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Thakuri

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with Thakali people or Thakurai.
Thakuri
ठकुरी
Regions with significant populations
   Nepal494,470 (1.7% of Nepal's population)[1]
Languages
Nepali
Religion
Hinduism 99.20% (2011), Christianity 0.54% (2011)[2]

The Thakuri (Nepali: ठकुरी) is a royal Kshatriya caste forming the core of the ruling class in Nepal. This term is a Nepali cognate of the Indian Kshatriya title Thakur, which translates to 'master of the estate'.[3] The term denotes the royal descendants of kings of baise rajya,chaubise rajyaGorkha kingdom and the Kingdom of Nepal.[4]

During the height of their influence, the Thakuri caste played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Nepal. They held positions of authority and governance, contributing to the administration and stability of the region. Their lineage was highly regarded, and they were often sought after for leadership roles within the kingdom.

Notably, members of the Shah dynasty, which ruled Nepal for centuries, were descendants of the Khand Thakuri caste from Chaubisi. The Shah dynasty's royal family held significant sway over Nepalese affairs, guiding the nation through various periods of prosperity and turmoil.

Through their connections from the Khas chhetri,kusunda,rajput,tibetian(thakuri of mustang),katyuri(chand thakuri are katyuri) and Magars lineage, the Thakuris forged a legacy deeply rooted in Nepalese history. Their contributions to politics, culture, and society continue to be remembered and celebrated, reflecting their enduring impact on the nation.

They are nicknamed Bahusaheb/Raja (male) or Maiya (female).

Etymology

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Nepali sociologist Harka Bahadur Gurung noted that the Thakuri is the Nepalese version of the Hindi word Thakur which means 'master of the estate'.[3] Thakuris of Nepal are also associated with some territory inherited from the days of Baisi and Chaubisi principalities and the term Thakurai actually refers to 'fiefdom'.[3]

Origins

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The Thakuri (Nepali: ठकुरी) is an Ethnic caste forming the core of the ruling class in Nepal. This term is a Nepali cognate of the Indian Kshatriya title “Thakur,” which translates to "master of the estate." The term denotes the royal descendants of kings from multiple ethnic groups like the 22 rajya and 24 rajya.

During the height of their influence, the Thakuri caste played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Nepal. They held positions of authority and governance, contributing to the administration and stability of the region. Their lineage was highly regarded, and they were often sought after for leadership roles within the kingdom.

Notably, members of the Shah dynasty, which ruled Nepal for centuries, were descendants of the Thakuri caste from Chaubisi Rajya. The Shah dynasty's royal family held significant sway over Nepalese affairs, guiding the nation through various periods of prosperity and turmoil. Through their connections to both the 22,24 Kingdom and Plain Magars lineage, the Thakuris forged a legacy deeply rooted in Nepalese history. Their contributions to politics, culture, and society continue to be remembered and celebrated, reflecting their enduring impact on the nation. They are nicknamed Bahusaheb/Raja (male) or Maiya (female).

However, not all Thakuris share the same lineage or historical roots. The Thakuri caste comprises diverse ethnic groups from different regions of Nepal, each with unique cultural and historical backgrounds. For instance:


. 1 Sen, Banshi, Khand, and Uchhai Thakuris: These groups share close cultural ties with the Magars ethnic community. Their deities, cultural practices, and values align more with the Magar clan than with the Khas people. Original Khand Thakuris worship deities(kul puja) which is Alamdevi which is located in Lasarga-2, Syangja.

These Thakuri groups are mostly found in the Gandaki and Lumbini regions in quite a number. They have their own significant history, including:

1. Sen: The Sen were the most powerful kingdom of the Chaubisi Rajye (24 states) and were rulers of Palpa, Tanahu, Makawanpur, Bijayapur, etc. They had a rich and powerful army.

2. Khand: The Khand are the ancestors of Prithvi Narayan Shah. Mincha Khand and Khancha Khand were the ancestors of Shah. We can also reference "Rajarama Subedi's" books in the history of Khand, where he mentions that the Khand later changed their surname to Shah.

3. Uchhai: The Uchhai Thakuris also have a history where they ruled over Sigana Rajhye near Baglung district for over 140 years, but the Uchhai are very few in number in terms of population.

