Rajputs

Rajputs occupy a respectable position in Haryana. The various Rajput clans trace their ancestry to the ancient warriors (Kshatriya) who figure so prominently in legend and ancient lore. The oldest Rajput settlers in Haryana are two principal clans, the Mandhars and the Chauhans. The Mandhars claim to have descended from Lav, one of the two sons of Rama, the great hero of Epic Ramayana. They are thus descendants of Surajabansis. The Chauhans claim descent from Rana Har Rai. Other Rajput clans are Badgujar, Bachas, Tunwars, Gurs etc.

In earlier times the Rajputs have formed an important class of the feudals in Haryana. But now the new social legislation and in particular the land laws, have drastically cut down larger holdings of land which led to the disappearance of the feudal gentry.

Brahmans

The Brahmans form an important section of the people in Haryana. Most of the Brahmins in Haryana are Gaur Brahmins. The name is probably derived from their residence at Ghaggar. The other common gotras among Brahmans are Sarsut, Bharadwaja, Vashista, Gaudama, Bacchhasas, Parsira, Sandlasa, Gujarati or Bias and the Dakaut. The Sarsut Brahmins, less numerous than the Gaur are not so strict in their caste habits. The Gujarati or Bias who came from Gujarat are regarded in some respects as the highest class of Brahmins.

Brahmins constitute the most orthodox community. Not only do they keep aloof from others, but also practice taboos among themselves. But now the situation is changing and the Brahmins even take up other profession than the priesthood.

Tyagis or Tagas are of Brahmin origin who gave up priestly profession and took to agriculture. Tyagis wear the sacred thread but the other Brahmins will not inter marry or eat with them.

Ahirs

The Ahirs are concentrated in Mahandergarh, the neighbouring district of Gurgaon and the Jhajjar tehsil of Rohtak. They claim to have descended from the people to which Lord Krishna himself belonged, the Yadav tribe. They are by far the best and the most skilled agriculturists. They are hard working, frugal and orderly. In habits and nature they are similar to the Jats and they also have a number of gotras like the Jats.