Derived from the Sanskrit term chaya which means shadow, the choyal caste is the Indian Rajput community. It is mostly found scattered in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab. The cultural customs and norms of the community date back to the times of mughals where most of the people were involved in warships and battles.
Choyals also have a close linkage with the Chola Dynasty in history. They are still quite prevalent in the areas of Rajasthan and Haryana.The royal ancestors of Cholas ruled the areas of Bharatpur and Agra for quite a long period of time.
Cholas have an age-old history in the Mahabharat. It is believed that the father of Bharat named Dushyant who was also the husband of shakuntala gave birth to 4 sons. His third son’s name was Chola and the choyal surname represents the heirs of chola.
During the eight and ninth century, Pallavas and Pandavas started losing their empire. It was the Chola Dynasty who continued the throne and kept ruling the nation.
Origin of jata community people
Some of the stories about the Jat culture foretell that the jats originated from the hair (jataa) of Lord Shiva. Hence, they have a very prominent culture which gives them a high religious stature in the Indian caste system.
Kuldevi of choyals
Choyal gotra and Kuldevi details revealed that choyal were Jat people who followed their age-old customs and religions very strictly. They believe in sacrifices to reflect their valour and courage. The complicated history behind the origin of the Jat culture includes the ancient Rigveda in its description.
The Kuldevi of choyal caste is Nausar Mata, a Temple in Ajmer Rajasthan. The Kuldevi of the Jat gotra establishes spiritual guidelines to avoid penances and casualties among the caste members. The holy cave is known to withhold supreme energies. The Temple is unique and very differentiated from the rest of temples of that area. It is believed that despite many natural disasters and calamities, nothing happened to the Nausar Mata Temple. The spiritual power of the Goddess Durga is beyond words. It is believed that anybody who comes and prays in this temple with a clean heart receives special blessings and prosperity in life.
Choyal’s current position
The current position of choyals reflect their immense trading and agricultural skills. The Rajputs have been artisans, peddlers and of special communities from the Indo Aryan era.
The widespread caste has a strong history behind its powerful rebel against the mughal rulers. As a result, they are an aggravated community who have always fought for survival. The distribution of current generations of choyal can be found throughout the western and northern parts of India. They have significantly evolved and are now into educational and other progressive fields. Unlike the previous ancestors who specifically spoke Sindhi and Hindi language, the new generation of choyals can speak English and other foreign languages. Just like other Hindus, they cremate dead bodies and celebrate the usual festivals like Holi Diwali Baisakhi and Makar Sankranti.