Tanwar (surname)

The Tanwar are a prominent Rajput clan of India. They are considered to be Suryavanshi Rajputs, claiming descent from the solar dynasty. Historically, the Tanwar clan is associated with the establishment and rule of the Tomara dynasty, who controlled the Delhi region from the 8th to the 12th centuries.

The Tomara dynasty is credited with founding the city of Delhi, known historically as Dillika or Dhilli. Anangpal Tomar is considered an important ruler of this dynasty. While their rule in Delhi was eventually superseded by other Rajput clans, such as the Chauhans, the Tanwar legacy remained significant in the region's history and cultural identity.

Following the decline of their power in Delhi, branches of the Tanwar clan spread to other regions of India, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. They established smaller principalities and continued to play a role in regional politics.

The name Tanwar, also sometimes spelled as Tomar, remains a common surname among individuals tracing their ancestry to this Rajput clan. Members of the Tanwar community are found in various professions and walks of life, contributing to Indian society while maintaining a connection to their historical heritage. Historical accounts and bardic traditions are primary sources for understanding the history and social structure of the Tanwar clan.