Ahirs

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Castes of India
Ahir/Aheer
Classification	Chandravanshi Kshatriya
Religions	Hinduism,and Islam to a minor extent
Language	Hindi,Haryanvi,Marathi,Gujarati,Bhojpuri
Populated States	India, Nepal and Pakistan

The Ahirs, also referred to as Abhira^[1] or Abhir, are one of the ancient martial tribes ^[2][3], of India, who ruled over different parts of India and Nepal^[4] since ancient times. The word Abhira means "fearless". From the times of the Shakyas, the Kushans and the Scythians (6000 BC), Ahirs have been warriors. Some were agriculturists and farmers. Ahirs comprise a subgroup of the Dhangar caste of India.

The people of the Ahir tribe are traditionally cow herders and farmers. Formerly the Ahirs had the exclusive right to milk cows, so even the lowest caste person had to hire an Ahir for this purpose. Their role with the sacred cows gave them special status.^[5] They are found not only in the Kaatch (Kutch) area of western Gujarat, but also in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Nepal. The Ahir community are present in large numbers in Terai, the plains that lie in the southern part of Nepal.^[6].

The Ahirs share most gotras with Jats and have the same physical appearance as them. (See Ahir Gotras) This led to the theory they were of the same ethnic stock. The Ahirs have a special relation to the Hindu religion, owing to their association with the sacred cow, revered as a goddess. Among the special deities of the Ahirs is Kharsk Deo, who is always located at the place of assembly of the cattle. A favorite saint is Haridas Baba. The main festivals are the Diwali and Janamsthmi. ^[7] The Gawali (Milkmen) group is territorially divided into Nandavanshi, Yadavs, Lingayat Gawali and Ahirs, a sub-caste of Dhangar in Maharashtra territory.^[8] Ahir-Dhangar or Dhangar-Ahir, i.e the Sub - Caste of Dhangar, is different from the Ahir Caste of North India that is not a sub-caste of Dhangar. Ahir-Dhangar are mainly found in Northern Maharashtra. Ahir-Dhangar are not connected with the Nandvanshi Gawali, Yadav or Lingayat Gawali.

The Ahir caste that is not a sub-caste of Dhangar is found outside the area of former Bombay Presidency, Central India Agency, Central Provinces and Berar, and former Princely States. In these areas and present day Maharashtra, they are agriculturists.

The British Rulers of India classified the Ahir amongst the "martial races" or ethnic groups. The Ahirs may be seen to have continued their warrior tradition by their extensive participation in the Indian Army and police forces.^[9]

Some of the major groups have names derived from their principal occupations: for example, the cattle-breeding group is named Gawli, derived from a Sanskrit word for cow. The shepherd castes seem to be named by words meaning sheep. For example, the Gadaria name is derived from gadar, an old Hindi word for sheep. Other major groups called castes bear tribal or ethic names, for example: Arora, Gujjar, Lohana, Bhatia, Meena, Bhil, Dom, Oraon, Munda, Santal, Koch, Ahir, Mahar, Nayar, Maratha, Gond, Khond, etc.^[10]

Contents 1 Scythian origin 2 Chandravanshi Kshatriyas 3 History of Ahir Kingdoms 3.1 Ahir Kings 4 Ahir Raj in Rewari 5 Ahir's of Haryana 6 Society and regions 7 Appearances 8 Dialects 9 Political influence 10 Ahir Martyr’s 11 Variations in Caste status 12 Ahir Gotras 13 A 14 B 15 C 16 D 17 G 18 H 19 I 20 J 21 K 22 L 23 M 24 N 25 P 26 R 27 S 28 T 29 V 30 Muslim Aheers of Pakistan 31 Notable Ahirs 32 See also 33 References 34 External links

[edit] Scythian origin

The origin of the Ahir is controversial, with various scholars claiming different origin. Some historians hold that they were a powerful ethnic group of nomad cowherds from eastern or central Asia^[12] who entered India via the Punjab region in large hordes about the same time as the Sakas and the Yuechis, in the first or second century BC. They were believed to have gradually spread over large parts of Northern, Eastern and Central India.

