The Gautam is a Rajput clan found primarily in north region of Indian subcontinent. The members of this clan claim to be descended from one Siringhirikh and his Gaharwar wife. The erstwhile head of Gautam Rajputs had also claimed himself to be descendant of the Shakyas thus possibly giving an alternate origin for this clan. They are primarily found in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, along with Rajasthan and Gujarat. The clan name Gautam means "descendant of Gautam or one who has most light", "Gautama" meaning "one who has the most light," and may indicate the possibility of Kshatriya clans adopting the Brahminical gotra of their purohit.

Territory

The territory of key Gautam Rajput settlements included the following areas.

History

The Gautam Rajput clan was formerly very powerful near lower Doab. The Gautam Rajput family of Argal, fought several battles for Sher Shah against Humayun.

Notable Gautam Rajputs