Rors are a small community whose members hail primarily from a few small pockets in the Indo-Gangetic plains, in the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal in North India. The historian Todd has described them as "a martial race that stands out for its bravery". While their customs, practices and festivals are quite similar to those of Jats, Rors have a distinct identity of their own. Even today, the community is so small and well-knit that almost all Rors can trace their not-so-distant roots to just around 84 villages.

Ror men and women are generally tall, well-built and fair. The origins of the community remain shrouded in mystery. There are many questions that have baffled historians who have attempted ascertaining the real roots of Rors. Many theories have been proposed about their origins - from being the descendents of the Huns, and that of the Shakya dynasty that ruled parts of present-day Afghanistan and India, to being a part of the lost Maratha army that fought with the invaders in 1761 in Panipat and then disppeared in the forests around present day Delhi.

The primary occupation of Rors - even today - continues to be agriculture, and it would not be incorrect to describe them as a hard-working, proud and well-off farming community. Of the many challenges that the community faces, coming to terms with the changing times is the biggest. Rors have enjoyed a distinct identity of their own, which springs from being the hard working farmers that they are, and a martial people who are quick to react if threatened. They take pride in their ancestry, and are particularly protective of their womenfolk.

Today, Rors find themselves at the crossroads of history, and are fast making a transition from a tranquil and contended life to the vigours and competition that the changing times have thrust upon an erstwhile quiet life. The feudal sense of pride and belongingness still remains, but in addition to that the youth of the community is excelling in education and sports. Here's hoping that the community does well, makes this transition smoothly, and rises as one.