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46-544: 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

92-667: A Magar priest (Maski-Rana Magar) is mandated for worship. Historically, they ruled over certain areas in the Baise regions, like Bajhang and nearby areas in the Baise Rajya. 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

138-534: A direct derivative of the Sanskrit word Kshatriya from the root kṣatra meaning "rule or authority" which was associated with the ruling and warrior class of Hindu society. According to the 1854 Legal Code ( Muluki Ain ) of Nepal, Chhetris were a social group among the sacred thread bearers ( Tagadhari ) and twice-born people of the Hindu tradition. Almost all Chhetris are Hindu. The term 'Chhetri'

184-743: A hut. Ganesa Pande had collected all the people of who wore the brahmanical thread such as the Thapas , Busals, Ranas and Maski Ranas of the Magar tribe, they went by the Dahya Gauda route and the Durbar. Drabya Shah killed the King Mansingh Khadka Magar his own hand, with a sword, during the battle ensued. At the same auspicious moment Drabya took his seat on the gaddi , amidst the clash music. In 1743, Prithvi Narayan Shah became

230-683: A key role in the Unification of Nepal , providing the core of the Gorkhali army of the mid-18th century. Bir Bhadra Thapa was a Thapa of Chhetri group and leading Bharadar during Unification of Nepal . His grandson Bhimsen Thapa became Mukhtiyar (Prime Minister) of Nepal . Swarup Singh Karki , a leading politician and military officer, belonged to Chhetri family. Abhiman Singh Basnyat of Basnyat dynasty , Damodar Pande of Pande dynasty were both members of Chhetri caste. and Jung Bahadur Rana , founder of Rana dynasty also belonged to

276-861: A notable presence of other Thakuri castes such as Shahi, Shah, Bam, Malla, Singh, Chand and many more in these regions. Meanwhile, in the Gandaki province (Anchal), there are Thakuri sub-castes like Sen, Malla Banshi/bamshi, Khand, and Shah/Shahi, and many more. Rulers in Gandaki region especially Magars rulers declared themself 'Thakuri' and changed their surnames to Thakuri, adopting names like Khand, (Shah of Gorkha) including (Sen Magar) who were ruler and many more. Both Magar and Khand Thakuri community worship kuldeuta or Kul-puja (ancestor worship) in Alamdevi Temple (Nepal's former Shah Kings' mother Goddess or family deity) in Syangja District where

322-463: A powerless figurehead. Khas Chhetris were traditionally considered a division of the Khas people with Khas Brahmin (commonly called Khas Bahun). They make up 16.45% of Nepal's population according to the 2021 Nepal census , making them the most populous caste or ethnic community in Nepal . Chhetris speak an Indo-Aryan Nepali language ( Khas-Kura ) as mother tongue. Chhetri is considered

368-516: Is exemplified by Thakuri Shah rulers, like King Ram Shah , who sought recognition of kinship relations with the Ranas of Udaypur. 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

414-484: Is shown in the table: As per the Public Service Commission of Nepal, Brahmins (33.3%) and Chhetris (20.01%) were the two largest caste groups to obtain governmental jobs in the fiscal year 2017–18, even though 45% governmental seats are reserved for women, Madhesis , lower caste and tribes , and other marginalized groups. The frequency of Chhetris was higher than national average (16.4%) in

460-494: Is wrong, as the term Chhettris itself is a modern invention by the Chhetri prime minister Jang Bahadur Rana , who wanted to elevate himself and his kinsmen by changing the traditional term Khas to Chhetri , and who, incidentally, faked a royal origin for himself. The oldest texts available refer to Chhetris as 'Khasa' and Thakuris as Thakuris or Thakurs. It is, however, undeniable that a lot of Thakuris and Chhetris do hail from

506-555: The Chhetris . The frequency of Thakuri was higher than national average (1.6%) in the following districts: 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. In alphabetical order, the commonly known Thakuri surnames are: Of these, Chand, Bam, Malla, and Pal are also associated with Kumaon/Kuramanchal kingdom. Note: Hamal are

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552-522: The Indian Army and the British Army . Surnames of Chhetris include, among others: The Central Bureau of Statistics of Nepal classifies Chhetris as a subgroup within the broader social group of Khas Arya (together with Thakuri and Sanyasi/Dasnami). The 2021 census recorded Chhetri population of Nepal as the largest community with a population of 4,796,995 (16.4% of Nepal). Previously,

598-625: The Nepalese Army (formerly known as Gorkha Army), goddess Bhadrakali , an auspicious form of Kali , was the patron deity of the army and her worship was necessary before and during wars. The war cry, " Jay Mahakali, Ayo Gurkhali " meaning " Glory to the Great Kali, the Gurkhas have come", invoked the sense of protection from Goddess Kali during battles and today is the war slogan of the Nepalese Army as well as Gurkha regiment of

