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Kushwahas of Nepal
Image of notable person from kushwaha community Rajendra Mahato Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal from 4 June 2021 – 22 June 2021
Total population
355,707(1.22% of Nepal's population)(2021)cencus
Regions with significant populations
   Nepal
Languages
Maithili, Bajjika, Bhojpuri
Religion
Hinduism100% (2021)
Related ethnic groups
other Indo-Aryan peoples and Madeshi peoples[1]

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.[2] 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,[3][4][5]

According to the 1854 Muluki Ain, the first Nepalese civil code, Kushwaha (Koiri) were regarded as a caste among Other Pure Castes in the category of Madheshi Hindus.[6].[7][8]

History

[edit]

Origin

[edit]

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..[9] Historical records suggest their presence in the Madhesh region predates modern Nepal.[10].[11].[12][13]

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.[14][15]

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 The presence of Kushwahas in the Madhesh region predates the formation of modern Nepal, as evidenced by historical references to their settlements and rule in Mithila and surrounding areas.[16] The Kushwaha community claims Kshatriya status based on historical, cultural, and traditional associations with ancient ruling dynasties.[17]

Kusha
Prince of Ayodhya
King of Kasur
Kusha, one of the twin sons of Rama and Sita.
SpouseKumudvatī (referred to as Champika in Ananda Ramayana)
IssueAtithi
DynastyRaghuvamsha-Suryavamsha
FatherRama
MotherSita

The Kushwaha community claims Kshatriya status in nepal based on historical, cultural, and traditional associations with ancient ruling dynasties.[17]The Kushwaha community in India and Nepal claims descent from Kush, the son of Rama and Sita, primarily due to their historical and cultural ties to the Ramayana. According to Hindu tradition, Kush, along with his twin brother Lava, was raised by Valmiki after being exiled by their father, Rama, and later became a prominent figure. The Kushwaha community believes that their name is derived from Kush, which symbolically connects them to the royal lineage of Ayodhya.[18]

This claim is often reinforced by their historical role as warriors and agriculturists, which aligns with the traits of Kshatriyas, the warrior class, to which Kush belonged. Many Kushwahas also assert their ties to the Maurya dynasty and the Shakya dynasty (Gautama Buddha’s lineage), further solidifying their belief in their Kshatriya heritage. Over time, the community maintained its cultural identity, deeply rooted in agriculture, while carrying forward the legacy of Kush.

Culturally, the Kushwaha community continues to uphold certain rituals, customs, and traditions that they believe reflect their royal heritage. This connection to Kush serves as an important part of their identity and offers a sense of pride in their ancient, noble ancestry. Kushavati was a city in Kosala Kingdom as related in the epic Ramayana which is realted to kush and kushwaha community. Kusha became rulers after their father Rama and founded the cities of Lavapuri (modern day Lahore) and Kusha (Kasur) respectively.

Valmiki trains Lava and Kusha in the Art of Archery
The Sage Valmiki, teaching Ramayana to Kusha and Lava

According to the Ramayana, a pregnant queen Sita is made to leave the kingdom of Ayodhya by the King, Lord Rama, in order to demonstrate that no one is above Dharma and also to refute the allegation against her by a citizen of his kingdom. She then took refuge in the ashram of the sage Valmiki located close to the Triveni Dham where Tamasa, Sona and Sapta Gandaki rivers meet.Which is located in chitwan district of Nepal Tamsa River[19] Sita gave birth to twin sons, Kusha and Lava, at the ashram where they were educated and trained in military skills under the tutelage of Sage Valmiki. They also learned the story of Rama

Kusha (Sanskrit: कुश, IAST: Kuśa) was the son of Rama and Sita.[20] His story is recounted in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Hindu traditions claim he ruled the entire region of Kashmir, the Indus River, and the Hindu Kush as frontier lands of India, known as Hindu Kush Kshetra. He is also said to have founded the city of Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley and Kasur with Lavapuri of Lava in the base lands.[21] Though local lore suggests that Kasur was founded in 1525 by Pashtun migrants.[22][23][24]

The imperial line that ruled the Kingdom of Benares-Kashi and the Maurya Empire, which ruled South Asia from 320 to 185 BCE, claimed descent from Kusha. Kusha is said to be a Raghuvamshi Ikshvaku Suryavanshi. He had two children from his wife Kumudvati: Athithi (son) and Kanikamalika (daughter, wife of Yadava descent king Mahabhoja).

List of dynasties

[edit]

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

  • Maurya dynasty: Linked to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.[25]The Kushwaha community traces its lineage to the Mauryan Empire through historical and cultural traditions. They identify as descendants of the Suryavanshi Kshatriyas, particularly linking themselves to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty. The Mauryas, originally from a farming and warrior background, were believed to have belonged to the (Koiri) or Shakya lineage, which aligns with the Kushwaha identity. Over time, the Kushwahas continued their association with agriculture while maintaining their historical pride in their supposed Mauryan ancestry.[26][27]
  • Shakya: Associated with Gautama Buddha's clan.[28] The Kushwaha community traces its lineage to the Shakya Empire, an ancient ruling dynasty to which Gautama Buddha belonged. The Shakyas were a warrior-agriculturist community in northern India and Nepal, often identified as Kshatriyas. Historical accounts suggest that after the decline of the Shakya republic, many of its members took up agriculture while retaining their Kshatriya heritage.[29]
  • Lichhavi period: Inscriptions indicate administrative roles in ancient Nepal.[30]
  • 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.[31][32]
  • 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.[33]
  • 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.[34][35]

