Yadavs of Nepal

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

History

Origin

The Yadavs of Nepal have intimate connections with the Yadavs of Bihar, and many Yadavs from Bihar have migrated to Nepal. The ancient history of Krishnaram Marauti, Saptari and evidences from King Sahlesh, a Paswan king of Mithila region proves the presence of Yadavas in the Madhesh much before the formation of present day modern Nepal. In Nepal, the terms Yadav, Ahir, Gopa are often used synonymously for the same caste. They are descendents of 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. These Gopalas and Mahisapalas were together known as Abhiras. During lichhavi period names of many de facto rulers of Abhira-gupta dynasty are mentioned in inscription. These Abhiras occupied the higher position and overshadowed the Lichhavi kings in the administration.

• Ahir (Gopa) rulers of Gopala dynasty.
• Ahir rulers of Mahisapala dynasty.
• Ahir ruler of Abhira-Gupta dynasty.

Subdivision

Ahirs in Nepal are mainly divided into three subcaste Majhraut, Krishnaut and Ghosin. 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.

Population

The Central Bureau of Statistics of Nepal classifies the Yadav as a subgroup within the broader social group of Madheshi Other Caste. 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:

• 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.
• 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
• Matrika Prasad Yadav, politician and ex-minister.

Sports

• Bibek Yadav, Nepalese cricketer.

See also

• Ahir
• Yadav
• Krishnaut
• Majhraut

References