4. Banshi: The Banshi are also Thakuri, and the name Banshi is shared by both Magar and Thakuri. Some historians claim that Banshi Thakuri ancestors were Magar, which is definitely true because of their cultural norms and values.


3. Rajput-Related Thakuris: Only some Thakuris trace their roots to Rajput clans from India. These include Singh Thakuri, Pal Thakuri, and Rathour Thakuri, who ruled parts of western Nepal like Bajhang and Bajura. Their cultural practices differ significantly from those of Thakuris in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. The historical narrative often overemphasizes their Rajput connections, overshadowing the diverse origins of other Thakuri subgroups.


4. Tibetan-Related Thakuris: In regions like Manang and Mustang, Thakuris have strong Tibetan influences, practicing Buddhism and following Tibetan cultural traditions. for example Hira Bahadur Thakuri Interview


5. Far Western Thakuris: Subgroups like Chand and Bam Thakuris are closely related to the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of present-day India. These groups are considered pure Rajput Thakuris.


6. Hamal Thakuris: The Hamals are of mixed ancestry, descending from Bahun fathers and Thakuri mothers. Traditionally, caste identity followed the father’s lineage, making Hamals Brahmins. However, they have recently begun identifying as Thakuris. Their mixed heritage is evident in their cultural practices, such as conducting kul puja with Brahmins. Their claim to Thakuri status is a relatively recent phenomenon, spanning only a few generations.

This complex tapestry of histories and cultures highlights the diversity within the Thakuri caste. While some groups trace their roots to Rajputst others have Khas,Tibetan or Magar connections, making the Thakuris a multifaceted and historically significant community in Nepal.

Society

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Various Thakuri sub-castes, such as Sen Banshi/Bamshi, Khand, Uchhai, Shah/Shahi are specifically prevalent in the Gandaki region. On the other hand, sub-castes like Chand, Shahi, Bam, Singh, and Pal are prominently found mainly in the Karnali region, indicating proximity to the historical Khasa Kingdom.[5]

Demographics

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Thakuris constitute the aristocracy and possess the high social, ritual and political status.[6] Thakuris were historically politically and socially ahead of others.[6] Traditionally, the Thakuris' main occupations involved government, agriculture and military.[5] They traditionally constituted the ruling and warrior classes,[7] and, except royal posts, share other administrative and military posts with the Chhetris.

The frequency of Thakuri was higher than national average (1.6%) in the following districts:[8]

Thakuri family and dynasties

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The ruling Shah dynasty of Gorkha Kingdom and other dynasties such as the Malla dynasty from Galkot later Kingdom of Nepal are ranked among Thakuris.[6]

Notable Thakuri surnames

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In alphabetical order, the commonly known Thakuri surnames are:[9][10][11]

Of these, Chand, Bam, Malla, and Pal are also associated with Kumaon/Kuramanchal kingdom.

Note: Hamal are the offspring of a Thakuri and an Upadhyaya Brahmin

See also

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References

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  1. ^ National Statistics Office (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report. Government of Nepal (Report).
  2. ^ Central Bureau of Statistics (2014). Population monograph of Nepal (PDF) (Report). Vol. II. Government of Nepal.
  3. ^ a b c Gurung 1996, p. 29.
  4. ^ "Brahman and Chhetri of Nepal | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  5. ^ a b Dharam Vir 1988, pp. 56–57.
  6. ^ a b c d Dharam Vir 1988, p. 56.
  7. ^ Dharam Vir 1988, p. 57.
  8. ^ 2011 Nepal Census, District Level Detail Report
  9. ^ Vanisttart, Eden (1896). Notes on Nepal. Asian Educational Services. pp. 80-81.
  10. ^ Adhikary, Surya (1988). The Khasa Kingdom : A Trans-Himalayana Empire of the Middle Age. Jayapur, New Delhi: Nirala Publications. p. 19. ISBN 978-8185693026.
  11. ^ Hodgson, Brian (May 1833). "Origin and Classification of the Military Tribes of Nepal". Journal of the Asiatic Society. 17: 223.
  12. ^ Distinct from Sah/Shah (Merchant or Teli caste of Terai, as in Balen Shah) and Shah caste in Kumaon region in Uttarakhand State of India
  13. ^ Type of Shahi , originally from Karnali(Jumla) region, migrated to Doti and now can be found in Doti/Kailali

Books

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