Subdivision

[edit]

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

Current condition of kushwaha community in Nepal

[edit]

While the Kushwaha community in Nepal continues to navigate socio-economic challenges, concerted efforts from within the community and support from governmental bodies contribute to preserving their cultural heritage and improving their socio-economic standing. Ongoing initiatives in cultural preservation, education, and sustainable development are vital to ensuring the community's resilience and prosperity in the evolving Nepalese society.[36]

Culture

[edit]

The community follow Strictly Hinduism, worshiping deities like Shiva, Rama, and Vishnu. Major festivals include Chhath, Diwali, and Holi.[37]

Population

[edit]

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:[3] The frequency of Kushwahas by province was as follows:

The frequency of Kushwahas was higher than national average (1.3%) in the following districts:[38]

Notable people

[edit]
  • 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.[40]
  • 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

[edit]
  • 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.[41]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Nepalko Madheshi Samaj (Madheshi Society in Nepal)". ResearchGate. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
  2. ^ "NCBC Advice No. 35" (PDF).
  3. ^ a b National Statistics Office (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report. Government of Nepal (Report).
  4. ^ Gupta, Dipankar (December 8, 2004). Caste in Question: Identity or Hierarchy in India. SAGE Publications. p. 255. ISBN 0761933247.
  5. ^ Upadhyay, Vijay S.; Pandey, Gaya (1993). History of Anthropological Thought. Concept Publishing Company. pp. 436–500. ISBN 9788170224921.
  6. ^ Government of Nepal (1854). "Muluki Ain 1854: Nepal's First Legal Code". Itihasaa.
  7. ^ "Lawmaker Koiri is fugitive accused, not ill".
  8. ^ "Kushwaha Ethnicity in Nepal".
  9. ^ Jha, Hari Bansh (1993). The Terai Community and National Integration in Nepal. Centre for Economic and Technical Studies. ISBN 978-81-7022-523-2.
  10. ^ "Kushwaha Identity". Kushwaha Community Portal. 3 March 2011.
  11. ^ "Ethnic Groups in Nepal".
  12. ^ "Kushwaha Surname Distribution".
  13. ^ "Ajay Kushwaha - FIBA Profile".
  14. ^ Jha, Hari Bansh (1993). The Terai Community and National Integration in Nepal. Centre for Economic and Technical Studies. ISBN 978-81-7022-523-2.
  15. ^ "Kushwaha in Nepal".
  16. ^ "Kushwaha Identity and History". Kushwaha Community Portal. 3 March 2011. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
  17. ^ a b "History of Kushwaha".
  18. ^ Kumar, Ashwani (2008). Community Warriors: State, Peasants and Caste Armies in Bihar. Anthem Press. p. 36. ISBN 9781843317098.
  19. ^ Vishvanath Limaye (1984). Historic Rama of Valmiki. Gyan Ganga Prakashan.
  20. ^ Mani, Chandra Mauli (2009). Memorable Characters from the Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata. Northern Book Centre. p. 77. ISBN 978-81-7211-257-8.
  21. ^ Nadiem, Ihsan N (2005). Punjab. Al-Faisal Nashran. p. 111. ISBN 9789695034347.
  22. ^ Chopra, Gulshan Lall (1940). Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab. Government Printing.
  23. ^ Sikand, Yoginder (2011-07-19). Beyond The Border: An Indian in Pakistan. Penguin UK. ISBN 9789352141326.
  24. ^ Nadiem, Ihsan H. (2005). Punjab: land, history, people. al-Faisal Nashran. ISBN 9789695032831.
  25. ^ Thapar, Romila (1961). Ashoka and the Decline of the Mauryas. Oxford University Press.
  26. ^ "About Maurya".
  27. ^ Thapar, Romila (April 16, 1998). Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas. OUP India. p. 334. ISBN 9780195644456.
  28. ^ "The Shakya Caste". Charles Lefroy. 19 December 2015.
  29. ^ "Shakya Caste".
  30. ^ Regmi, D.R. (1969). Ancient Nepal. Firma K. L. Mukhopadhyay.
  31. ^ Singh, Rajendra (2010). The Kachhwaha Dynasty: History and Heritage. Oxford University Press. pp. 45–60.
  32. ^ "Nepalese Culture - Population Statistics".
  33. ^ 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)
  34. ^ Mehta, Anil (2020-08-15). "The Rajput Kings of Jaipur: A Legacy of Valor". The Hindu. Retrieved 2025-03-12.
  35. ^ "Nepal Demographics Profile".
  36. ^ "Nepal Kushwaha Kalyan Samaj".
  37. ^ "Kushwaha Religious Practices". Saini Caste News.
  38. ^ 2011 Nepal Census, District Level Detail Report
  39. ^ "Article Title Here". The Annapurna Express. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
  40. ^ "Rajendra Mahato announces new party". The Kathmandu Post. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
  41. ^ "Puja Mahato". ESPN Cricinfo.

Category:Nepalese people of Indian descent Category:Nepalese Hindus

Category:Wikipedia drafts

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