About Us

The Namdar Collection is a significant collection from India and Pakistan, set in the Punjab and Punjab Princely Kingdoms. The author has spent a better part of the last decade collecting stories, artifacts, and photographs from ancestors from these areas. The artifacts and photographs were easier to collect, but the stories depend on interviewing aging elders. In some cases the author was successful, while in many cases he was too late. However with luck and persistence, a rich picture has emerged.

The name Namdar was chosen by the author as it related to his father's name. But in reality, the collection could've been called by many different names - Princely Punjab, Raja's noble men, Punjab Rajputs, etc.

The collection currently stands at approx. 2,000 articles, but remains a work in progress. The articles date from 1800 to 1970's, with couple items dating well before that. The author has conducted this research and collection from extensive family archives and records.

The collection probably needs a peer review by University scholars.

History Pages - This site provides a short history of the Punjab Rajput families. It includes brief descriptions of records and photographs, and provides short biographies of ancestors dating back circa 1830s to 1960s.

Photo Gallery - The author has collected family photographic records dating back to 1875. A few of these images are presented here for general interest. The author has complete copyright previlages to these photographs.

Princely States - The Punjab Princely States were independent and had treaties with the British Government of India. The princely States of interest include Bahawalpur, Nabha, Patiala, Jind, and Kapurthala. This site also covers the ancestors from the towns of Batala, Lahore, and Lyallpur. Photographs are from many Punjab towns and hill stations.

Rajput pages – The Rajputs have a rich history in India, and comprise of many royal races (clans or göts). Punjab and Punjab Princely States have a historical significance with Rajput Ministers and Generals. These pages provide brief histories of family ancestors. Much of the information is obtained from written sources and records, and is reproduced here for information only.

Art Gallery – This section includes some images of miniature paintngs, palaces, carpets, cars, carriages, etc. The author developed several of these pages in relation to the Rajput ancestors.