Other views are that they came from Syria or Asia Minor about the beginning of the Christian Era (CE) and lived in India long before the Aryan invasion. The earliest Scythians who entered the northern regions of South Asia were from this group.

Historians derive "Jat" fom "Gatae", "Ahir" from "Avar", "Saka" from "Scythii", "Gujjar and Khatri" from "Khazar", "Thakur and Tarkhan (Punjab)" from "Tukharian", "Saurashtra" from "Saura Matii" or "Sarmatians", "Sisodia" (a Rajput clan) from "Sassanian"^{[13][14][15][16]}

[edit] Chandravanshi Kshatriyas

Historians such as Todd and K.C. Yadav claim the Ahir to be descendants of the Yadav of the Chandravanshi Kshatriya ethnic group of Pururavas. They believe their original habitat was the region between the Sutlej and the Yamuna, from where they migrated beyond Mathura in the East and beyond Gujarat and Maharashtra in the South. The name of the State of Haryana may have been derived from its ancient inhabitants: Abhirayana. The name `Abhira` may stem from a-bhira, meaning fearless.

Similarly, according to some inscriptions in Gujarat, the portion of the Central Indian Plateau between Bhilsa (Vidisha) and Jhansi was known for a long time as Ahirwada (land of Ahirs). Hindu writers have described the Ahirs as living in the north and west, the quarter varying according to the locality of the writer.^{[17] [18] [19] [20]}

The Sabha-parva and Bhisma-parva sections of the Mahabharata mention the province of Abhira, situated near what once was the Sarasvati River in ancient Sind. Suras and Abhira were together been referred to as Surabhiras in scriptures. Later works did not discriminate between the two. Many scholars have sought a link between the Indian Abhira and Surabhir with the Biblical references to Ophir and Sofir.

Ptolemy wrote there was a country called Abhira at the mouth of the river Indus. Sreemad Bhagwatam gave a similar account and matched the location of Sind. Christian Lassen (1800-1876), author of Indische Alterthumskunde, vol I, thought “Ophir” was a seaport on the southwest coast of India. Mrs. Manning said it was situated on the western coast of India. Gesenius, Sir Emerson Tennent, and Max Muller appeared to agree with Christian Lassen. Because of this relative consensus, some scholars believe Abhira is the equivalent of Ophir, mentioned in the Bible. In the Coptic language, Sofir, the name of India, refers to surabhir.

According to the Markandeya Purana, all the Haiheya aggressors (warrior caste) were killed in a massacre led by Parshuram. In that time, the Ahirs were either a sub-clan of the Hayheya or sided with the Hayheya. Only the Abhiras survived by escaping into the craters between mountains. The sage Markandeya remarked that "all Haiheya have been killed but Abhira have survived; they will surely rule the earth in Kaliyuga." The Ahirs also attacked Arjun as he entered the Ahirvati and launched attacks against the Yadus.^[21] Vātsyāyana also mentions the Abhira kingdoms in the Kama Sutra[3]. References of Abhira being residents of the kingdom ruled by Yudhisthira are found in Bhagwatam. ^[22]

Shreemad Bhagwatam, which gives a detailed account of dynasties ruling after great war of Mahabharata, describes Abhira rulers in detail:

Then will follow seven kings of the Abhira race from the city of Avabhrti, and then ten Gardabhis. After them, sixteen kings of the Kankas will rule and will be known for their excessive greed. Eight Yavanas will then take power, followed by fourteen Turuskas, ten Gurundas and eleven kings of the Maula dynasty. These Abhiras, Gardabhis and Kankas will enjoy the earth for 1,099 years.

The Gupta Dynasty's account corresponds to the Abhira Kings mentioned in the Bhagwatam. Many scholars believe both Guptas^[23] and Mauryas were Abhir^[24].

