Yadavs of Nepal (Nepali: नेपालका यादव), also known as Ahir or Gope[1] are one of the prominent caste of Nepal.[2][3] According to the 2021 Nepal census, 1,228,581 people (4.21% of the population of Nepal) are Yadav.[4]

Yadavs of Nepal
Total population
1,228,581[5]
Regions with significant populations
   Nepal
Languages
Maithili, Bajjika, Bhojpuri
Religion
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
other Indo-Aryan peoples

History

Origin

The Yadavs of Nepal have intimate connections with the Yadavs of Bihar, and many Yadavs from Bihar have migrated to Nepal.[6]

In Nepal, the terms Yadav, Ahir, Gopa are often used synonymously for the same caste.[1][7] They claim descendence from ancient Yadu tribe of lord Krishna mentioned in Hindu scriptures.

List of dynasties

Historically, the Ahirs are considered as early ruler of Kathmandu valley. The Gopala dynasty was the first dynasty of Nepal, who were succeeded by the Mahisapala dynasty.[8] These Gopalas and Mahisapalas were together known as Abhiras.[9] During lichhavi period names of many de facto rulers of Abhira-gupta dynasty are mentioned in inscription.[10] These Abhiras occupied the higher position and overshadowed the Lichhavi kings in the administration.[11]

Subdivision

Ahirs in Nepal are mainly divided into three subcaste Majhraut, Krishnaut and Ghosin.[15] Some other sub-castes are also found in small numbers like Kannaujiya, Dhadhor[16] Goria/raut/rawat etc.

Culture

The Kings of Gopala Dynasty were devotees of Lord Shiva.[17]

Population

The Central Bureau of Statistics of Nepal classifies the Yadav as a subgroup within the broader social group of Madheshi Other Caste.[18] At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, 1,054,458 people (4.0% of the population of Nepal) were Yadav. The frequency of Yadavs by province was as follows:

The frequency of Yadavs was higher than national average (4.0%) in the following districts:[19]

Notable people

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Yadav, Sohan Ram (1992). Rural and Agrarian Social Structure of Nepal. Commonwealth Publishers. ISBN 978-81-7169-174-6.
  2. ↑ Acharya, Meena (1999). Women in Nepal. Asian Development Bank, Programs Department West and Office of Environment and Social Development. ISBN 978-971-561-268-5.
  3. ↑ Dastider, Mollica (2007). Understanding Nepal: Muslims in a Plural Society. Har-Anand Publications. ISBN 978-81-241-1271-7.
  4. ↑ National Statistics Office (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report. Government of Nepal (Report).
  5. ↑ National Statistics Office (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report. Government of Nepal (Report).
  6. ↑ Rao, M. S. A. (1987). Social Movements and Social Transformation: A Study of Two Backward Classes Movements in India. Manohar. ISBN 978-0-8364-2133-0. The Yadavas of Nepal have intimate connections with the Yadavas of Bihar, and many Yadavas from Bihar have migrated to Nepal.
  7. ↑ Gurung, Harka B. (1996). Faces of Nepal. Himal Books. ISBN 978-99933-43-50-9.
  8. ↑ Khatri, Tek Bahadur (1973). The Postage Stamps of Nepal. Sharada Kumari K.C.
  9. ↑ Nepalese Culture : Annual Journal of NeHCA. Nepalese History, Culture and Archaeology Instruction Committee, Kirtipur Campus, T.U. 1985.
  10. ↑ Béguin, Gilles (1997). Nepal: Valley of Gods. India Book Distributors. ISBN 978-81-7310-115-1.
  11. ↑ Béguin, Gilles (1997). Nepal: Valley of Gods. India Book Distributors. ISBN 978-81-7310-115-1.
  12. ↑ Satyal, Yajna Raj (1988). Tourism in Nepal: A Profile. Nath Publishing House.
  13. ↑ Vaidya, Tulasī Rāma (1985). Crime and Punishment in Nepal: A Historical Perspective. Bini Vaidya and Purna Devi Manandhar.
  14. ↑ Mukherjee, Bikash (1993). Religious Centres of North India: Buddhist, Jaina, and Brahmanical Based on Archaeological and Literary Sources. Ramanand Vidya Bhawan. ISBN 978-81-85205-58-8.
  15. ↑ Śreshṭha, Īśvara Govinda (1990). Rājavaṃśī (in Nepali). Jamunā Śreshṭha Jośī.
  16. ↑ Project, Joshua. "Yadav Dhindhor in Nepal". joshuaproject.net. Retrieved 2023-04-22.
  17. ↑ Bhattarai, Muralidhar (1960). Lectures on Nepal-culture. World Friendship Association] Vikram 2017.
  18. ↑ Population Monograph of Nepal, Volume II
  19. ↑ 2011 Nepal Census, District Level Detail Report
  20. ↑ Bureau, ABP News (2023-03-17). "Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav Elected As Nepal's Third Vice-President". news.abplive.com. Retrieved 2023-04-22.
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