Radha caste

The Radha are a Hindu caste found in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. They are followers of the Radhaswami sect of Hinduism, who have evolved into a distinct caste. According to their traditions, the community are by origin Ahir of Barsana. Radha was the consort of the god Krishna, and the Radhswami were the devotees of Rasha.

The Radha are further divided into a number of exogamous clans such as the Kathak Vansh, and Shyamvedi Gaur, the former have their concentration in Ayodhya, whereas the Shyamvedi Gaur are found mainly in Mathura. The Radha are associated with a number of dances they perform, such as the Rasila, Ramlila, and Krishnalila. Those Radha who are no longer involved in their traditional occupation are now agriculturists or daily wage labour. They have not been granted Other Backward Classes status, which open them to a number of affirmative action schemes of the Government of India.