The Ahirs were one of the more militant Hindu groups, including in the modern era. For example, in 1930, about 200 Ahirs marched towards the shrine of Trilochan and performed puja in response to tanzeem processions.^[25]

The original cult of Lord Krishna, especially the aspect dealing with Krishna's boyhood in Vrindavan and his dalliances with the Gopis, has been attributed to the Ahir or Abhir tribe. The merging of this Lord Krishna with the hero of the Mahabharat did not occur until about 4th century C.E.^{[26] [27]}

[edit] History of Ahir Kingdoms

Ahir kings ruled territory of the present-day India and beyond. At the beginning of the Christian era (CE), the invading Scythians and Kushans forced most of the Ahirs to lower Rajasthan in the Arbuda (Aravali region). In Marubhumi (Marwar), Saurashtra and Maharashtra areas, they served the local rulers and established their own rule. Ahirs laid the foundation of Ahir Batak town, which was called Ahrora and was located in Central provinces, and Ahirwar in Jhansi district in 108 CE. Rudramurti Ahir became the chief of the army and later on the King. Madhuriputra, Ishwarsen and Shivdutta were well-known kings of this lineage. Ishwarsena, a great Ahir general, became master of Western Deccan in place of the famous Satavahanas. He took the title of Rajan and an era was named after him. His descendants continued to rule for nine generations.

In a cave inscription at Nashik, references were made to an Ahir prince named Ishwersena, son of Shivdutta. Another inscription, found at Gunda and dated 181 CE, in the reign of the Kshatrapa Rudrasinha, described his general Rudrabhuti, who was called Ahir. When the kathis arrived in Gujarat, they found the greater part of the country controlled by Ahirs. The old fort Asirgarah, in Khandesh, retains the name of its founder Asa Ahir. For centuries the Ahirs were eclipsed as a political power in Haryana until the time of the Pratihara dynasty. Ahirs ruled the whole of Haryana under the Mogul rule and later were declared as independent kings. Vātsyāyana also noted the Abhira kingdoms in the Kama Sutra.
Ahirs also ruled beyond the geographical borders of present-day India, as kings of the hilly terrain of Nepal. Eight kings of the first Ahir dynasty ruled Nepal, the first being Bhuktaman and the last Yaksha Gupta. Owing to pastoral disputes, this dynasty was replaced by another Ahir dynasty. The second Ahir dynasty had a succession of three kings: Badasimha, Jaymati Simha, and Bhuban Simha. Their rule ended when the Kirati invaders defeated Bhuban Simha.

[edit] Ahir Kings

• Rudramurti Ahir ^[28]
• Madhuriputra (mingled with rajputs) ^[29]
• Samudragupta ^[30][31]
• Ishwarsen (Western Deccan)
• Shivdutta ^[32]
• Bhuktaman (Nepal)^[33]
• Yaksha Gupta (Nepal)^[34]
• Badasimha
• Jaymati Simha
• Virsen (Jalgaon)^[35][36]
• Bhuban Simha ^[37]

[edit] Ahir Raj in Rewari

A majority of Ahirs occupy the Rewari Thesil of Gurgaon district. When Shershah Suri fought against the Mughal chief Humayun, the Ahir ‘Khap’ helped Humayun under the leadership of Rao Rura Singh. When Humayun occupied the throne of Delhi again, he made Rao Rura Singh the Chief of a Pargana. The Head Quarters of the Pargana was named Rewari. During the reign of Mughals, the Ahir State continued as an ally, and Rao Tej Singh made a name with them. In 1803 Lord Lake reduced the power and position of the Mughals and captured the Ahir State, then ruled by Puran Singh. Rao Tula Ram was born in 1825. He took over at age 13 after Rao Puran Singh died. Rao Tula Ram was ambitious, increasing his power and territory. Raja Mahar Singh of Balabgarh was the administrator and defender of Delhi during the mutiny of 1857. Rao Raja Tula Ram was active in the areas of Rewari and Narnaul, where he roundly defeated the British.

