The Khant are a Hindu caste found in the state of Gujarat in India.
History and origin
The Khant are also referred to as Khant Darbar in Sorath, now Junagadh district of Gujarat. According to their oral traditions, they were Rajputs to fight Muslims to save the Somnath temple of LORD SHIVA a Hindu god.
Present circumstances
The Khant have clans called ataks, like the Baria, Bheda, Chawda, makwana, morabiya, Gujarati, zala, kandoliya, lalakiya,sarvaiya, Parmar and Deavla. Their claim to Rajput status is generally acknowledged, and they are referred to as darbars. The Khant are agriculturalist.
Nowadays from last many years, A book "DHARMVANI" also called "RAMNATH" is being monthly published by a ramjibhai morabiya from RAJKOT a city of saurashtra in Gujarat. Which not only unites cast people/personnel with each other but also providing a plateform to communicate with each other.
History of Khant Rajputs
Khants Rajput numbered 13,423 (1901), including 6,733 males and 6,690 females. They are found chiefly in the Gir villages under the Junagadh State in Kathiyawar. The chief of the tribe claims descent from Bhatti Rajputs. The leading families are known by the title of Mer, which is said to mean chief. This is derived from the old Gujarati word mer, meaning the largest bead in a necklace. These families may descend from late Kolis, which is Mhed, Mand or Mer ancestry.
Dhandh Khant, an early leader, was the son of Sonang Mer, conqueror of Dhandhuka and founder of Dhandhalpur in Panchal. Patal Khant is believed to have conquered Petlad. Their most famous leader was Jesa (or Jesing) who helped Emperor Muhammad Toghlak take Junagadh (1330) from Ra'Khengar. In return, the emperor is said to have bestowed on the Khants the hill of Girnar and the twenty-four villages of Bilkha chovisi. A century later, when Mahmud Begada conquered Junagadh (1472), he found the Khants living in Girnar. The tribe believe that Markand, the son of Kashyap, is their ancestor.
References
Retrieved from :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khant_(caste)
