The Khanna Tribe Story

A living family document for Parikshit Khanna’s children and future generations

This write-up is for the Khanna clan across the world—to protect our history, reduce confusion, and pass forward respectful, accurate knowledge. It is also specially tailored for Parikshit Khanna’s children and descendants, who may someday wonder: “Where did we come from—and what do we actually know?”

Parikshit Khanna (AI trainer, based in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh) has shared family context to personalize this narrative—especially the migration journey from Jalandhar to Saharanpur and the family’s historic connection with the Arya Samaj Mandir.

Important clarity upfront (please read)

1. “Khanna” is both a surname and a clan identity.Not everyone using the surname shares the same ancestral line.

2. Some parts of clan history are oral tradition (parampara).These are meaningful—but not always verifiable through modern academic records. Wherever something is tradition-based, it’s stated plainly.

3. Family-specific truth matters most.Your gotra, ancestral town, kuldevi/kuldevta practices, and marriage circles can vary by branch. Treat internet lists as “possible leads,” not proof.

1) Khanna clan overview

What’s broadly accepted vs what varies by branch

• Community: Punjabi-origin clan name, commonly associated with KhatrisVariation: Some families use “Khanna” primarily as a surname label without clan practice.

• Religion: Both Hindu and Sikh traditionsVariation: Household rituals and strictness differ.

• Sub-group association: Often linked with Dhai Ghar (2.5 house) traditionVariation: Marriage circles can vary across regions.

• Gotra: No single universal Khanna gotraVariation: Confirm only via family records.

• Kuldevi: Many branches revere Hinglaj MataVariation: Some follow other kuldevis.

• Kuldevta: Strong tradition of Baba Laloo Jas Rai JiVariation: Practice intensity differs by household.

• Pre-1947 geography: Undivided Punjab & Sindh region connections (now including Pakistan)Variation: Exact towns differ by branch.

• Modern professions: Historically traders/scholars/professionals; today global careersExample: Parikshit Khanna’s work in AI training reflects modern adaptation.

2) Historical background: who are the Khannas?

The Khanna surname is widely recognized as a Punjabi Hindu and Sikh clan name, traditionally linked to the Khatri community. Khatris are often described in historical narratives as Kshatriya-linked groups who, over time, became known for roles in administration, scholarship, trade, and professional work across North India—especially Punjab.

Many Khanna families trace their ancestry to areas that were part of undivided Punjab before 1947. Over centuries, and especially during the Partition, families migrated and resettled across India. In places like Saharanpur, Khanna/Khatri settlement is often remembered through family accounts and local community institutions.

3) Origins and founding traditions (history + legend)

This section contains tradition-based narratives commonly told across Khanna/Khatri families. Treat these as heritage stories unless you have branch-specific documentation.

A) The Parashurama tradition (parampara)

A well-known legend connects Khatris to the story of Parashurama, where surviving Kshatriyas adopted non-martial identities and livelihoods. In clan memory, this explains a shift from purely warrior roles toward trade, learning, and governance.

B) The Khan Chand lineage tradition (Dhai Ghar story)

Within Khanna traditions, Khan Chand is often named as a foundational figure in the “house” grouping narrative. One popular version says that during Akbar’s era, three “Chand” administrators—Kapur Chand, Khan Chand, and Mehar Chand—became symbolic roots of Kapoor/Kapur, Khanna, and Malhotra/Mehra.

Why “2.5 house”? Folklore explains it as cultural numerology—avoiding the number three, viewed as inauspicious in some contexts.

Best sources for your branch (most reliable)

• Elders’ written notes and diaries

• Old marriage books (bahi)

• Kul-purohit records (if maintained)

• Consistent references to the same ancestral town across generations

4) Key legends and folk tales (quick map)

Common legends you may hear:

• Parashurama narrative: identity shift → trade/learning

• Khan Chand / Dhai Ghar narrative: clan structure & marriage circles

• Raja Shri Chand tale: blessings of Hinglaj Mata and the origin of Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji

• Migration folklore: movement across Punjab/Sindh/UP due to opportunity or instability

These stories matter as identity and continuity, even when they aren’t “modern-documented history.”

5) The tale of Raja Shri Chand & Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji (traditional account)

According to tradition, Raja Shri Chand (also referred to in some retellings as Raja Sri Chand Khanna) ruled in Dipalpur (present-day Pakistan region). He was childless despite having three queens and sought divine help. Through tapasya performed by Pandit Chandra Muni Ji, the Raja received blessings from Maa Hinglaj (or Maa Bhawani in some versions).

The tale continues:

• The first queen gave birth to Laloo Ji

• The second queen gave birth to Jas Rai Ji

• The third queen gave birth to Bouhard Rai

In many retellings, Laloo Ji and Jas Rai Ji are revered as divine-linked protectors, associated with devotion and protection. They are remembered as Kuldevta in many families.

(Note: This is presented as tradition-based heritage, preserved through oral retellings.)

6) Dhai Ghar identity: what it means

Within Khatri social organization, “houses” often reflect marital alliance circles and community structure.

• Dhai Ghar (2.5): Kapoor/Kapur, Khanna, Malhotra/Mehra

• Char Ghar (4): Dhai Ghar + Seth

• Barah Ghar (12): wider Khatri cluster

• Bavan Ghar (52): broad umbrella grouping

Not every family follows these structures today, but the terms remain culturally significant—especially in elder conversations.

