The origin of Kakan Rajputras
The Kakan Rajputs are a Suryavanshi Kshatriya clan primarily found in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They trace their lineage to Prince Bharat, the son of Kaikeyi and King Dasharatha, making them descendants of the Bharat–Kaikeya line. Due to this ancestral connection, some members of the clan also use “Kaikeya” as their surname. The clan is believed to have originally hailed from the Kekeya region of ancient Gandhara, ruled by descendants of Raja Pushkala, the son of Bharat.
Early History and Migrations
Following the decline of Hindu dynasties in the northwestern regions, the ancestors of the Kakan Rajputs migrated southward to Rajasthan and the Sapta Konkan region. They are said to have served under the Solanki (Chaulukya) dynasty. The term “Kakan” is thought to be a corrupted form (Apabhramsha) of “Konkan”, referencing their settlement in that area. Over time, the Kakan dynasty split into two major branches—one moved toward Delhi, while the other migrated to the Mahishmati region.
Kakan Rajputs of Mahishmati and Ballia
The branch that settled in Mahishmati (modern-day Madhya Pradesh) served under the Haihayavanshi rulers as trusted military commanders. From there, they migrated to Ratanpur, then to Prayagraj (Jhunsi) with Haihaya Raja Chandrajyoti dev, and later settled in the Ballia district of eastern Uttar Pradesh, in regions like Manjhi, Bharsar, and Haldi.
During a battle between the Haihaya and Karchauliya Kshatriyas at Vaina and Rasra, the Kakan Rajputs played a decisive role in securing victory for the Haihaya ruler of Haldi. In recognition of their valor, 14 Kakan commanders were awarded the title of Kunwar and granted additional villages. The title Kunwar is still used by many members of the clan.
Today, Kakan Rajputs are primarily concentrated in villages such as Haldi and Parasia. A notable ancestor, Hemnath Baba—a Hindu spiritual figure associated with the Aghor tradition—has a memorial in Kapoorpah Hansnagar. This site spans 450 bighas of land where, in accordance with local tradition, no one sits on a chair or cot out of reverence for the saint.
Kakan Rajputs of Delhi and Eastern Uttar Pradesh
The other branch of the Kakan Rajputs served as military commanders under the Delhi Sultanate. By imperial order, an ancestor named Baba Laukamdev was dispatched to Aldemau-Sarauda in the Mau district of Uttar Pradesh. He established matrimonial alliances there and made Aldemau-Sarauda his capital, laying the foundation for the expansion of Kakan influence across eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Map of the capital Aldemau-Sarauda of kakan kingdom
Laukamdev is credited with defeating a local Chandravanshi ruler, Raja Chirkut Singh—after whom the town of Chiraiyakot is named—and establishing control over the regions of Mau and Azamgarh. His two sons, Raja Arjundev (also known as Shravandev) and Raja Ratan Dev, continued his legacy.
Raja Arjundev significantly expanded the Kakan territory and named Sarauda (later known as Sarauda Phatak) after himself. He had three sons—Raja Singh, Bhisham Singh, and Lakshmisen. Lakshmisen ruled Sarauda, Bhisham Singh was granted additional villages, and Raja Singh held an advisory role in the court and partial military role in the army due to his limited capacity.
Map of Mau region where Kakan rule expanded.
Raja Ratan Dev the second son of Baba Laukamdev, remembered as Khadag Baba, was particularly noted for his spiritual devotion and martial prowess. Known for carrying a sword during his pilgrimages, he is celebrated in local folklore for slaying a tiger during a journey to the Ganges. This act earned him admiration from a local Yaduvanshi (Chandel) ruler, who offered his daughter’s hand in marriage. Ratan Dev established himself in Kharabadeeh, where he reportedly governed 42 villages. Though his fort lies in ruins today, a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga now marks the site, and his descendants continue to reside in the area.
This is the map of the region where Raja Ratandev used to rule
Legacy of Valor: The Kakan Rajputs in India’s Freedom Struggle
During British rule, when the fire of rebellion spread across the country, the Kakans didn’t stay silent. From the 1857 First War of Independence to the Quit India Movement of 1942, they played their part with courage and sacrifice.
During the Quit India Movement of 1942, the flame of resistance reignited in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Inspired by the Ballia movement led by Chittu Pandey, the people of Azamgarh and Mau rose up. Local Kakan Rajput Zamindars like Shri Balkrishna Singh, Ram Sufeir Singh, Raj narayan Singh, and Braj Narayan Singh led the charge in places like Chiryakot. They encouraged the locals to break bridges and culverts in areas like Godisa-Vankata, Sirsa-Raipur, and Sarsena to stop British troop movement. Although individual arrests were not made, the British imposed collective fines—mostly targeting the Kakans, who were seen as key instigators.
