| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Haryana • Rajasthan • Western Uttar Pradesh • Madhya Pradesh • Delhi | |
| Languages | |
| Haryanvi • Rajasthani • Western Hindi | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Brahmins • Pancha Gauda • Garha |
Gaur Brahmins (IPA: [ɡɔːɽ], also spelled Gor, Gour, Gaud or Gauda) are a community of Brahmins in India. They are one of the five Pancha Gauda Brahmin communities that live north of the Vindhyas.<ref name="JGL_2002">James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z. Rosen. pp. 490–491. ISBN 9780823931804.</ref><ref>D. Shyam Babu and Ravindra S. Khare, ed. (2011). Caste in Life: Experiencing Inequalities. Pearson Education India. p. 168. ISBN 9788131754399.</ref>
Demographics
Gaur Brahmins are most numerous in the western half of Northern India, particularly in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and western parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, but a significant number are present in other northern states of India also.<ref name="NJC_2017">James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Rosen. ISBN 9780823931804.</ref>
Brahmins, mostly Gaurs, have a significant population in Delhi, around 12% - 14%, larger than the combined population of Jats and Gujjars. They play a dominant role in the region's politics.<ref name=":3">Kumar, Rajesh (4 December 2013). "Fight for Brahmin votes intensifies". The Pioneer. Retrieved 27 April 2023.</ref>[clarification needed]<ref>Yadav, Sanjay (2008). The Invasion of Delhi. Worldwide Books. pp. 14, 15. ISBN 978-81-88054-00-8.</ref>
Military
During World War I, Gaur Brahmins were recruited to regiments and companies of the British Indian Army, notably the 1st Brahmans and 3rd Brahmans.<ref>Yadav, Atul (2022). Valour Unlimited: Haryana and the Indian Armed Forces (1914-2000). K.K. Publications. p. 25.</ref>
Social status
In places where Gaur Brahmins reside, Brahmins who are not of the Gaur community are often considered to have an inferior status.<ref>Sharma, K. L. (2 February 2019). Caste, Social Inequality and Mobility in Rural India: Reconceptualizing the Indian Village. SAGE Publishing India. p. 80. ISBN 978-93-5328-202-8.</ref>
Notable people
Historical figures
- Bhai Almast – 16th-century religious figure<ref>Singh, Bhupender (23 December 2022). BABA NANAK SHAH FAKIR. Blue Rose Publishers. p. 119. ISBN 978-93-5704-660-2.</ref><ref>Singh, Harbans (1992). The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism Vol. I. Punjabi University, Patiala. p. 85-86. ISBN 81-7380-100-2.</ref>
- Bhai Balu Hasna – 16th-century religious figure<ref>Singh, Bhupender (23 December 2022). BABA NANAK SHAH FAKIR. Blue Rose Publishers. p. 119. ISBN 978-93-5704-660-2.</ref>
- Khushal Singh Jamadar – 19th-century military and administrative officer<ref>Gopal, Madan (1999). Life and Times of Dyal Singh Majithia. Uppal Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7658-002-1.</ref><ref>Falcon, Robert Worgan (1896). Handbook on Sikhs for the Use of Regimental Officers. Pioneer Press.</ref>
- Tej Singh – 19th-century military and politically leader<ref>Williams, Donovan (1970). Life And Times Of Ranjit Singh. V.V.R.I. Press. p. 268. Retrieved 17 January 2017.</ref>
- Madan Mohan Malaviya – educationist and Indian independence activist<ref>Excelsior, Daily (24 December 2014). "A Staunch Nationalist". Jammu Kashmir Latest News | Tourism | Breaking News J&K. Retrieved 23 April 2023.</ref>
Artists
- Lakhmi Chand – poet, founder of Haryanvi Saang culture<ref>भारती, कंवल (20 February 2023). "हरियाणवी समाज के प्रदूषक लोक कवि लखमी चंद". Forward Press (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 17 June 2023.</ref>