Rai is a Sanskrit word and a historical title of honour in India. One of the oldest reference one can find in ancient historical scriptures of Jainism and Hinduism is that of King Nabhi who is also referred to as Nabhi Rai ( Adoration of 24 Tirthankara, V.K.Jain Page 7-8). Nabhi Rai was the father of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara. Rai was used as a substitute to King.
When Babur conquered Hindustan, he found many principalities which had been subordinated by the Emperor of Hindustan and innumerable others which never have been effectively subdued. When Akbar ascended to the throne, Hindustan had a numerous autonomous and semiautonomous rulers. These hereditary rulers were known by various names such as 'Rajas', 'Ranas', 'Rais', 'Raos'. (Chieftains by A.R.Khan)
During the British Rule, 'Rai Sahib' and 'Rai Bahadur' were titles of honour given for service of visionary leadership to the nation. Other equivalent titles were 'Roy' and 'Rao'.
The descendants of these earlier rulers, chieftains and leaders still use these titles as patronymics.
When Babur conquered Hindustan, he found many principalities which had been subordinated by the Emperor of Hindustan and innumerable others which never have been effectively subdued. When Akbar ascended to the throne, Hindustan had a numerous autonomous and semiautonomous rulers. These hereditary rulers were known by various names such as 'Rajas', 'Ranas', 'Rais', 'Raos'. (Chieftains by A.R.Khan)
During the British Rule, 'Rai Sahib' and 'Rai Bahadur' were titles of honour given for service of visionary leadership to the nation. Other equivalent titles were 'Roy' and 'Rao'.
