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% Buddhism 0.10% (2011)[2]

Historically, the "Thakuri" (Nepali: ठकुरी) is one of influential tribe in Nepal that held significant history in Nepal, forming the core of the country's ruling class. The origins of the Thakuris trace back to the ancient Khasa Kingdom rulers in Baisi and the Lineal descendant of Magars in Chaubisi Rajye According to Iman Xin Chemjong. These regions were renowned for their rich cultural heritage and political power.

During the height of their influence, the Thakuri tribe 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 tribe 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 to both the Khasa Malla kingdom and the Magarat 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.

Etymology

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

Thakuris, coming from ruling and warrior backgrounds, form a social and political group with diverse roots, including Khas,Magars, and perhaps some Plain Rajput influence.

In the Karnali and Sudurpaschim, & Gandaki regions, Thakuris were mainly represented by powerful rulers from the Khas Malla kingdom, also known as the Khasa Kingdom, and the Chand kings who hailed from Kumau Gaduwal. These rulers expanded their kingdoms into areas like Bajhang and Darchula. The Karnali region, historically, was marked by influential kingdoms, especially the mighty Malla kingdom (or Khasa Kingdom), which held sway over a significant part of Gandaki Province. In specific places like the Kingdom of Bajhang, Bajura, and nearby areas, both Singh and Chand kings played crucial roles, extending their influence and establishing themselves as rulers in various parts of Sudurpashchim Province and the Karnali Province. Additionally, there's a notable presence of other Thakuri sub-castes such as Shahi, Shah, Bam, Malla, singh, Barma and many more in these regions.

In Gandaki Province, historians like Dor Bahadur Bista, Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, Iman Xin Chemjong, and Many Magar historians claim some Thakuris have roots in Magar community and believed to have separated from Magar, changing their castes to Thakuri caste like Khand, Shah, Sen, and Bamshi. Later, they ruled over many areas in Chaubisi Rajya. In Gandaki Province, most Sen, khand, Uchhai and banshi Thakuris involve Magar priests when they worship their deity god(kul Deuta) and perform cultural rituals in temples and Durbar kots. Thakuri From Manang and Mustang Follow Buddhist beliefs and traditions, speaking a Sino-Tibetan mixed language. Hamals are people with Brahmin fathers and Thakuri mothers. They have a mix of Thakuri and Brahmin background.

Some Thakuri subcastes, such as Pal, Singh, and Rathour, trace their ancestry to Rajputs, suggesting that their ancestor are from Rajput From India. Historically, they ruled over certain areas in the Baise regions, like Bajhang and nearby areas in the Baise Rajya. In this context, many Thakuri leaders and elders often maintain the belief that Thakuris are "Rajputs," as recognized in legal codes such as the 1854 Muluki Ain, despite their actual Nepalese descent, which includes Tibetan ancestry in places like Manang and Mustang, and Magars in places of Gandaki Province, such as Syangja, Parbat, Myagdi, and Tanahun. This misconception has led to a weakening of the strong foundation of Thakuri history, pushing it towards extinction. The debate over the attribution of Rajput descent has engaged historians, with some suggesting political motives behind such claims made by ruling families in Nepal. Mahesh Chandra Regmi highlights a historical trend where Nepalese ruling dynasties attempt to link their lineage with renowned Indian dynasties. This trend is exemplified by Thakuri Shah rulers, like King Ram Shah, who sought recognition of kinship relations with the Ranas of Udaypur.

Society

The classification of Thakuri as a subgroup within the broader social group of Hill Chhetri, along with Chhetri and Sanyasi/Dasnami, is inaccurate. Contrary to the misconception that Thakuri are generally considered a subgroup of Chhetri, it is essential to recognize the diverse origins and cultural ties within the Thakuri community. Thakuri from the Karnali Province and Sudurpashchim Province may indeed have connections with Khasas or Chhetri, stemming from the historical context of the Khasa Kingdom. However, it is crucial to emphasize that Thakuri from the Gandaki region and surrounding areas have distinct cultural affiliations with Tibetan origin Magars. In regions like Manang and Mustang, there are Thakuri communities with Buddhism beliefs and deep-rooted connections to their cultures.

Various Thakuri sub-castes, such as Sen Banshi/Bamshi, Khand, Uchhai, Shah Shahi, and are specifically prevalent in the Gandaki region and share close ties with Magars. Their religious practices often involve Magars and Magar priests. 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. Despite both regions being home to Thakuri communities, they exhibit significant differences in terms of culture, marriage customs, rituals, and traditions.[4]

Demographics

Thakuris constitute the aristocracy and possess the high social, ritual and political status.[5] Thakuris are politically and socially ahead of others.[5] Traditionally, the Thakuris' main occupations involved government, agriculture and military.[4] Thakuri traditionally constituted the ruling and warrior classes.[6] Most of the Thakuris are agriculturalists in Western Nepal except few aristrocratic families in the capital city. ([source](https://nepal.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/Population%20Monograph%20V02.pdf)).

The frequency of Thakuri was higher than national average (1.6%) in the following districts:[7]

Thakuri family and dynasties

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.[5]

Notable Thakuri surnames

In alphabetical order, the commonly known Thakuri surnames are:[8][9][10]

Simha

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

Unproven Thakuri Claimants

The surnames mentioned below are predominantly associated with the Chhetri subcaste rather than the Thakuri subcaste. These surnames, including Thagunna, Thakurathi, Rana/Jabara/Jang Bahadur Rana/JBR, Rawal, Bogati, and Deuba, are commonly found among individuals belonging to the Chhetri community. It is important to note that they are Chhetri by caste, not Thakuri But both Are from Khasa root. The following surnames have recently begun to claim Thakuri status but their claims are not corroborated by governmental inclusivity organizations or historical sources:[11][12]

See also

References

  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 Gurung 1996, p. 29.
  4. ^ a b Dharam Vir 1988, pp. 56–57.
  5. ^ a b c d Dharam Vir 1988, p. 56.
  6. ^ Dharam Vir 1988, p. 57.
  7. ^ 2011 Nepal Census, District Level Detail Report
  8. ^ Vanisttart, Eden (1896). Notes on Nepal. Asian Educational Services. pp. 80-81.
  9. ^ Adhikary, Surya (1988). The Khasa Kingdom : A Trans-Himalayana Empire of the Middle Age. Jayapur, New Delhi: Nirala Publications. p. 19. ISBN 978-8185693026.
  10. ^ Hodgson, Brian (May 1833). "Origin and Classification of the Military Tribes of Nepal". Journal of the Asiatic Society. 17: 223.
  11. ^ "Recommendation to Government of Nepal for listing Khas-Arya surnames". ninc.gov.np. 2023-06-14. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  12. ^ "खस आर्थ थर सूची ( राय, सुझाव तथा प्रतिक्रियाका लागि प्रकाशन गरिएको)". National Inclusion Commission of Nepal. p. 31. Archived from the original on 2022-10-11. Retrieved 2022-10-12.

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