Yadavs of Nepal (Nepali: नेपालका यादव), also known as Ahir or Gope[1] are one of the prominent caste of Nepal.[2][3] At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, 1,254,458 people (4.20% of the population of Nepal) were Yadav.[4] They are politically and socially very well established in Nepal.[5]
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 10,54,458 (2011 Nepal census)[6][7] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Nepal | |
| Languages | |
| Maithili, Bajjika, Bhojpuri | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Indo-Aryan peoples |
History[edit | edit source]
Origin[edit | edit source]
In Nepal, the terms Yadav, Ahir, Gopa are often used synonymously for the same caste.[1][9] They claim descendence from ancient Yadu tribe of lord Krishna mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
List of dynasties[edit | edit source]
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.[10] These Gopalas and Mahisapalas were together known as Abhiras.[11] During lichhavi period names of many de facto rulers of Abhira-gupta dynasty are mentioned in inscription.[12] These Abhiras occupied the higher position and overshadowed the Lichhavi kings in the administration.[13]
- Ahir (Gopa) rulers of Gopala dynasty.[14]
- Ahir rulers of Mahisapala dynasty.[15]
- Ahir ruler of Abhira-Gupta dynasty.[16]
Subdivision[edit | edit source]
Ahirs in Nepal are mainly divided into three subcaste Majhraut, Krishnaut and Ghosin.[17] Some other sub-castes are also found in small numbers like Kannaujiya, Dhadhor[18] Goria/Dahiyara etc.
Culture[edit | edit source]
The Kings of Gopala Dynasty were devotees of Lord Shiva.[19]
Population[edit | edit source]
The Central Bureau of Statistics of Nepal classifies the Yadav as a subgroup within the broader social group of Madheshi Other Caste.[20] At the time of the 2011 Nepal census, 1,254,458 people (4.24% of the population of Nepal) were Yadav. The frequency of Yadavs by province was as follows:
- Madhesh Province (14.8%)
- Lumbini Province (4.1%)
- Koshi Province (1.3%)
- Bagmati Province (0.2%)
- Gandaki Province (0.0%)
- Karnali Province (0.0%)
- Sudurpashchim Province (0.0%)
The frequency of Yadavs was higher than national average (4.0%) in the following districts:[21]
- Siraha (24.4%)
- Dhanusha (17.5%)
- Saptari (15.8%)
- Sarlahi (15.5%)
- Mahottari (15.2%)
- Rautahat (12.2%)
- Bara (10.5%)
- Kapilvastu (10.2%)
- Rupandehi (7.4%)
- Parsa (6.6%)
- Parasi (5.8%)
- Banke (4.7%)
- Sunsari (4.3%)
Notable people[edit | edit source]
- Ram Baran Yadav, first President of Nepal.
- Ram Sahay Yadav, politician and current Vice President of Nepal.[22]
- Upendra Yadav, politician and former deputy Prime Minister of Nepal.
- Saroj Yadav, politician and current Chief Minister of Madhesh province.
- Ram Saroj Yadav, politician and 1st deputy Chief Minister of Madhesh province.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Yadav, Sohan Ram (1992). Rural and Agrarian Social Structure of Nepal. Commonwealth Publishers. ISBN 978-81-7169-174-6.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Dastider, Mollica (2007). Understanding Nepal: Muslims in a Plural Society. Har-Anand Publications. ISBN 978-81-241-1271-7.
- ↑ Population Monograph of Nepal, Volume II [1]
- ↑ @therecord. "How did Madhesis fare in the local elections, and who won among them? - The Record". www.recordnepal.com. Retrieved 2023-04-22.
- ↑ http://cbs.gov.np/image/data/Population/Population%20Monograph%20of%20Nepal%202014/Population%20Monograph%20V02.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ↑ "Nepal Census 2011" (PDF).
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Gurung, Harka B. (1996). Faces of Nepal. Himal Books. ISBN 978-99933-43-50-9.
- ↑ Khatri, Tek Bahadur (1973). The Postage Stamps of Nepal. Sharada Kumari K.C.
- ↑ Nepalese Culture : Annual Journal of NeHCA. Nepalese History, Culture and Archaeology Instruction Committee, Kirtipur Campus, T.U. 1985.
- ↑ Béguin, Gilles (1997). Nepal: Valley of Gods. India Book Distributors. ISBN 978-81-7310-115-1.
- ↑ Béguin, Gilles (1997). Nepal: Valley of Gods. India Book Distributors. ISBN 978-81-7310-115-1.
- ↑ Satyal, Yajna Raj (1988). Tourism in Nepal: A Profile. Nath Publishing House.
- ↑ Vaidya, Tulasī Rāma (1985). Crime and Punishment in Nepal: A Historical Perspective. Bini Vaidya and Purna Devi Manandhar.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Śreshṭha, Īśvara Govinda (1990). Rājavaṃśī (in नेपाली). Jamunā Śreshṭha Jośī.
- ↑ Project, Joshua. "Yadav Dhindhor in Nepal". joshuaproject.net. Retrieved 2023-04-22.
- ↑ Bhattarai, Muralidhar (1960). Lectures on Nepal-culture. World Friendship Association] Vikram 2017.
- ↑ Population Monograph of Nepal, Volume II [2]
- ↑ 2011 Nepal Census, District Level Detail Report
- ↑ 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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