I want to know the Origin, Race, Tribe, Caste & History of the Indian Surname
Kathpalia (related surnames are Katpalia, Kathpal etc. which appear to
have come about due to regional differentiation and personal spelling
preference). From what I know they are Khatris (Kshatriyas) and hail from
the state of Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan and were sread out in
Campbellpur (Dist. Attock),
Bahawalpur, & Rawalpindi etc. If possible I want to know in particular
about any records related to Rai Biharilal Kathpalia (Rai was a title
and he may have been better known just as Rai Biharilal or some
permutation of that spelling) who was possibly a prominent official in
the court of the Nawab of Bahawalpur state. Possibly Bihari Canal in
Sadiqabad, Rahimyar Khan, is named after him. I need confirmation of
these facts if possible and any other related information.

I came across a few links that may be helpful to you. Also, Khatris
are not Kshatriyas (warriors) but are tradesmen by descent.If you look
at the structure of Khatri caste, there are distinct sub groups. This
structure was developed many many centuries ago, long before the time
of King Porus and Alexander the Great. By the way, the Greeks and
Greco-Bactrians were probably the ones who confused the two caste
groups.

Some general info on Khatris:
http://www.chowk.com/show_article.cgi?aid=00006053&channel=civic%20center&start=0&end=9&chapter=1&page=1

You could try posting your question on the following forum for more
specific answers about the Khatpalias if you wish:
http://indiaculture.net/talk/messages/766/766.html?1139973594

Hope this helps!

Thanks Pinke !

The article of the Khatris on Chowk.com was really interesting.
However at various places it does contradict your point that the
Khatris were not Kshatriyas. It says that while for last few centuries
they may have been primarily tradesmen but points out that this may
have been due to the Muslim invasion & predominance of their areas
which caused them to be take to professions other than their
traditional martial one. Also if the profession that a sub-castes
members are involved in pre-dominantly determines their overall caste
then how does one categorise Brahmin Rulers. If the Brahmins got into
the business of being land owners and administrators, did they stop
being of Brahmin caste. Similarly if Khatris due to unfavourable
circumstances stop being warriors and take to trade do they stop being
of warrior caste.

Just a question - I'm no expert just curious and a keen amateur student.

I'm quite sure there's research that backs your contention and
research that disputes it - just like there's research to suggest that
the Aryans were indigenous to the sub-continent and the older theory
that they migrated from the Caspian sea area.

It'll be great if you can give reference links to both arguments so I
can also learn something new and decide for myself.