Wadhwa Surname
Wadhwa(Wadhwan, Wadhawa, Waudhwa) belong to Khatri caste, a warrior tribe from the northern Indian subcontinent. Most of them are believed to be a part of Khukhrain Katris. As administrators and rulers, Kshatriyas were assigned with protecting dharma, and serving humanity and the world. Over time, as a result of economic and political exigencies, the Khatri also expanded into other occupations. Wadhwa surname originally hailed from the areas of the Salt Range and particularly the town of Bhera in Punjab. This area was the Sind Sagar Doab (Indus-Jhelum interfluve) and the Jech Doab (Jhelum-Chenab interfluve) region of Pakistan that comprised Khushab, Pindi Gheb, Talagang, Chakwal, Pind Dadan Khan, Peshawar and Nowshera.
Wadhwas are also associated with Khukhrain Khatri group which are believed to have branched out of Sethi clan. Sethis are believed to be one of the bravest clans of Khatri's. The clan was developed as warriors and defenders of their land and they have also been in the civil, government, and military administration roles for centuries.They have also expanded into trade and mercantile businesses. Present day Khukhrain clans:- Anand, Kohli, Suri, Bhasin, Sahani, Chadha, Sethi, Sabharwal, Ghai, Chandhok, Chhachi , Gandhoke and Wadhwa (came into existence much later). Khukhrain's were one of the foremost followers of the Sikh Gurus, and traditionally brought up one son as a Keshdhari Sikh. This resulted in Khukhrain family names being present in both Hindu and Sikh communities worldwide.
In ancient times, the name Khatri was not in existence, rather they were known as the Kshatriya, during the reign of Maurya Dynasty they concentrated in the Potwar Plateau of Punjab. There are four sub categories:-
1. Khukhrain Khatri (Eight Clan or Got)
2. Bari Khatri (Twelve Clan or Got)
3. Bahunjayee Khatri (Fifty Two Clan or Got)
4. Sarin Khatri (Three Hundred Clan or Got)
All the above four words were derived from Sanskrit and later spelt in Punjabi.
Punjabi is widely spoken language by Wadhwas.