7) Religion and culture: unity with diversity

Khannas exist across Hindu and Sikh traditions, while sharing Punjabi cultural identity.

Broad patterns (not rules)

• Hindu Khanna households: family puja, kuldevi/kuldevta traditions, mandir life; some branches influenced by Arya Samaj

• Sikh Khanna households: Gurudwara-centered practice, Guru tradition, seva

Across both, shared culture shows up in language, food, festivals, values of education, and community responsibility.

8) Gotra: the honest answer

There is no single universal Khanna gotra.

Rule of thumb:For marriage or rituals, use only what your family has verified through elders or records. Avoid “one-size-fits-all” lists online.

9) The Punjab–Pakistan connection (why it appears in family lore)

Many Khanna families have ancestral references to towns now across the border because Punjab was culturally and geographically unified before 1947. After Partition, families moved eastward. Sacred geography—like Hinglaj and Dipalpur—remained across the border, which is why they continue to appear in oral histories and devotional narratives.

For branches settled in Saharanpur, family histories often reference migration from Punjab areas such as Jalandhar (as in Parikshit Khanna’s branch).

10) Kuldevi: Hinglaj Mata (for many branches)

Many Khanna/Khatri families revere Hinglaj Mata as Kuldevi.

What families commonly say:

• Location: Hingol region, Balochistan (present-day Pakistan)

• Nature: ancient cave shrine, Shakti tradition

• Significance: protection, strength, ancestral devotion

• Note: Not universal—confirm within your lineage

11) Kuldevta: Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji

In many Khanna families, Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji is remembered as Kuldevta, closely tied to the Raja Shri Chand tradition and Hinglaj Mata devotion.

Common practices (vary by household):

• Ardas / katha / aarti

• Family remembrance during life milestones

• Community mandir visits (where available)

Commonly mentioned sites:

• Traditional origin reference: Dipalpur (Pakistan)

• A well-known worship site in India: Chandni Chowk area, Delhi (as popularly cited in community memory)

12) Sacred geography (a simple list)

• Hinglaj Mata shrine (Pakistan region)

• Dipalpur tradition site (Pakistan region)

• Baba Laloo Jas Rai worship sites (Delhi and other Indian cities)

• Arya Samaj institutions (for reform-linked branches)

13) A simplified clan timeline (easy to remember)

• Ancient/legendary era: Kshatriya-linked traditions; Parashurama narrative (parampara)

• Mughal-era tradition: Dhai Ghar story associated with Akbar’s time (parampara)

• Late 1800s onward: Arya Samaj reform movement influences some Khatri families

• Pre-1947: undivided Punjab social geography

• 1947: Partition and large-scale migration

• Post-1947: resettlement, education, enterprise

• Modern era: global diaspora; professional diversification (including AI/tech)

14) Parikshit Khanna’s family branch (for his children)

This section records what has been shared so far—so future generations don’t have to guess.

Known family thread (as shared):

• Migration path: Jalandhar → Saharanpur

• Community anchor: involvement with Arya Samaj Mandir, Saharanpur

• Grandfather: Kulbhushan Khanna, born in Jalandhar

• Current: Parikshit Khanna, AI trainer, Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh)

This fits a broader pattern seen in many families: migration from Punjab towns into stable North Indian trade and education hubs, where community institutions (like Arya Samaj) became centers of reform, learning, and identity.

15) Famous people with the surname “Khanna” (surname ≠ lineage)

Sharing this only as cultural context. A shared surname doesn’t confirm clan linkage.

Examples often cited: Rajesh Khanna, Vinod Khanna, Akshaye Khanna, Twinkle Khanna, Vikas Khanna, Ro Khanna, Tarun Khanna, Anamika Khanna, and others.

16) Build your family archive (template)

Fill this as a family, keep it in a folder, and update it every few years.

• Ancestral town(s) (pre-1947):

• Migration route:

• Family gotra (if any):

• Kuldevi (if followed):

• Kuldevta (if followed):

• Old family mandir/gurudwara/community place:

• Key elders and their notes:

• Old documents (bahi, letters, certificates, photos):

• Stories we are sure about vs stories we are unsure about:

This is how heritage stays strong—through careful records, not loud certainty.

FAQ (clear answers)

Q: Are all Khannas Khatri?Many are, but not all. Surname usage varies by region and history.

Q: What is the origin story of the Khanna clan?There are tradition-based narratives (Khan Chand / Dhai Ghar) and broader Khatri legends (Parashurama). Treat them as heritage unless you have branch records.

Q: Is Hinglaj Mata our kuldevi?For many branches, yes—but not universally.

Q: Who is Baba Laloo Jas Rai Ji?A revered kuldevta in many Khanna/Khatri families, strongly connected to the Raja Shri Chand tradition.

Q: Why do we have Pakistan links in our stories?Because undivided Punjab’s geography changed in 1947; many ancestral towns and sacred sites ended up across the border.

Q: What do we know about our Saharanpur connection?In Parikshit Khanna’s branch: migration from Jalandhar, and strong community connection with Arya Samaj in Saharanpur.

Closing thought

The Khanna clan’s strength is not in “one perfect story.”It’s in shared roots, respected differences, preserved records, and humble honesty about what we know—and what we’re still learning.

For Parikshit Khanna’s family, the story includes a clear thread: Jalandhar → Saharanpur, guided by education, reform-minded community life, and the modern spirit of adapting to the times.