644-536: The Prime Minister of Nepal between 1768 and 1950 were Chhetris with the exception of Ranga Nath Poudyal , being a Bahun , and Fateh Jung Shah , being a Thakuri . These number varied after the democratization of Nepal . Between 1951 and 1997, out of the 16 Prime Ministers of Nepal, 5 of them were Chhetris. 1965-1969, 1979-1983, 1997-1998, 2003-2004 1977-1979 2004-2005, 2017-2018, 2021-2022 Chhetri had dominated high military positions and monopolized

690-784: The Rana Prime Ministers (1846–1953), the Pande family , the Thapa family , and the Basnyat family , all of whom held prominent positions in the Gorkha kingdom, and increased the Chhetri presence in the armed forces, police, and Government of Nepal . In traditional and administrative professions, Chhetris were given favorable treatment by the royal government . The nobility of Gorkha were mainly from Chhetri families and they had strong presence in civil administration affairs. All of

736-463: The democratization of Nepal belonged to this caste as a result of the old Gorkhali aristocracy. Gorkha-based aristocratic Chhetri families included the Pande dynasty , the Basnyat dynasty , the Kunwar family (and their offspring branch, the autocratic Rana dynasty ) and the Thapa dynasty . From 1806 to 1951, Chhetri prime ministers wielded absolute rule in the country and the monarchy was reduced to

782-1203: The 2011 Nepal census showed Chhetris as the largest Hindu adherents in the nation with 4,365,113 people which was 99.3% of total Chhetri population. In Nepal's hill districts the Chhetri population rises to 41% compared to 31% Brahmin and 27% other castes. This greatly exceeds the Kshatriya portion in most regions with predominantly Hindu populations. As per 2021 census, Chhetris are largest caste group in 27 districts of Nepal , increase from 21 districts of 2001 Nepal census and 24 districts of 2011 Nepal census . These twenty seven districts are - Sankhuwasabha district , Okhaldhunga district , Dhankuta district , Morang district , Udayapur district , Dolakha district , Ramechhap district , Gulmi district , Dang district , Salyan district , Western Rukum district , Surkhet district , Dailekh district , Jajarkot district , Dolpa district , Jumla district , Mugu district , Humla district , Bajura district , Bajhang district , Achham district , Doti district , Dadeldhura district , Baitadi district , Darchula district , Kalikot district , and Kanchanpur district . The district with

828-630: The 601 member assembly, 560 voted in favour, 4 were against and 37 were absent or abstained. Following an Assembly agreement involving the Nepali Congress and both Nepalese Communist parties, (the Leninists and the much larger Maoist faction ), Gyanendra stepped down. Gyanendra vacated the palace in Kathmandu which later became a museum. Until they could find permanent accommodation, the royal couple were offered residence as commoners at

874-750: The British forces and the army of Kingdom of Nepal was commanded by Bhimsen Thapa , Amar Singh Thapa , Ujir Singh Thapa , Ranabir Singh Thapa , Dalbhanjan Pande , Bakhtawar Singh Thapa and Ranajor Singh Thapa from 1814 to 1816 and led to a peace treaty with the British and maintained the independence of Nepal during the British Company rule and British Raj in South Asia from 18th to 20th century. Nepal-Tibet War (1855-1856) , commanded by Bam Bahadur Kunwar , Sanak Singh Khatri, Prithvi Dhoj Kunwar, Dhir Sumsher and Krishna Dhoj Kunwar under

920-522: The Buddha being worshipped as the ninth avatar of god Vishnu . Chhetris have historically practiced Hindu polytheism which included the worship of Khas Masto sect of Shaivism , clan deity ( Kuldevta ), their personal favorite deity ( Ishta-devata ), fierce forms of Shiva (such as Virabhadra and Rudra ) and goddesses such as Adi Shakti , Kali and Bhadrakali . Owing to the extensively large number of Chhetri generals and commader-in-chiefs in

966-474: The Chhetri community. For 104 years since the middle of the 19th century until 1951, hereditary Rana prime ministers wielded absolute rule in the country relegating the monarchy to a mere figurehead. During the monarchy, Chhetris continued to dominate the ranks of the Nepalese government , Nepalese Army , Nepalese Police and administration. The most prominent feature of Nepalese Chhetri society has been