When the forces of Jaipur, Patiala, Jind and Kapurthala arrived to help the British, Rao Tula Ram had to leave Rewari, Kanund, and Narnaul. He made an alliance with Scindia and Tatiya Tope to continue fighting. A conference of the revolutionaries was called and Rao Raja Tula Ram was appointed to seek help from foreign countries. Rao Tula Ram reached the shore in disguise. He went to Basra by sea, where he met with the Russian envoy and Khedive, and went on to Iran. Although the government gave him a royal reception, they did not commit forces to his aid. After that, Rao Tula Ram wen to Kabul and struggled for six years. He raised a united army of Pathans and Indian revolutionaries. He died before returning to India. The Emir of Kabul sent his ashes to Rewari with two Sardars.^[38]

In 1150, Vighararaja IV, a Chauhan from Rajasthan, forced the people to become his feudal vassals. In 1181 they were defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan, but only after they had put up a tough resistance.

Some scholars seek ethnic connections between the Yadav and Jews. According to Stephen Knapp, the Greeks referred to the Jews as Judeos, or Jah deos or Yadavas, meaning people of Ya or descendants of Yadu, one of the sons of Yayati.^[39][2] In his book The Holy Kabbalah, Arthur Edward Waite linked the mystical work with the Vedas. That Yadavas were possessors of great mystical knowledge was described in the Bhagvad Gita. It said the same knowledge was given to Manu (first man on earth), Surya and Ikshavaku (ancestor of Lord Rama) in ancient times. The Abhira were believed to be a link between eastern and western religions. There are compelling proofs of both Mauryan and Guptas being Abhirs.^[40][41]

The Kshatriya religion was propounded by Krishna,^[42][43][44] and no reference was found before him.^[45] We only find Rajnya as the term alternatively used for it (Bhagwad Gita is a reduced form of hidden knowledge— Gope —which has its root in Shiva). Later on, many Kshatriyas were founded on the philosophy of yadavanshis, as revealed in the Bhagavad Gita.^{[44] [46]}

[edit] Ahir's of Haryana

For centuries the Ahirs were eclipsed as a political power in Haryana until the time of the Pratihara dynasty. In time they became independent rulers of Southwest Haryana.[59] Although the Ahirs and Yadavas form one group, the former are an important community of Haryana, but numerically they constitute less than 10% of the total population.[59][60] Most of them live in the region around Rewari, Narnaul,Mahendragarh and Gurgaon which is therefore known as Ahirwal or the abode of Ahirs.Ahirs synonyms are Yadav and Rao Sahab. Rao Sahab is only used in Ahirwal region consisting of territories of few villages of Delhi,Southern Haryana & Behrod area of Alwar district (Rajasthan).Ahir's of this region are mainly in armed forces.

[edit] Society and regions

Ahir community is known to produce best of the military jawans, wrestlers and agriculturists. The Ahir’s preserve their associations with the country lying between the Sutlej and the Yamuna. In many districts like Badaun, Etah, Mainpuri, Southern Haryana,northern Madhya pradesh and eastern Rajasthan, the Ahir’s are still in a majority. Ahir’s also form a majority in various districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including Azamgarh and Madhepura. In medieval times the Ahir’s gave up their arms and took to agriculture. In early British settlement reports they are spoken of highly as farmers. They stand on an equal footing with the Rajput and Jats in the caste hierarchy, but though they eat with them, they do not intermarry. In appearance, they proclaim their Aryan descent.They are tall and wiry, have dark eyes, long noses, black hair and their complexion varies from wheatish to dark brown.Though mostly agriculturists, they also make good soldiers. 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 Alah and Udal of Bundelkhand.

As Jhansi was known for a long time as Ahirwada (land of Ahir’s). People from Ahirwada also known as Ahirwar/Aharwar, Ahirwar are living in different regions of India from Jhansi to Mathura, Delhi, Ahmedabada, Agra region.