Sri Balkrishna Singh Ji had also handed over 23 lakh rupees to the Indian National Congress through the District Congress Committee at that time though later he was eventually imprisoned in Azamgarh Jail, where he endured severe torture. His land—comprising over 400 bighas and all his weapons was confiscated by the colonial authorities as punishment. Despite incarceration, his influence continued to inspire the people; on 17 August 1942, his followers uprooted railway tracks and cut communication lines near Muhammadabad-Khurhat, directly disrupting British operations.
Apart from the 1942 movement, the Kakan Rajputs of Bihar were actively involved in the First War of Independence in 1857. In regions such as Saran and Shahabad, many Kakans had risen to the rank of zamindars and military vassals under the Ujjainiya Rajputs. They fought shoulder to shoulder with Babu Veer Kunwar Singh, one of the most celebrated heroes of the 1857 revolt, offering fierce resistance to the British forces in Bihar.
Another notable figure was Babu Braj Narayan Singh, who joined the freedom struggle around 1938. He took part in several protests and, along with Balkrishna Singh and Shambhu Singh, was jailed for destroying the Sarsena bridge. British officials repeatedly raided his home, but he always managed to stay one step ahead, thanks to the support of the local people. On 9 August 1942, he led a large gathering in support of the Quit India Movement.
Ram Sufeir Singh of Karvi, though not as widely documented, was another strong Kakan Rajput voice during this time who was known for killing british officers. In Ghazipur’s Kharwa region too, many Kakans like Raghunath Singh of Manihari, Ramkrit Singh of Barhat, Rajkeshav Singh of Katghara, and Veer Bahadur Singh were deeply involved in the 1930 Salt Satyagraha and 1942 movement. They mobilized villagers, organized protests, and even collected funds for the peasant movement. Their courage and leadership were crucial in maintaining the momentum of the freedom struggle in this belt.
The legacy of the Kakans continued into the era of armed resistance. Babu Ramapati Singh, a native of Sarseena in Aldemau-Sarauda, had migrated to Singapore for livelihood. There, moved by Subhash Chandra Bose’s fiery patriotism, he joined the Azad Hind Fauj. He traveled with Netaji across Japan and Germany and contributed to the nationalist cause through military service. After independence, he returned to his village, where he remained a respected leader for decades.
The community also gave martyrs like Parasnath Singh of Devkhari village, who fell in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, defending the nation’s sovereignty. In his memory, a shrine stands in the village where annual fairs and wrestling tournaments are held to honor his supreme sacrifice.
Through non-violent resistance, armed rebellion, and enduring sacrifice, the Kakan Rajputs have left an indelible mark on India’s struggle for independence. From the 1857 rebellion to the final victory in 1947—and even beyond into national defense—their courage and commitment to the motherland continue to inspire generations.
Jauhar of the Kakan Kshatriya Women
According to local oral traditions, the women of the Kakan Rajput royal family of Aldemau–Sarauda were known for their bravery and unwavering resolve, rivaling that of their male counterparts. A particularly significant episode remembered in regional lore recounts an act of Jauhar committed by the Kshatriya women during a period of British incursion.
It is said that while the male warriors of the Aldemau–Sarauda estate were away in battle, British forces attempted to seize the fort and dishonor the women in their absence. In a desperate and valiant defense, 52 women of the Kakan Rajput lineage fought back against the invading forces. When defeat became inevitable, they chose to protect their honor through Jauhar—ritual self-immolation or suicide—by leaping into a well within the palace grounds.
The site, where skeletal remains were reportedly discovered in later years, is considered by locals to be the place of this tragic yet heroic sacrifice. The loss deeply impacted the royal household, as the grief-stricken men of the Rajvansh were never able to fully recover their past strength or restore their former legacy.
Contemporary Presence and Historical Legacy
In present times, the Kakan Rajputs of Aldemau–Sarauda and Ghazipur are recognized for their longstanding history of landownership and regional influence. Over generations, many members of the Kakan community migrated from eastern Uttar Pradesh to Bihar, where they established themselves as prominent landowners and zamindars, particularly in districts such as Saran and Shahabad.
Historically, Kakan Rajputs in Bihar are noted to have served as vassals and military commanders under the Ujjainiya Rajput clan, who held significant sway in the region. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, several Kakan Rajputs allied with Babu Veer Kunwar Singh, playing an active role in resisting British colonial forces.
Today, the Kakan Rajputs continue to hold a notable socio-economic and political presence in both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, contributing to local governance, rural leadership, and cultural preservation.
Notable kakan rajput figures
Babu Braj narayan singh - was a National Organization Minister of All India Kshatriya Mahasabha–Bharat, Village Post–Aldemau–Saronda, District–Mau.
Babu Bal Krishna singh - Revolutionary and a freedom fighter
Parasnath singh - martyr solider
Yashwant singh - Former MLA for 10 years and Former MLC.
Vikrant singh - current MLC Azamgarh - Mau