Thakur (Indian Title) - Other Uses

Other Uses

• Thakur is not a caste or religion, but rather an identity; the word is self-assigned by wealthy members in villages, such as landlords, and is placed before an individual's name—such individuals hold a high standing in their villages (this position is in terms of ensuring that justice is served on behalf of their people). These individuals claim to be descendants from a good Kshtriya family, such as the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty of the Kushan Empire in the north-west. The word is derived from the blessings that farmers would pass onto the owners of the land that they used, who were grateful to be able to feed their families—land owners were like "God" to the farmers, so they applied the term "Thakur".
• As a formal title, Thakur was also often used for non-ruling noblemen (either with an estate or merely honorary).
• In Jodhpur (in Rajasthan), until the reign of Maharaja Umaid Singhji, the title of Maharaj was inheritable by all legitimate males for three generations; this later became seven generations to conform with Rajput marriage customs—the sons' titles are stylised as "Rajkumar" during their father's lifetime, and "Maharaj" afterwards. Those members of the eighth generation, and beyond, inherit.
• In Tripura, members of the royal family were known as "Thakurs".