Trying to find connection between Shaunak (Sounak) Rajputs and their link to the Sonigara Chauhans
Hi everyone, looking for some help here. I’m researching the Shaunak branch (Purvanchal region - Jaunpur/Varanasi/Prayagraj).
According to our family records:
Raj Kul: Chandravanshi
Kul: Sonigara Chauhan (known as Shaunak Rajputs in Purvanchal and Awadh region)
Kul Devi: Ashapura Mata
Gotra: Soun (derived from Sonagiri/Jalore)
Our history says we migrated from Neemkhor (Jalore/Sindh) around the 1500s. Traditionally, Bhats from Rajasthan used to visit to update our Vanshavalis, but that stopped after 1857, and the link was broken.
A few quick questions:
Is "Shaunak" recognized in Rajasthan as a corruption of "Sonigara"?
Does anyone know where "Neemkhor" was specifically? (leads suggest Dungarpur or Sindh).
Do any Sonigara families have records of branches moving east toward Kashi/Prayag?
Any leads or insights would be great. Thanks!
Posted Mar 14, 2026, 6:27 AM UTC