Map of England showing where the Chauhan arms are recorded
The Chauhan arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Chauhan arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Chauhan Family in England
The history of the Chauhan name is deeply rooted in the traditions of northern India, where it emerged as a prominent lineage among the Rajput warrior clans. Historically, the name is associated with the Chahamana dynasty, a powerful ruling house that held significant influence over regions like Rajasthan and Delhi during the medieval period. While the name is synonymous with this Indian heritage, the presence of the family in York by 1620 suggests a remarkable story of migration and adaptation. During the early seventeenth century, individuals bearing this name likely navigated the complex social landscapes of England, balancing their ancestral identity with the demands of life in a historic city known for its trade and military significance. This early record in York serves as a fascinating bridge between ancient South Asian roots and the long history of global movement that has shaped families across centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cahuvana
Derived from Sanskrit words meaning four and arms or hands.
This name
ChauhanRefers to a legendary Rajput clan claiming descent from the fire-born hero of Hindu mythology.
also spelled
Chawn
Chawne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Dasharatha Sharma, Early Chauhān Dynasties, 1959
R.B. Singh, History of the Chāhamānas, 1964
The National Archives, Kew, State Papers Domestic, James I, 1620
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