Some of the major groups derived from the principal professions they follow or the crafts they practice, for example, the cattle-breeding group takes the significant name of Gawli, derived from a Sanskrit word for cow. The names of the shepherd castes seem to be derived from words meaning sheep. Such is at least the case with Gadaria from 'gadar', on old Hindi word for sheep. Many others of these major groups called castes bear merely tribal or ethic names. Such are for example: Arora, Gujjar, Lohana, Bhatia, Meena, Bhil, Dom, Oraon,Munda, Santal, Koch, Ahir, Mahar, Nayar, Maratha,Gond, Khond, etc.^[47]

[edit] Appearances

Ahirs are usually tall ,slim have broad shoulders and have big round eyes,however their complexion and physical built varies from place to place ahirs of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan are fair to wheatish in complexion are tall and are well built as this area is rich and fertile.However Ahirs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar varies from place to place as some parts of Uttar pradesh and most parts of Bihar are poor hence less fertile land leads to malnutrition.Ahirs of Bihar and Uttar pradesh are either tall or short in height their complexion varies from wheatish to dark brown however they too have big eyes and broad shoulders.Ahirs of Madhya pradesh and Maharastara and Gujarat are medium in height and their complexion is again wheatish.

[edit] Dialects

Although the Abhiras constituted a distinct ethnic group, they spoke diverse regional dialects. The language of the Ahirs was known as Ahirani in Khandesh, resembling Marathi. While the Ahirs of Kathiawad and Kachh have a dialect which resembles Gujarathi (Bhandarkar, 1911:17). Abhira bhasha is in fact considered to be Apabhransha. In the ninth century B.C., it had become the language of the people, and was spoken from Saurashtra, and Shastri (1967) proves that poetry was composed in the language around the sixth century B.C. Suryavamsi (1962:14-15) mentions the following two dialects in addition to the ones above--Gaddi, which is currently the dialect spoken in Gadderan, on the outskirts of the Chamba and Kangra hills, and Gandi, spoken in some parts of Madhya Pradesh. Abhiri as a dialect has been recorded by Sanskrit poets such as Bharata and Dandin. Yadav (1916:15), notes that the dialect the people of Ahirwal in Haryana speak, has a resemblance to Rajasthani, and Grierson,(1916:9) considers Ahirwati a branch of eastern Rajasthani and western Hindi.

[edit] Political influence

Through numerous political parties such as the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (Republic), Janata Dal the Yadavs have considerable political influence, especially in the North Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.^[48] Laloo Yadav became the chief minister of Bihar and Mulayam Singh in UP and in Karnataka Siddaramaiah became the Deputy chief minister for two terms.

[edit] Ahir Martyr’s

Ahirs have history of being brave and ready fighters.Ahir community has served the Indian armed and defense forces and laid their life to safeguard the mother nation. Some prominent combat where brave Ahir soldiers have laid their life to defend mother India are the Indo-china war, kargil war, Akshardham and Parliament attacks.

Rao Tula Ram made life miserable for the East India Company by openly siding with the sepoys in the 1857 Uprising.

During the Burma Campaign of the Second World war, Havildar Umrao Singh, a gunner, won the Victoria Cross; which is a world–wide symbol of the recognition of the highest form of bravery in the face of the enemy; in hand to hand combat with the Japanese infantry, when its do or die squads raided his gun position, in the Kaladan Valley. He killed ten of them with his bare hands armed only with the gun bearer (a heavy metallic tool) they found him exhausted and bleeding in the morning but still alive amidst a pile of Japanese corpses littered around the gun, which, remarkably, was found to be still fit for immediate firing.

