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Rana was a title used by kings and princes in India. As a prefix, Rana means a prince/king who has proven his worth in a hard-fought war and won it against all odds.In Gwalior, the Gurjars have always been called as Rana.[1]
The title "Rana" was earned through valiance, but very occasionally it was transferred from generation to generation. Rana Pratap Singh is probably the most famous person to have ever had the title. As ruler of Mewar, he fought numerous wars against the Mughals.
In the former princely states of Bangalore, Ali Rajpur, Bashahr, Baghal, Baghat and Keonthal, the rulers changed their titles from Rana to Raja. The style of the Rana of Porbandar was upgraded in 1918 to Maharana Sahib. There was only one incumbent before accession to of the state to the Republic of India.
Princely states that continued to use the title Rana for their rulers included Bhajji, Darkoti, Jobat, Jubbal, Kumharsain, Kuthar, Mangal, Sakti, Wao and Dhami (a tributary state of Bilaspur). (Please add/delete).
The Thakurs of Balsan and Tharoch, promoted their self-styled titles to Rana.
+ Rana dynasty of Nepal