Kshetri

Khas/Kshetri or Khas/Chhetri/Chetry (Nepali: छेत्री)are Tatar Ab-Original Native From of people belonging to turk race, a Altaic ethno-linguistic group (see Altaic languages). Jungabahadur gave the title kshetri to khas people and all khas become kshetri, Generally the Parvate/Pahari (hilly) Kshatriyas are called as kshetri.Kshetris served as rulers, administrators, governors and warriors.They were able to dominate most of the Nepalese history through monopolizing government and military upto 1951 AD. After democracy in Nepal, Kshetris were still visible in the government especially dominating Panchayati government and still monopolizing military.

Chhetri/Khas/Kshatriya/Rajput/Chetry
क्षेत्री/खस/क्षत्रिय

Kalu Pande.jpgAbhiman Singh Basnet.jpgAmar Singh Thapa Badakaji.jpg


Bhimsen-thapa-painting (cropped).jpgBalbhadra Kunwar.jpgJungBahadur-gr.jpg
Total population
43,98,053 as per Nepal Census 2011
Regions with significant populations
 Nepal
Languages
Ancient Bactrian, Turanian languages, Nepali language (Khas Kura) as mother tongue
Religion
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Tajik, Uzbek, Kazakh, Sakha

Jungabahadur gave the title kshetri to khas people and all khas become kshetri

According to 1854 Muluki Ain (Legal Code) of Nepal, kshetri belong to sacred thread bearers (Yagyopavit) and twice born (Dvija) Hindus.[1]

Etymology

Chhetri is Nepalese local colloquial term for Kshatriya. Kshetri (Nepali: क्षेत्री) is considered a derivative form of the Sanskrit word Kshatriya.[2][3] Hill-Kshetri, Kshetri, Chhetri, Khas ,Pahadi Chhetri and Khas Kshetri are all used to denote this caste.

History

 
Leader of Pande Kshetris at the Unification of Nepal

They are descended from old warriors of Khas Kingdom. Chhetri dominated the military forces of Shah dynasty of Nepal.[4] The 7 main Chhetri families at Royal court of Nepal formed group called Kaji Khalak (Aristocrats). They are; Basnyat, Pande, Karki, Thapa, Khadka,Kunwar and Bista. Basnyat, Pande and Thapas were most powerful Chhetri groups led by Shivaram Singh Basnyat, Kalu Pande and Birbhadra Thapa at the Unification of Nepal. The Kunwars were led by Ramkrishna Kunwar and Bista/Bisht were led by Gajabal Bista and Atibal Bista. Sometimes, Bhandari Kshetri family of Jaswanta Bhandari was also considered as Kaji Khalak family of the Royal court of Nepal.

 
Leader of Basnyats at the Unification of Nepal
 
Leader of Kunwars at the Unification of Nepal

In the court struggle for power, Pande Khalaks and Thapa Khalaks were fierce opponents. They often opposed each other. Pandes were supported by Basnyats due to blood relations. Thapas were supported by Kunwars due to blood relations. In the end, Kunwars betrayed Thapa groups by murdering the Thapa leader Mathabar Singh Thapa. That caused Kunwars to rise to power and all Kshetris were thrown of power. The Kunwar high rank officers escalated quickly between 1841 AD to 1854 AD.[5] Kunwars claimed royalty and changed their surname to Rana (meaning: King) from Kunwar (meaning: Prince). In 1951AD, democracy was established and Kshetri rule were stopped.[6]

 
Bhimsen Thapa, longest reigning Prime Minister from Thapa dynasty

Demography

According to 2011 Nepal census, Kshetri stands as the most populous group in Nepal with 16.6% of Nepal's population (or 43,98,053 peoples).[7] Kshetris are the second largest Hindu group with Hindu population of 43,65,113 (99.3% of Kshetris) as per the 2011 Nepal census.[7] Kshetris are largest group in 20 districts in Nepal. Kathmandu consists largest Kshetri population.[7]

The civil service representation to population ratio is 1.18 times for Kshetri.[8] Kshetri dominate the military forces with nearly all high ranked officers belonging to either Kshetri or Thakuri caste. Nearly, only one Chief of Army Staff (Chhatraman Singh Gurung) belonged to Non-Chhetri/Thakuri caste. Thus, the highest military rank (Chief of Army Staff previously Commander-in-Chief) is completely monopolized by Chhetri caste.they also recruit in british army in large numbers, chhetri/thakuris dominant 40% of total nepal army strength , and they have reserved regiment the 9 gorkha rifles in indian army.

