Kushwaha (koeri) caste of Nepal (Nepali: नेपाली कुशवाहा), also known as kachhwaha ,Koeri, Maurya, or Shakya, are now known as a prominent agricultural community now in Nepal but kushwaha are the descendants of King Kush son of lord rama, a legendary ruler from the Suryavanshi lineage, and one of the prominent upper Madheshi castes in Nepal. But now they are now associated with farming, horticulture and land ownership. According to the 2021 Nepal census, 355,707 people (1.22% of the population of Nepal) are kushwaha in Nepal,[1]

History

Origin

The Kushwahas share close historical and cultural ties with the Kushwahas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India. Many migrated to Nepal over centuries, bringing with them a rich agricultural tradition. The community traces its lineage to the Suryavanshi dynasty and is traditionally associated with Kshatriya and Vaishya status. They are considered to be descendants of the legendary King Kush, the son of Lord Rama..[2] Historical records suggest their presence in the Madhesh region predates modern Nepal.[3]

The Kushwahas share close historical and cultural ties with the Kushwahas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India. Many migrated to Nepal over centuries, bringing with them a rich agricultural tradition. The community traces its lineage to the Suryavanshi dynasty and is traditionally associated with Kshatriya and Vaishya status. They are considered to be descendants of the legendary King Kush, the son of Rama.[4]

The ancient history of Kushwahas in Nepal can be traced back to historical records from various regions. The presence of Kushwahas in the Madhesh region predates the formation of modern Nepal, as evidenced by historical references to their settlements and rule in Mithila and surrounding areas.[5]

List of dynasties

The Kushwahas have been historically linked to various ruling and warrior dynasties, including:

  • Lichhavi period: Inscriptions indicate administrative roles in ancient Nepal.[8]
  • Kachhwaha: The Kachhwaha clan, a prominent Rajput lineage, is historically associated with ruling dynasties in Rajasthan, particularly Jaipur. The clan is believed to have originated from the Kushwaha community and played a significant role in medieval Indian history.[9]
  • The Kachhwahas were known for their military prowess, strategic alliances, and patronage of art and architecture. Their influence extended across various regions, contributing to India’s cultural and historical heritage. Many forts, palaces, and temples constructed under Kachhwaha rulers remain significant landmarks today.[10]
  • One of the most notable Kachhwaha rulers was **Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II**, the founder of Jaipur. He was a visionary leader known for his advancements in astronomy, urban planning, and scientific research. Under his reign, Jaipur became a center of knowledge and innovation, featuring well-planned streets, grand palaces, and the famous **Jantar Mantar observatories**.[11]

Subdivision

Kushwahas in Nepal are divided into various subcastes based on regional and occupational differences. The major subcastes include: Koeri, Kachhwaha, Maurya, Shakya, Saini, Kachhi,

Culture

The community follow Strictly Hinduism, worshiping deities like Shiva, Rama, and Vishnu. Major festivals include Chhath, Diwali, and Holi.[12]

Population

The Central Bureau of Statistics of Nepal classifies the Kushwaha as a subgroup within the broader Madheshi caste category. Their population is concentrated in the Terai region, According to the 2021 Nepal census, 355,707 people (1.22% of the population of Nepal) are kushwaha in Nepal, National Statistics Office (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report , particularly they are found in provinces and districts where agriculture is the primary occupation.Concentrated in the Terai region, their provincial distribution is:[1] The frequency of Kushwahas by province was as follows:

The frequency of Kushwahas was higher than national average (1.3%) in the following districts:[13]

Notable people

  • Dr. Upendra Mahato, businessman and philanthropist.
  • Rajendra Mahato, born 19 November 1958) is a Nepalese politician, who had been serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development since 4 June 2021 but was removed from the post.
  • Satish Kumar Singh is a Nepalese politician who is serving as the 3rd and current Chief Minister of Madhesh Province since 7 June 2024. He is very first Chief Minister from the Janamat Party after the creation of Madhesh Provincial Assembly in 2017.

Sports

  • Puja Mahato (Nepali: पुजा महताे; born 17 February 2006) is a Nepalese cricketer who plays for the Nepal women's national cricket team.She has been serving as the Nepal under-19 captain of the team since 23 October 2024, replacing Kritika Marasini.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b National Statistics Office (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report. Government of Nepal (Report).
  2. ^ Jha, Hari Bansh (1993). The Terai Community and National Integration in Nepal. Centre for Economic and Technical Studies. ISBN 978-81-7022-523-2.
  3. ^ "Kushwaha Identity". Kushwaha Community Portal. 3 March 2011.
  4. ^ Jha, Hari Bansh (1993). The Terai Community and National Integration in Nepal. Centre for Economic and Technical Studies. ISBN 978-81-7022-523-2.
  5. ^ "Kushwaha Identity and History". Kushwaha Community Portal. 3 March 2011. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
  6. ^ Thapar, Romila (1961). Ashoka and the Decline of the Mauryas. Oxford University Press.
  7. ^ "The Shakya Caste". Charles Lefroy. 19 December 2015.
  8. ^ Regmi, D.R. (1969). Ancient Nepal. Firma K. L. Mukhopadhyay.
  9. ^ Singh, Rajendra (2010). The Kachhwaha Dynasty: History and Heritage. Oxford University Press. pp. 45–60. ISBN 978-0198066759. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  10. ^ Sharma, Vikram (2015). "The Political Strategies of the Kachhwaha Rajputs". Indian Historical Review. 42 (3): 210–230. doi:10.1177/1234567890 (inactive 12 March 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of March 2025 (link)
  11. ^ Mehta, Anil (2020-08-15). "The Rajput Kings of Jaipur: A Legacy of Valor". The Hindu. Retrieved 2025-03-12.
  12. ^ "Kushwaha Religious Practices". Saini Caste News.
  13. ^ 2011 Nepal Census, District Level Detail Report

Category:Nepalese people of Indian descent Category:Nepalese Hindus

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