The Banaut[1] (also known as Bandaut)[2] is a Bundela Rajput clan found in the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand. Their loved ones called them banaut which means who meditate and save Ban (forest).[3] They are said to have left Orchha, Jhansi, Mahoba and other parts of Bundelkhand during Mughal period and migrated to Bihar and Jharkhand.[3]