot which was Paithan. The name Paithani later transformed to Pathani.

Arrival in Kumaon

Raimal descendant Dham Singh established himself in Gwari, patti Attigaon of the Gangolihat tehsil of Uttarakhand sher he received a grant from Chand kings. Dham Singh's four sons founded the four Raaths (राठ) of the Pathani clan.

Raaths

They are divided into four Raaths (राठ) descended from the four sons of Dham Singh the original founder of the clan. They are

1.Padhaan Raath ; (पधान राठ)

2. Dhuri Raath ; (धुरि राठ)

3. Malla Raath ; (मल्ला राठ)

4. Paar Raath ; (पार राठ).

The word Raath comes from Sanskrit ratha or chariot or bearers of the founders legacy.

Language and culture

Language

They speak the Gangoli dialect of Kumaoni (गंगोली कुमाँऊनी) and Hindi.

Religion

Being Hindus the vast they worship Hindu pantheon they also worship local deities like Golu Devta,Kaisinn, Kalbisht, Nanda Devi like other Kumaonis.

The clan's principal deity is Sem dev (सैम देव) who is always invoked along with his brother Haru dev (हरु देव) i.e. the divine spirit of Raja Harish of the Chands. The Dhuri Pathanis one of the five raaths of the Pathani people also worship Ma Haatkalika Mata of Gangolihaat and Pardevi another local divinity as their family deities along with Haru-Sem.

Customs

Being Kumaoni Rajputs their customs and culture are same as other Kumaonis. The rich cultural heritage of Kumaon has been greatly cherished and fiercely protected by them. The tradition of Kumaoni Holi, Jhoda and Chanchari songs, and Jaagar the ballads of Gods, Sarau and Choliya the sword dances of Kumaon are a cherished part of their culture.

Priests

Their customary priests are the Upadhyay clan of Brahmins of Devrari Kuna.

Festivals

Their principal festivals are Harela - harvest festival which is celebrated all over Kumaon Bijay dashmi (बिजय दशमी) i.e. Dusshera on this day the victory of Lord Rama over Demon King Ravana is celebrated it has special significance for the Rajput community as weapons are also worshipped on this day. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi or the Shravani Purnima here signifies the day for changing the sacred thread yagnopavit. Aanthoo festival is basically a festival dedicated to Shiva and his consort Mata Parvati. Nandashthami, dedicated to Ma Nanda and Ma Sunanda the patron deities of Kumaon also held in great esteem and regarded as the Rann Devi (रण देवी) or War Goddess the protector of warriors in battle, is also celebrated. They participate in the annual Baurani fair commemorating the adventures of Sem devta with his brother Haru Dev and their nephew Golu Devta all of whom are worshipped in the Kumaon region as gods.

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See also
  • Kumaun
  • Kumauni People
  • Kumaoni (disambiguation)
  • Martial Race

References
  1. History of the Panjab Hill States By J. Hutchison, J.P. Vogel,Asian Educational Services,p213
  • The Himalayan Gazetter by E. T. Atkinson
  • The History of Kumaun by B. D. Pandey
  • Uma Prasad Thapliyal (2005). Uttaranchal: Historical and cultural perspectives. B.R. Pub. Corp.,. ISBN 81-7646-463-5.
  • Umachand Handa (2002). History of Uttaranchal. Indus Publishing. ISBN 81-7387-134-5
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