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1012-737: The Nagarjuna Palace, a former royal summer residence. The Nagarjuna palace lies in forested hills about eight kilometres (five miles) northwest of Kathmandu. The following is list of all ten kings of Gorkha hill principality . Family tree of the all Shah kings of Nepal (not of previous Gorkha Kingdom ) except Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah , brother of King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah : Chhetri Chhetri ( Kshetri , Kshettri , Kshetry or Chhettri ), ( Nepali : क्षेत्री pronounced [tsʰetri] ; IAST : Kṣetrī ) historically called Kshettriya or Kshetriya or Khas are Nepali speaking Rajputs historically associated with

1058-475: The Nepali Army comprising 74.4% of total senior officers in 1967. Similarly, Chhetris composed 38.1%, 54.3% and 55.3% of the senior officers in the year 2003, 2004 and 2007 respectively. Anglo-Nepalese War and Nepal-Tibet War Chhetri commanders and generals of the military campaigns of the kingdom of Nepal have shaped the political course of the country overwhelmingly. Anglo-Nepalese War fought between

1104-606: The Shah king had been thoroughly defeated. By 1816, Gorkha had lost one-third of its territory. The Shah kings continued to rule as absolute monarchs until 1846, when the political order changed from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy . In 1846, the Rana dynasty gained power in Nepal. The Ranas became prime ministers and reduced the King's status to a figurehead position. The Ranas ruled Nepal as hereditary prime ministers though in

1150-631: The 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 to both the Khasa Malla kingdom and 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

1196-605: The authority of Jung Bahadur Rana , resulted in the victory of Nepalese troops whereby the Tibetans had to pay an annual subsidy of ten thousand rupees to Nepal and were made to allow the establishment of a Nepalese trading station and agency in Lhasa. Almost all the Chhetris are Hindus , and form the largest Hindu adhering sub-group of Nepal representing 99.3% of their population, and those who are Hindus may also follow Buddhism;

1242-469: The following districts: Chhetri together with Bahun and Thakuri fall under Khas Arya , who are denied quota and reservations in civil services and other sectors due to their history of socio-political dominance in Nepal. There are no quotas for the Khas community who fall under Bahun-Chhetri-thakuri hierarchy. As per the explanation of legal provisions of Constitution of Nepal , Khas Arya comprises

1288-426: The historical Khasa Kingdom. Thakuris constitute the aristocracy and possess the high social, ritual and political status. Thakuris were historically politically and socially ahead of others. Traditionally, the Thakuris' main occupations involved government, agriculture and military. They traditionally constituted the ruling and warrior classes, and, except royal posts, share other administrative and military posts with

1334-662: The king of Gorkha with the help of his accomplices, including Kaji Ganesh Pandey . He ascended the throne of Gorkha in 1559 A.D. The loose translation of the Nepali work known as the "Wright Chronicle" describes the coronation of Dravya Shah thus: On Wednesday the 8th of Bhadon Badi, Saka 1481 (A.D. 1559) Rohini Nakshatra (i.e. the moon in the Rohini mansion) being an auspicious day, Drabya Shah aided by Bhagirath Panth, Ganesa Pande , Gangaram Rana Magar, Narayan Das Arjyal, Khanal Bohra and Murli Khawas of Gorkha, concealed himself in

1380-699: The largest Chhetri population is Kathmandu district with 424,172 (i.e. 20.7% of the total district population). Chhetris form the second largest demographic group after Newars in the Kathmandu Valley , together with Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur , with a population of 621,346. Other districts with more than 150,000 Chhetri population are Kailali , Kanchanpur , Dang , Jhapa and Morang . Province wise, Chhetris are majority demography in Koshi Province , Karnali Province and Sudurpashchim Province . The frequency of Chhetris by province

1426-403: The leader of Pande faction, was the Prime Minister of Nepal in 1841  A.D. which might have caused an increase in the number of Pande officers at 1841. After the rise Rana dynasty (Kunwars), the number changed to 10 Basnyats , 1 Pandes , 3 Thapas and 26 Kunwar officers totaling to 61 Chhetri officers in the year 1854  A.D. Chhetris dominated the position of the senior officers of

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1472-495: The military force at the times of Chhetri autocratic administrators like PM Bhimsen Thapa and PM Jung Bahadur Rana . There were 12 Basnyats , 16 Pandes , 6 Thapas and 3 Kunwar officers totalling to 51 Chhetri officers in the year 1841  A.D. The most prominent officers at Shah administration were the Kazis which had control over civil and military functions like a Minister and Military officer combined. Rana Jang Pande ,

1518-481: The monarchy. It was decided that for the time being, Gyanendra would retain his title and continue residing in the Royal Palace, albeit stripped of all political power and authority. On 28 May 2008, following scheduled elections, the 1st Nepalese Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic and the monarchy was abolished, removing the Shah dynasty from power. Kul Bahadur Gurung said of

