Somvanshi Kshatriya

Somvanshi Kshatriya also known as Vadval or Panmali is a small community residing near the western shores of India, just on the outskirts of Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Kshatriya means a warrior or a soldier in the king's Army. Collectively it means a warrior community. Somvanshi, which literally translates to descendants of the Moon, is an ancient noble dynasty of warriors.

As per the established history community's roots can be traced back to the mid 11th century in a war torn region of Rajputana, currently known as Rajasthan. This was the period of Mohammad Ghaznavi's infamous invasion. King Bhimdev ruled Anahilvad when Mohammad Ghaznavi attacked this region. They were met by the army of Rajputs, who were famous for their sense of honour and chivalry. Eventually King Bhimdev was defeated and his son 'Pratap-Bimb' retreated to south and finally he established a new kingdom known as 'Mahim'. The native language (also called Vadval) carries the traces of this migration which began at the mountains of northern region and ended into the western shores of India. Later in the history they survived other invasions from north as well as south. Gradually these Kshatriyas gave up the warrior tradition and turned to agriculture.

This community shares its history with Somvanshi Kshatriya Pathare community.