Our Glorious History
Journey through thousands of years of rich heritage and achievements
Historical Timeline
Ancient Mentions
The Kambojas are first mentioned in the Rigveda and various ancient texts. They were an Indo-Iranian tribe inhabiting the northeastern frontier regions of the Iranian territory, bordering Indian lands. The Naighaṇṭukas mentions that "the word śavati as a verb of motion is used only by the Kambojas."
Sixteen Mahajanapadas
Kamboja was recognized as one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas during Buddha's time. The kingdom was located in regions on both sides of the Hindukush, with Rajapura as one of their important cities. They followed a republican constitution and were known for their administrative excellence.
Mahabharata Era
The Kambojas are prominently mentioned in the Mahabharata alongside Greeks, Gandharas, and Bactrians. They were renowned for their cavalry and provided elite warriors called Prabhadrakas who supported the Pandavas with 6000 warriors in the great war.
Mauryan Period
During Emperor Ashoka's reign, the Kambojas are mentioned in his edicts. They maintained their cultural identity and were governed by members of their own community. The Aramaic versions of Ashoka's edicts indicate their measure of autonomy.
Migration Period
In the wake of Indo-Scythian invasions, Kambojas migrated to Bengal, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. They established various principalities in Medieval India, including one in north-west Bengal that was seized from the Palas around the 10th century CE.
Islamic Era Prominence
Muslim Kambojs (Kambohs) became influential in the administration and military of the Mughal Empire from Akbar's time onward. Notable figures include Shahbaz Khan Kamboh, a prominent general, and Shaikh Gadai Kamboh, an influential administrator.
Colonial Recognition
British administrators and foreign writers described the Kamboj community as "one of the finest class of agriculturists of India." They were known for their military service, agricultural skills, and administrative capabilities during this period.
Contemporary Achievements
Today, the Kamboj community continues to excel in agriculture, military, politics, sports, and various professions. They have maintained their legacy of excellence while adapting to modern challenges and opportunities.
Ancient Kamboja Kingdoms
Cis-Hindukush Kamboja
The region from Nurestan up to Rajauri in southwest Kashmir, sharing borders with the Daradas and Gandharas. Rajapura was situated southwest of Kashmir and served as an important administrative center.
Parama-Kamboja
The trans-Hindukush region including the Pamirs and Badakhshan, sharing borders with Bactria in the west and Sogdiana/Fergana in the north. This was the second major Kamboja settlement.
Horse Breeding Excellence
The Kambojas were renowned throughout ancient India for breeding the finest horses suitable for battle. Their horses were highly sought after and often given as tribute to various kingdoms.
Notable Historical Figures
Shahbaz Khan Kamboh
A prominent military general during the Mughal Empire who served under Emperor Akbar. He was known for his strategic brilliance and played crucial roles in various military campaigns.
Shaikh Gadai Kamboh
An influential administrator and scholar during the Mughal period. He contributed significantly to the administrative reforms and cultural development of the empire.
Baba Deep Singh
A revered Sikh warrior and martyr from the Kamboj community. He was one of the most honored religious warriors in Sikh history and played a crucial role in defending Sikh principles.
Udham Singh Kamboj
A freedom fighter who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer in London in 1940 to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He remains a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression.
Col Lal Singh Kamboj
The first Indian farmer to win the Padma Shri award for progressive farming in 1968. He was a landlord from Uttar Pradesh who revolutionized agricultural practices.
Deepak Kamboj
Founder of KambojSociety.com in 2002, the largest online community portal for Kambojas worldwide. He has extensively researched and documented Kamboj history and culture.
Archaeological & Literary Evidence
Ancient References
The Kambojas find mention in numerous ancient texts including:
- Rigveda - Earliest mention of the Kamboja people
- Mahabharata - Detailed accounts of Kamboja warriors and their role in the great war
- Buddhist Literature - Recognition as one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas
- Ashoka's Edicts - Administrative references and cultural autonomy
- Ptolemy's Geography - Geographic descriptions of Kamboja territories
- Kautilya's Arthashastra - References to republican constitution
Cultural Artifacts
Archaeological discoveries have revealed coins, inscriptions, and architectural remains that provide evidence of the advanced Kamboja civilization. These artifacts showcase their sophisticated culture, trade relationships, and technological achievements.
Linguistic Evidence
The linguistic analysis of ancient texts reveals that Kambojas spoke a language similar to Younger Avestan, demonstrating their Iranian connections while maintaining their distinct identity within the Indian subcontinent.
Legacy in Modern Times
Agricultural Excellence
The majority of Krishi Pandit awards in various states have been won by Kamboj agriculturists, continuing their historical reputation for excellence in farming and land management.
Military Service
Kamboj community members continue to serve with distinction in the Indian Armed Forces, upholding their ancestral tradition of military excellence and courage.
Educational Achievements
Members of the community have excelled in various fields including medicine, engineering, civil services, and academia, contributing significantly to national development.
Global Presence
The Kamboj diaspora has established successful communities worldwide while maintaining their cultural identity and contributing to the development of their adopted countries.