No mention of a Rajput Sikh religion could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

However, according to a professor of religion at the University of Southern California, Santa Barbara whose area of expertise includes the Sikh tradition, Rajput Sikh does not designate an autonomous religious group, but rather the term Rajput refers to a caste or clan group originating in Rajasthan, India (12 Mar. 2002). Rajput Sikhs are Sikhs who trace their pre-Sikh lineage back to the Rajput caste (ibid.). According to the professor they are a small group, numbering perhaps 2 per cent of the total Sikh community (ibid.), which is estimated to be 1.9 per cent of India's total population of one billion (US Department of State Mar. 2000).

The following information on the Rajput people was contained in a 31 August 2000 article in Hinduism Today:

The Rajput people are known for their valor in the battlefield and chivalry towards a defeated foe. The Rajputs, an ancient race with a history and culture quite diverse from other Indians, especially inhabitants of the South, roamed the sandy wastes of the expansive Thar Desert as far back as 3,000 years BCE [Before the Common Era]. Ardent Surya (Sun) worshipers, these hardy folks adapted very well to an extremely harsh and unrelenting environment, with no civic amenities whatsoever. They had a minimum of personal belongings. They never stayed for too long in one place, didn't own a house of their own and slept under the stars.

...

Historically, the Rajputs are a warrior race, gallant fighters and a formidable foe in battle, as the Turmani and Mughal invaders were soon to realize. Whereas almost all the Hindu population eventually capitulated to their new masters, the Rajputs alone never accepted Muslim domination and were in constant opposition to the Islamic forces, especially the Mughals. The Rajputs also spurned the conversion of Indians to Islam. While they were eventually defeated in 1191, they were the last to succumb. Similarly, Jaisalmer was the last kingdom to submit to British rule.

As devout Hindus, the Rajput's last act at the end of the day is a visit to the local temple for darshan (obeisance) of the resident Deity. They are kind to a stranger and follow a strict code of conduct. It is said that the most impressive aspect of Rajasthan is the hospitality. Every home has a special place set aside for visitors, or anyone needing board on their journey.

There are various Rajput clans, created more or less on the Hindu caste system and each identifiable by the color, pattern and style of their turbans. The Rathore clan is from the ruling class (notable among them being the Maharajah of Jodhpur), and so are the Chauhans, whose greatest ruler was Prithviraj Chauhan (12th Century AD). They are also called Thakur as a mark of respect. The other clans are subservient to them, especially the Mahar (camel drivers), Lohar (ironsmith), Berupia (entertainers), Bhopa (reciters of epic tales). Gracia (untouchables), and the Rabari (Shepherds).

For further information on the Rajputs, please refer to Volume 9 of The New Encyclopaedia Britannica, 15th Edition available at Regional Documentation Centres.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Hinduism Today. 31 August 2000. Krishan Dutt. "All's Fair: Held Every Year in Rajasthan's Oasis-City, the Variegated Pushkar Mela Melds Hindu Worship and Buoyant Revelry With Tourism and Camel Trading." (Ethnic News Watch/NEXIS)

Professor of Religion, University of California Santa Barbara. 12 March 2002. Telephone interview.

US Department of State, Bureau of South Asian Affairs. March 2000. "Background Note: India." http://:tradeport.org/ts/countries/bulgaria [Accessed 26 Mar. 2002]

Encyclopaedia of Religions

IRB databases

LEXIS/NEXIS

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One academic source was unable to provide information

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The World Sikh Organization was unable to provide information

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Amnesty International

Adherents.com

Freedom House

Human Rights Watch

The Sikh Coalition

Sikhrajput

South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre

World Sikh Organization

World News Connection

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