Yadavs of Nepal

Yadavs of Nepal (Nepali: नेपाली यादव), also known as Ahir or Gope^[2] are one of the prominent upper Nepalese caste under Madhesi subdivision.^[3][4] According to the 2021 Nepal census, 1,228,581 people (4.21% of the population of Nepal) are Yadav.^[5]

Yadavs of Nepal

Total population
1,228,581[1]
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.^[2][7] They trace their origin to Lord Krishna of the Yadu tribe mentioned in Hindu scriptures.^[8] The ancient history of Krishnaram Marauti, Saptari and evidences from the story king Sahlesh, a king of Mithila region proves the presence of Yadavs in the Madhesh much before the formation of present day modern Nepal.^[9]

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.^[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.^[12]

• Ahir (Gopa) rulers of Gopala dynasty.^[13]
• Ahir rulers of Mahisapala dynasty.^[14]
• Ahir ruler of Abhira-Gupta dynasty.^[15]

Subdivision

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

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:

• 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:^[19]

• 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

Politics

• Ram Baran Yadav, first President of Nepal.
• Ram Sahay Yadav, politician and current Vice President of Nepal.^[20]
• 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.
• Jay Krishna Goit, Ex-Maoist Leader and leader of Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha.^[21]
• Matrika Prasad Yadav, politician and ex-minister.
• Chitra Lekha Yadav, Ambassador of Nepal in Australia, Ex- Education Minister of Nepal.
• Pradeep Yadav (Nepalese politician), currently Minister of Water Supply of Nepal. Ex-Minister for Health and Population of Nepal.

Sports

• Bibek Yadav, Nepalese cricketer.^[22][23]

See also

• Ahir
• Yadav
• Krishnaut
• Majhraut