The poignant ‘last man last round’ stand of the Ahir rifle company of 13 Kumaon Regiment in the Sino Indian war of October/November 1962, in the epic battle of Rezangla, is stuff that legends are made of. After border skirmishes in the eastern sector during September 1962, a full-scale war had broken out with the Chinese Army attacking on Namka Chu on 20 October 1962. Consequently, troops deployed in the plains in summer uniforms and also under armed were rushed to the northern border. Un-acclimatised, the troops were as exposed to the elements of the nature, as to the enemy. On the other hand, the Chinese troops were fully acclimatised and comfortable in their thick, padded uniforms and were confident of their numbers and superior weapons. On October 24, 120 officers and jawans of the Ahir Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, almost all of them hailing from the Ahirwal region (southern Haryana), were airlifted from Hyderabad to the Chushul sector. They were deployed on the Rezang La Ridge to defend the highest air strip in the world located at 16,000 feet - just across the Chinese claim line. Nevertheless, positions of some strength had been built up by November 17. The next day as the country was celebrating Diwali, a different scenario was unfolding in the Chushul sector. Chinese infantry in strength was seen moving up and in the early hours of November 18, fighting broke out. Artillery bombardment of the Indian outposts, airfield and brigade positions in the valley began in the small hours of November 18 and at first light infantry assaulted the Indians in their hill positions. Heavy mortars, recoilless guns and rockets softened the shallow Indian entrenchments, beaten off in frontal attacks. The Chinese moved to envelop the Indian positions, taking them from the flank or rear after savage hand-to-hand fighting. Of the Charlie Company, three of the wounded reached Battalion HQ in the valley, five were taken prisoner, the rest of the company were still in their positions - an Indian party climbed to Rezang La three months later on 11 February 1963 - frozen as they died with weapons in hand. Only the Chinese dead had been removed, and evidence of the battle showed that there had been many. The Chinese troops, outnumbering the Indians by nearly 20 to one, the Indians were still skilled and determined soldiers who fought back fiercely against the overwhelming odds - enormous Chinese advantage in firepower and numbers - showing unparalleled chivalry and undaunted courage. It was natural that the Chinese suffered heavy casualties." At one stage, having run out of ammunition, several jawans came out of the pickets and charged the enemy with bare hands - Lance Naik Ram Singh killing several Chinese soldiers after lifting and hitting them against the rocks. The brave Ahirs fought to the finish - to the last bullet and the last man - till their last breath. There were only four survivors. The Chinese dead; were estimated to be around 1,310. Three months later, the frozen bodies of the Ahir defenders were recovered from the post, all in their fire positions, all with their weapons cocked, all with gun-shot and shrapnel wounds, many with bayonet scars, some holding on to the stocks of their rifle-butts, some still clutching safety-pins removed from hand grenades. Even the enemy was so moved by their bravery that while retreating they covered the bodies of Naik Gulab Singh, Lance Naik Ram Singh and others with blankets and posted their rifles & bayonets by their bodies as a mark of respect. The body of Major Shaitan Singh, Company Commander, was flown to Jodhpur where he was cremated with full military honours. Other bodies were laid to rest at Chushul itself where, later on, a memorial was erected. For their efforts the company earned One posthumous Param Vir Chakra, eight Vir Chakras, and four Sena Medals. Major Shaitan Singh was posthumously decorated with the Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award, whereas Jamadars Soorja Ram and Hari Ram, Naiks Hukam Chand and Ram Kanwar, Lance Naik Ram Singh and Sepoy Dharam Pal were posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra. Several others were honoured with Sena Medals. This record of valor has never been surpassed since any where in the world! Never before had so many officers and Jawans (114 out of 120) laid down their lives in one battle. "You rarely come across such example in the annals of world military history when braving such heavy odds, the men fought till the last bullet and the last man. It is truly an unmatched saga of selfless call to honour and duty, with only the mute icy heights as witnesses! Rightly, The Battalion earned the battle honour ‘Rezangla’ for the Regiment, only one of the two given to the Indian Army in the 1962 War.

Much later, in 1999, during Operation Vijay, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav won a hard fought Param Vir Chakra on Tiger Hill. He survived 18 bullet wounds to receive this gallantry award from the President personally during the Republic Day Parade on Rajpath in 2000.

