Ratnu

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Ratnu, also spelled Ratanu or Ratnoo, is a major Charan clan in Rajasthan, India. They trace their origins to the 8th–9th century CE, around the same time as the Sindhaych Charanas. They are descended from Ratanji Charan, who is said to have saved the Bhati chieftain Rawal Devraj, founder of Derawar. After Derawar was founded, Rawal Devraj made Ratanji Prolpat-Patvi of the Bhati dynasty, and Ratnu Charanas later held this position in the kingdoms of Jaisalmer and Pugal. They played important roles in administration and governance, holding many jagirs (land grants) across Rajasthan. Many Ratnu were influential poets, writers, and historians. The Ratnu family of Sikar became diwans (prime ministers) of the princely states of Sikar, Idar, Kishangarh, and Jhalawad. Branches include Chincha, Ayachi (Gujarat), and Nala. The clan is spread across regions such as Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Nagaur, Sikar, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Idar, Kishangarh (Ajmer), Alwar, Kutch, Ahmedabad, Palanpur, Gandhidham, and Bhuj. They belong to the Charan community with roots in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The founder is considered to be Ratanji Ratnoo. Today they no longer have a chief and are an armigerous clan. The historic seat was Sirwa-Chincha-Sandha in Jaisalmer. Titles associated with Ratnu include Barhath, Thakur, and Kaviraja.