The Taoni is a Rajput ethnic group who, dominated a region in Ambala district then a part of the Punjab until the period of the British India.[1] They are an offshoot of Bhati Rajputs of the Kingdom of Jaisalmer.[2] The Taoni (Bhatis) also ruled over Punjab Hill states such as in Sirmur State until 1948. Before the Partition of India, In areas surrounding Rajpura and Patiala, the Taons or Taoni had 14 Chhats and 24 makans,[3] the chhats – being Banur, Shamdo, Kauli, Ghanaur, Patton, Khera Gujju, Suhron, Ajrawar, Chamaru, Manakpur, Jausla, Kharar, Khanpur and Morinda. According to the tradition of the tribe, their eponymous ancestor Raja Tan (aka. Rai Tan) was a grandson of Rawal Shalivahan Singh II, the King of Jaisalmer (1168–1200).[4] The said Raja Tan left Jaisalmer and came to Jalandhar, Punjab. Later, His descendent Raja Amba founded the city of Ambala and made it the capital of his kingdom.[5]