Culture

 
Kshetri Prime Minister Mathabar Singh Thapa, leader of Thapa Chhetri faction

Religion

Kshetri are almost all Hindus as per 2011 Nepal census. Historically, they practiced Hindu polytheism and shamanism. They generally worship their clan deity (Kul Devta), friendly deity (Ishta Devta) and Khas Masto deities. Kshetri commonly have warrior like deities as Bhadrakali, Kalika Bhawani and different forms of Goddess Kali as female deity and Rudra, Veerbhadra (ferocious forms of Shiva) as male deity. Bhadrakali, a popular form of Goddess Kali, is the main deity of the Nepalese Army (previously Gorkhali Army) due to prevalence of Kshetri commanders. Worship to these deities were necessary before wars. There was a popular folk legend that the Chinese failed the strategic attacks on 1792 AD due to the effect of religious war cry of Jai Bhawani. In the times of unification of Nepal, Kshetris were more rigid to worship of ferocious forms of Godess Kali and Lord Shiva. Amar Singh Thapa based on religious values developed Nishankalika flag after ceremoniously inviting Kalika Bhawani, ancestors, friendly deities and 49 Maruts to reside on the flag.

Many Kshetris triennially celebrate clanwise Masto deity worship called Dewali Puja. Dewali Puja is common among Bahuns too. In the Dewali Puja, Kshetris of the same clan give male goat sacrifices at a particular place. It is a form of millennium old ancient worship continued till date. Kshetris celebrate many Hindu festivals like Dashain (Dussehra), Tihar (Deepawali), Maghe Sankranti, Janai Purnima, Holi, etc. Dashain and Tihar are primary festivals of Pahadi Hindu castes. Most Kshetri families give goat sacrifices on either Maha Ashtami day or Maha Nawami day of Dashain festival.

Marriage

मावलीको थर जोगाउनु, बुढामावलीको घर जोगाउनु
Transliteration: Maawali ko thar jogaunu, Budamaawaliko ghar jogaunu.

The maternal clan marriage prohibition same kairan can't be marry and maternal kairan like lamchane thapa can't marry lamchane basnet and if his mother is khabatari khadka he can't marry khabatari basnet

Diet

Dieting rules for Kshetri were decided by Kshetri Birandala (brotherhood). Kshetri are allowed to eat beef, buffalo, pig, felines Goats, chicken,sheep and all are fully allowed.

Ethics

Historically, Kshetri has been part of the some of the powerful Pahari empires as Khas Empire and Gorkha Empire. Warriorhood, governance, administration, honesty and integrity has been linked to Kshetris. Kshetris are noted for resourcefulness and charity. Sanskrit verse from Geeta explains the basis of ethics Kshetris have derived from:

शौर्यं तेजो धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं युध्दे चाप्यपलायनम् ।


दानमीश्वरभावश्च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभावजम् ॥
Transliteration: Shauryam Tejo Dhritirdakshyam Yuddhe Chapyapalayanam.
Danmeeshwarbhavashcha Kshatram Karma Swabhvajam.

Bhagvad Geeta pp. 18-43

The above verse explains the duties, characters and behaviours of Kshatriya warrior. These were adapted by Kshetri community which includes exhibition of bravery and skill, prohibition of escaping any war, giving charity and Hindu governance.

