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'Rauniyar', some even refer as 'Roniaur' or 'Rouniyar'. The term Rauniyar as described in the Anglo-Indian Dictionary by George Clifford Whitworth refers to the name of a trading caste, chiefly petty dealers in country products.

Several theories have been placed forward speculating the origin of the term 'Rauniyar'. One theory connects the origin of the term to 'Vikramaditya' Hemu who was a Rouniyar Vaish. Apparently around mid 1500's Hemu lost his battle with Akbar and so our ancestor's started being called as Raun (battle) har (looser). Interestingly, similar analogy, but the battle was of Mahabharata.

The other theory which seems more convincing is that the word 'Rauniyar' takes its origin from the term 'ravan' in the sense of "crying or hawking wares for sale." Others derive it from 'rauna', to "shout"; but having regard to the special occupation which our ancestors might have followed, i.e. salt trade, the word may possibly be a corruption of 'lavanakara' meaning a person engaged in the salt trade. [Supporting facts can be obtained from the book, The tribes and castes of the North-western Provinces and Avadh, Vol4 by William Crooke]

-Deep

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Q: What is a rauniyar caste?
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