1 definition by Pershant
Saini is a sub-caste within the Indian Caste system. It is derived from "Sini" from the Hindu Story/Epic "Mahabharata". It exists within the heirachy of Kshatriya -> Rajputs -> Saini -> Family Name (Surname); The surname can be Saini as well.
Sainis are a farming community/caste spread across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. Other than states, members of this group are also found in Maharashtra, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Like members of other farming castes, Sainis generally used to avoid priestly duties, shopkeeping, or anything else except farming. However, with rapid modernization and urbanization, this is no longer the norm.
With the rise of Sikhism in the fifteenth century, many Sainis converted to the faith so that there is a substantial Sikh Saini population today especially in Punjab and its neighbouring states.
Sainis are a farming community/caste spread across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. Other than states, members of this group are also found in Maharashtra, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Like members of other farming castes, Sainis generally used to avoid priestly duties, shopkeeping, or anything else except farming. However, with rapid modernization and urbanization, this is no longer the norm.
With the rise of Sikhism in the fifteenth century, many Sainis converted to the faith so that there is a substantial Sikh Saini population today especially in Punjab and its neighbouring states.
by Pershant December 31, 2007