Made with Grigora
Bhakuni is a surname and lineage with deep roots in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, particularly around Almora district. Traditionally categorized within the Kumaoni Rajputs (a mountain warrior and landholder community), Bhakuni bears strong ties to the cultural and social history of the Central Himalayas. (Forebears)
Historical and Geographical Roots
The Bhakuni surname is most prevalent in villages such as Sunoli (Maniyadhar), Bhagtola, Basoli, Chanoda, Hadoli, Nagsila, Kausani, Someshwar, and other Almora tehsils, reflecting longstanding settlement patterns in the Kumaon hills. Local traditions and genealogical sources associate the name with Kshatriya/Rajput identity and regional continuity. (Forebears)
Kumaoni Rajputs differ from plains Rajputs in their customs, dialect, and mountain lifestyle, and they form part of the broader social fabric of Uttarakhand’s hill societies. Bhakuni appears on lists of surnames traditionally identified with Kumaoni Rajputs in the region. (merapahadforum.com)
Notable Individuals with the Bhakuni Surname
1. Karan Bhakuni — Entrepreneur and Innovator
Karan Bhakuni is a contemporary figure associated with modern enterprise and technology ventures. He is known as the Founder of Poper — a venture/platform that reflects his engagement with community building, digital innovation, and startup culture — and also linked with Grigora, a brand aligned with creative ventures and business strategy.
Karan represents a generation blending Kumaoni identity with global entrepreneurship, serving as an example of how traditional surnames evolve into modern professional spheres.
2. Vinod Bhakuni (1962–2011) — Scientist and Academic
Vinod Bhakuni was a highly respected Indian molecular biophysicist. He served as Head of the Molecular and Structural Biology Division at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) and founded its Protein Chemistry laboratory. His research on protein folding earned him prestigious awards, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, and membership in key national science academies. (Wikipedia)
3. Dewan Singh Bhakuni (1930–2021) — Natural Product Chemist
Dewan Singh Bhakuni was an eminent Indian chemist specializing in natural product chemistry and stereochemistry. As a senior scientist at CDRI, his work on alkaloid biogenesis garnered significant recognition, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and several national scientific awards. (Wikipedia)
4. Capt. K.S. Bhakuni — Indian Army Veteran
A respected army officer from the Bhikiyasain area of Almora, Captain K.S. Bhakuni served in the Indian Army’s EME Corps and participated in significant national defense duties. His passing in 2025 was reported with tribute from local veterans’ groups, reflecting the community’s esteem for him. (Amar Ujala)
5. Kamal Singh Bhakuni — Soldier and Martyr
Kamal Singh Bhakuni, from Someshwar tehsil, Almora, served with the 16 Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and was reported martyred while on duty, evoking deep respect from his community and family for his sacrifice. (RajyaSameeksha)
6. Anoop Bhakuni — Judicial Service Topper
Anoop Bhakuni of Basauli village (Almora) earned statewide recognition by topping the Uttarakhand PCS-J (Judicial Service) examination, a reflection of academic excellence and public service ambition among younger members of the Bhakuni community. (RajyaSameeksha)
Cultural and Social Significance
Bhakuni families today reflect a spectrum of contributions — from scientific research and armed service to judicial excellence, entrepreneurship, cultural advocacy, and academic performance. While rooted in alpine traditions of valor, community service, and cultural continuity, the lineage has expanded into diverse modern roles across India and globally.
Bhakuni originated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, particularly around Almora district, and is traditionally linked to Kumaoni Rajputs.
It’s a surname and lineage identifier, commonly associated with Rajput heritage in Kumaon.
While most are in Uttarakhand’s Almora and surrounding areas, migration has spread families across India and abroad.
They are part of the larger Kumaoni Rajput tradition, known historically for community leadership, land stewardship, and martial service.
Yes — from scientists like Vinod and Dewan Singh Bhakuni to military figures like Captain K.S. Bhakuni and community young achievers like Karan Bhakun, Anoop and Deepak Bhakuni.