Ahir
The Ahir/Aheer also called Yaduvanshi is an Yadav caste found in India and Nepal, They consider themselves descendants of Krishna of the Yaduvansha and traditionally call themselves Yaduvanshi and use their surname Yadav. The Ahir word is derived from the Sanskrit word Abhira Which means Fearless or Cowherd (Gopa), who were once found in different parts of India and Nepal, and who wielded political power in several places. The Abhiras are equated with Ahirs, Gopas and Gollas, and all of them are considered Yadavas.[1] It appears, Ahir caste believes that their dynasty is derived from Yadu dynasty, meanwhile Das ('12) points out that 'Bishwaparwa' mythology of Mahabharata (it is a section of sacred text 'Mahabharata') reveals that the second name of 'Yadu' was Ahir because he killed 'Ahi' (snake). Madhu say all the territory of Mathura belongs to Abhira (Ahir) and the Abhira often used synonymously).
The Abhira (Ahir) Kshatriyas were named Gope when they protected the cows, and Gopal when they tended and grazed the cows. 23 In the period (from 500 B.C. to 1 B.C.) when the Pali language was prevalent in India, the word 'Gopal was modified to 'Goal' and by further modification it took the form of Gwal. This has been aptly described by an unknown poet 24 in a verse that" due to rearing cattle, the Yadav are called ' Gope', and after being called' Gopal', they are called' Gwal.[2]
Origin
The origin of the Ahir is controversial, but prominent view among Indian historian agree Indo-Aryan origin of Ahirs and recognised as Yadavs.[3]
Ahirs tradition
Ahir/Yadavs are traditionally warriors-cowherders and farmers. Formerly the Ahir/Yadavs had the exclusive right to milk cows. Their role with the sacred cows gave them special status. They are found not only in the Kaatch (Kutch) area of western Gujarat, but also in Eastern Rajasthan, Southern Haryana, Northern Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Central Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and also in Nepal and Pakistan. The Ahir (Yadav) community are present in large numbers in Terai, the plains that lie in the southern part of Nepal.
Ancient Martial race
The Narayani Army which the Krishna organised and which made him so powerful that his friendship was eagerly sought by the greatest kings of his time, is described in the Mahabharata as being all of the Ahir caste.[4][5][6][7]
The British Rulers of India classified the Ahirs amongst the "martial races"[8] It was a designation created by officials of British India to describe "races" that were thought to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle, and to possess qualities like courage, physical strength, fighting tenacity and military strategy. The Ahirs may be seen to have continued their warrior tradition by their extensive participation in the Indian Army and police forces. Since ancient time, as per Mahabharata, Ahirs have been warriors; some were agriculturists and farmers. Ahir’s have been serving the Indian military right from the British period and won the highest of gallantry awards like Victoria Cross and the Param Veer Chakra. In the annals of Indian military history there is sufficient proof of Ahir bravery that is immortalized in the ballads of Alha and Udal of Bundelkhand. In 1962, a company of 120 Ahir men laid down their lives fighting against the Chinese - the Commander, (Major) Shaitan Singh was posthu-mously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Equally meritorious was the Ahirs' record in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965 and the heroes of Chusol (Ladakh) are famous.[9]
Ahir Media
Asirgarh Fort in Burhanpur District in Madhya Pradesh, India
References
- ↑ Rao, M. S. A. (1987). Social Movements and Social Transformation: A Study of Two Backward Classes Movements in India. Manohar. ISBN 978-0-8364-2133-0.
- ↑ Soni, Lok Nath (2000). The Cattle and the Stick: An Ethnographic Profile of the Raut of Chhattisgarh. Anthropological Survey of India, Government of India, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Department of Culture. ISBN 978-81-85579-57-3.
- ↑ Rao, M. S. A. (1974). Urban Sociology in India: Reader and Source Book. Orient Longman.
- ↑ Bhattacharya, Jogendra Nath (1896). Hindu Castes and Sects: An Exposition of the Origin of the Hindu Caste System and the Bearing of the Sects Towards Each Other and Towards Other Religious Systems. Thacker, Spink.
The Narayni army which he organised, and which made him so powerful that his friendship was eagerly sought by the greatest kings of his time, is described in the Mahābhārat as being all of the Abhira caste.
- ↑ commission, Great Britain Indian statutory (1930). Report of the Indian Statutory Commission ... H. M. Stationery Office.
The Narayani Army which the Krishna organised and which made him so powerful that his friendship was eagerly sought by the greatest kings of his time, is described in the Mahabharata as being all of the Ahir caste.
- ↑ Rajputana Classes: 1921. Government Monotype Press. 1922.
In the Mahabharat it is mentioned that the Narayani army which Sri Krishna organised was composed of Ahirs.
- ↑ Pandey, Braj Kumar (1996). Sociology and Economics of Casteism in India: A Study of Bihar. Pragati Publications, 1996. p. 78. ISBN 9788173070365.
The Narayani Army which he organized, and which made him so powerful that his friendship was eagerly sought by the greatest kings of his time, is described in the Mahabharat as being all of the Abhira caste.
- ↑ Mazumder, Rajit K. (2003). The Indian Army and the Making of Punjab. Orient Blackswan. ISBN 978-81-7824-059-6.
- ↑ Chopra, Pran Nath (1982). Religions and Communities of India. Vision Books. ISBN 978-0-391-02748-0.