1564-546: The name of the figurehead king. In 1950, the Shah king King Tribhuvan went into exile in India. He and his family, including the crown prince Mahendra , later returned. After India became a secular state in 1950, and the remaining rajas retired, Nepal was the only remaining Hindu kingdom. In 1951, with the help of India, a popular politician common man Matrika Prasad Koirala became the prime minister of Nepal. Tribhuvan returned to Kathmandu. The Shah dynasty regained control and

1610-530: The nation. Nepali sociologist Harka Bahadur Gurung noted that the Thakuri is the Nepalese version of the Hindi word Thakur which means 'master of the estate'. 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'. There are misconceptions that Thakuris are a sub-caste of Chhetris . This

1656-705: The offspring of a Thakuri and an Upadhyaya Brahmin Shah dynasty The Shah dynasty ( Nepali : शाह वंश ), also known as the Shahs of Gorkha or the Royal House of Gorkha , was the ruling Chaubise Thakuri dynasty and the founder of the Gorkha Kingdom from 1559 to 1768 and later the unified Kingdom of Nepal from 1768 to 28 May 2008. The Shah dynasty traces its historical ancestor to King of Kaski, Kulamandan Shah Khad , whose grandson Dravya Shah captured

1702-400: The prime minister, Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana , resigned. King Tribhuvan ruled until 1955 and King Mahendra ruled until 1972. Mahendra's son, Birendra , became king. In 1990, under King Birendra , Nepal became a constitutional monarchy after a mass movement from people forced Birendra Shah to restore democracy. On 1 June 2001, some members of the Shah dynasty were murdered in

1748-468: The royal palace . A High Commission report concluded that the royal family was slaughtered by Crown Prince Dipendra . This remains controversial. Among the dead were the Crown Prince's father, King Birendra and his brother, Prince Nirajan . After the attack, Dipendra was in a coma and was declared king for a short time. He died a few days later. Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev , Dipendra's uncle, took

1794-550: The ruler of Gorkha. He declared war on other principalities, defeating them one by one. In September 1768, he established the unified kingdom of Gorkha . He became the first king of large Gorkha Kingdom . He, his sons and their successors continued fighting and defeating other kingdoms and enlarging the kingdom of Gorkha. In 1814, the Anglo–Nepalese War between Gorkha and the East India Company began. By 1815,

1840-635: The same roots, a few centuries before the Baise_Rajya era. Thakuri come from diverse. In the Karnali and Sudurpaschim, 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 Kumaon Garhwal. These rulers expanded their kingdoms into areas like Bajhang and Darchula. The Karnali region, historically,

1886-433: The throne of Ligligkot from Ghale Magar king Dalshur ghale Magar with the help of accomplices from six resident clans of Majhkot and Ligligkot. Dravya Shah named his new kingdom Gorkha . The Shah descendants are of Rajput origin. However, they are ranked as Thakuris . Dravya Shah was the youngest son of Yasho Brahma Shah , Raja (king) of Lamjung and grandson of Kulamandan Shah Khad , Raja of Kaski. He became

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1932-497: The throne. In February 2005, he dismissed the parliament in order to govern in his own right. On 24 December 2007, Nepal's Provisional Parliament met. It was decided that the monarchy would be abolished in 2008 after the Constituent Assembly elections . The motion enjoyed overwhelming support in the chamber, passing by a 270-vote majority. Of the 329 sitting members of parliament, only three voted against abolishing

1978-531: The warrior class and administration, some of whom trace their origin to migration from medieval India . Chhetri was a caste of administrators, governors, warriors and military elites in the medieval Khas Kingdom and Gorkha Kingdom (later unified Kingdom of Nepal ). The nobility of the Gorkha Kingdom mainly originated from Chhetri families. They also had a strong presence in civil administration affairs. The bulk of prime ministers of Nepal before

2024-517: Was Guru or the spiritual leader in Hinduism whereas that of Chhetri was military and political leaders . Hence, the majority of military and political positions have been historically occupied by Chhetris until now. They are thought to be connected to the Khasas mentioned in the ancient Indian literature and the medieval Khasa kingdom . In the early modern history of Nepal, Chhetris played

2070-409: Was adopted by a lot of the high-ranking Khas after the unification of Nepal , and it was formalized by an order of Bir Narsingh Kunwar(Jang Bahadur Rana) , who considered their original name (Khasa) to be derogatory. The caste system of Nepal was decided according to the occupation they did from the ancestors of their family, known as Dharma ( Devanagari :धर्म). The family occupation of Brahmin

2116-565: 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

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