Bihari Rajputs
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| • India | |
| Languages | |
| • Hindi, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magadhi, Angika, Bajjika | |
| Religion | |
| • Hinduism, Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Rajputs, Khanzada Rajputs, Thakurai, Purbiya |
Rajputs in Bihar are members of the Rajput caste found in the Indian state of Bihar. In some historical sources, they are also referred to as Purbiya Rajputs, meaning Eastern Rajputs. In contrast, the Rajputs living in Rajasthan were historically referred to as "Western Rajputs".
They have a history stretching back to the early 14th century when Parmar Rajputs migrated and deposed the local Chero rulers. These Rajputs later came known as Ujjainiya Rajputs and form one of the many clans to now inhabit the region. According to the "Khyat", a legendary source for information about the Ujjainiya Rajputs, the Jaunpur Sultanate rulers interrupted the prayers of Brahmins on the bank of the Ganges. The Ujjainiya Rajputs attempted to defend the Brahmins, but the Jaunpur Sultanate soon defeated them and demolished the temples used by the Brahmins.
Bihari Rajputs have a long tradition of being recruited as mercenaries for various rulers such as the British and the Marathas.
In the Battle of Khanua the Purbiyas served as a mercenary force under Silhadi and lead the vanguard of the Rajput army but defected to the Mughals resulting in the defeat of the Rajput confederation.
Along with members of the Bhumihar caste, many of the Zamindari estates were ruled by Rajputs, such as Sonbarsa Raj, ruled by the Ganwaria Rajput clan, and Jagdishpur, ruled by the Ujjainiya Rajput clan. Bihari Rajputs made up the majority of the Bengal Army.
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