Uniyal

Uniyal (उनियाल) is a North Indian garhwali brahmin surname, mostly used in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. In Yamunotri ritual duties such as the making and distribution of prasad (sanctified offerings) and the supervision of pujas (ritual venerations) are performed by the Uniyal family of pujaris (priests).

History/Origin

In 839 AD. Jayanand and Vijayanand two ojha and jha cousins came to Srinagar Garhwal from Darbangha (Magadh) Bihar. They are Maithil brahmin. Famous poet Vidyapati and politician/economist Chanakya(Kautilya) were there ancestors. They were granted jagir at Oni, therefore Ojha and Jha of two gotras kashyapa and bharadvaja became as single caste Oniyal which later-on became Uniyal. Later on some families moved to Roomdhar in Patti-Khas- Chandrabadani near Hindolakhal, JALED (Jaled is an ancient village of Kashyapgaotriy Uniyals where the Shri Raj-Rajeshwari Sidhapeeth is situated in)Patti Makhalogi-Dharakriya.Jaled is the Jananii and janmbhoomi (Mother and mother land) of all uniyal of Patti Makhalogi, Dharakriya,Bamund,Udaikot,Manyar,Sarjyula of Tehri-Garhwal.

Uniyal Villages

In Paudi Garhwal and upper Tehri Garhwal mostly uniyals are bharadvaja. Whereas in lower Tehri Garhwal they are kashyapa, settled in villages Bairola, Bangoli, Kemarigaon, Garh-Badongaon,Koldhar,Gwarh, Godmu, Jaoul, Jakh, Jaledh, Khalench, Khandkari, Kodhar,Naicholi, Pangar,Pifalati, Rrwinty, Tungoli, Tingri, Uniyal-gaon , Dadur adoor, Bhadali,Roomdhar etc.