Khas/Chhetri Family Names

  1. Aidi
  2. Ainidi
  3. Airi
  4. Ayer
  5. Bhetal
  6. Badaila
  7. Bada
  8. Baduwal
  9. Baghe
  10. Bakethi
  11. Balair
  12. Balakoti
  13. Banikoti
  14. Baniya
  15. Barma
  16. Baruwal
  17. Basnet-Basnyat
  18. Batala
  19. Bek
  20. Belal
  21. Bhakri
  22. Bhandari (M/J)
  23. Bhat
  24. Bhawar
  25. Bhetwal
  26. Bhujel (M/J)
  27. Bhabikya
  28. Birahi
  29. Bista-Bisht
  30. Bogati
  31. Bohra-Bohara
  32. Budhakoti
  33. Budha/Buda
  34. Budhayer-Budhair
  35. Budthapa
  36. Bura
  37. Chauhan
  38. Chaulange
  39. Dipayakoti
  40. Chauhan
  41. Chokhal
  42. Dangi Chhetri (D.C)
  43. Dani
  44. Dasoudi
  45. Dayar
  46. Deo/Deuja
  47. Deuba
  48. Dhami
  49. Dhant
  50. Dhanuk
  51. Dobaal
  52. Doeja
  53. Doteli
  54. Gaura Bagale
  55. Gharala
  56. Gharti (G.C)
  57. Ghatala
  58. Ghatala
  59. Ghatru
  60. Giri (M/J)
  61. Gorka
  62. Gurdhami
  63. Hasulli
  64. Heita
  65. Heita
  66. Heta
  67. Hital
  68. Hitan
  69. Jagari
  70. Jamwal
  71. Jethara/Jetha
  72. Jhakri
  73. Johra
  74. Jora
  75. Jumlakoti
  76. Kadayat
  77. Kahar-Budha
  78. Karki
  79. Katawal/Katuwal
  80. Kathayat
  81. KC
  82. Khadgaha
  83. Khadka Khadga
  84. Khalakheti
  85. Kharka
  86. Khati
  87. Khati-Khadka
  88. Bhakri
  89. Khulal
  90. Kottari
  91. Kumau/Kumai
  92. Kunwar/Kanwar
  93. Kusari
  94. Kutiyal
  95. Lothyal
  96. Mahar
  97. Mahara
  98. Maharaji
  99. Mahak
  100. Mahat
  101. Mahatara
  102. Mahatyara
  103. Majhi
  104. Manyal
  105. Mhyak Rana
  106. Mukhiya
  107. Nakal
  108. Negi
  109. Pacchain
  110. Pakhari
  111. Patali
  112. Phadera
  113. Pujara
  114. Pulami
  115. Pyanhar
  116. Rana
  117. Ranabhat
  118. Ranjit
  119. Raut
  120. Rawal
  121. Rawat
  122. Rayamajhi
  123. Reule
  124. Roka-Rokaya/Rokka (Rokaha)
  125. Rukume Oli
  126. Samal
  127. Samant
  128. Samari
  129. Saud-Sawad-Saund
  130. Sauka
  131. Senjuwal
  132. Senuwal
  133. Shamsher
  134. Sigapati
  135. Silwal
  136. Sinjali
  137. Sinjapati
  138. Suwar
  139. Swar
  140. Tandan
  141. Ter
  142. Thada/Thadarai
  143. Thami (Adhikari)
  144. Thaguna
  145. Thakurathi
  146. Thami
  147. Thapa
  148. Thekare
  149. Thyaet
  150. Verma
  151. Woli
  152. Dhital
  153. Dangri
  154. Shahi
  155. Khanal
  156. Joshi
  157. Thalal
  158. Mahata
  159. Dhat
  160. Japrel
  161. Daulalay
  162. Mahar
  163. Lakhandi
  164. Nayak
  165. Kadal
  166. Syada

Gallery

References

  1. Serchan, Sanjaya (2001). Democracy, Pluralism and Change. Chhye Pahuppe. ISBN 978-99933-54-39-0.
  2. Hasan, Amir; Anthropological Survey of India, eds. (2005). Uttar Pradesh. Manohar: Anthropological Survey of India. ISBN 978-81-7304-114-3.
  3. Hagen, Toni (1998). Toni Hagen's Nepal: The Kingdom in the Himalaya. Himal Books.
  4. Regmi, Mahesh Chandra (1995). Kings and Political Leaders of the Gorkhali Empire, 1768-1814. Orient BlackSwan. ISBN 978-81-250-0511-7.
  5. Adhikari, Indra (12 June 2015). Military and Democracy in Nepal. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-58906-8.
  6. Joshi, Bhuwan Lal; Rose, Leo E. Democratic Innocations in Nepal. University of California Press.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Nepal Census 2011" (PDF).
  8. Dhakal, Amit (11 June 2014). निजामती सेवामा सबैभन्दा बढी प्रतिनिधित्व राजपूत, कायस्थ र तराई ब्राम्हण. http://archive.setopati.com/raajneeti/12636/. Retrieved 25 January 2018.