[edit] Variations in Caste status

In 300 BC ahirs refused to accept brahmanism they were diplomaticlly given the second place among kshatriyas and so brahmans favored those aryan kshatriyas who accepted their hegemony and allowed them to play a role in the politics to rule the kingdoms i.e. brahmanical system in society.Ahirs were later renounced as shudras by brahmans,shudras varna was developed by brahmins to punish tyrannical kshatriyas.^{[49] [50][51]}Around 320 BC after the invasion and retreat of Alexander of Greek empire in the north west plains of India from failure of his army to fight the various small kingdoms of India. Chandragupta Maurya of Maurya tribe (a branch of yadus) with the help of brahman (chankya) who had defeated the Magadha brahmans against bulk army of chandravanshi aryans and destroyed the currupt Brahmanical system flourishing in the maghad also defeated generals of alexander settled in gandhara (Kamboja kingdom of aryan mahajanpad) which is called as Afganistan now. Chandragupt later adopted the buddhism way of life. ^[52]

All groups included in the Ahir category belonged to the “clean castes”, though their actual status varied from area to area. The Ahirs of Delhi, Punjab and parts of UP had a status equal to that of Rajput and Jats with whom, according to Rao, they shared commensual relations. In places where the Ahirs were owner-cultivators they ranked immediately after Brahmins but where they were small owner-cultivators or tenants (and Thakurs, the main landowning group), they moved lower down the caste hierarchy.

To improve their status,Ahirs at the turn of the century not only began to claim Kshatriya status but also to adopt Arya Samaj practices in a big way. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar witnessed widespread jenevo movements in the first two decades of the 20th century as Ahirs began to don the sacred thread in accordance with Arya Samaj practices. These years also saw the sprouting of Arya mandirs, pracharaks, priests and schools in many parts of India.

This was accompanied by major changes in the life-style of the Ahirs. They began to follow Vedic life cycle ceremonies conducted by Arya priests. There was renewed emphasis on their Kshatriya identity and their links with Lord Krishna. Yadavs/Ahirs emerged as major protectors of cattle and the celebration of Janmashtmi (Krishna’s birthday) became a major event in their social and religious life.

Ahirs all over the country were quick to respond to the forces of change unleashed by British rule. At the opening of the century itself their regional associations concerned themselves with establishing educational institutions and seeking modern employment opportunities for their castemen. In Punjab, western UP, and Madhya Pradesh,Ahirs turned mainly to the army for employment. In Punjab they even petitioned the government in the 1880’s for recruitment of Ahirs into the army.

[edit] Ahir Gotras

The number of Ahir gotras is small because most of them prefer to be known as Yadav rather than by their gotras which thus got gradually forgotten.^[53]

[edit] A

• Afaria

[edit] B

• Balwan
• Bhabria
• Bchhiklni
• Badm
• Bachick
• Bachuwal
• Bhakulaish
• Bathuthia
• Binmoria
• Badun
• Bhagroilia
• Balaudhia
• Bodkdal
• Banjir
• Bichwalia
• Billon
• Bange
• Bahange
• Bedde
• Barke
• Binawade
• Bondare
• Barganje
• Bidariya
• Bakia
• Bagoria
• Bhasil
• Bharial
• Bikkad
• Bahama

[edit] C

• Chhiralwal
• Churia
• Chitaria
• Chhoria
• Chitosia
• Chhiralwal
• GomasheChakhrate
• Chabookswar

[edit] D

• Dharam
• Deva
• dagar
• Dharntarta
• Dhaliwal
• Dahiya
• Damale
• Dukare
• Dilchar
• Dhamiwal
• Dumarwal
• Dhahdla
• Deswal
• Datarta
• Dhamdolia
• Dhole (Dhohle)
• Darade
• Dehran
• Dabar

[edit] G

• Gogar
• Ghummi
• Gangania
• Gounwal
• Gandas
• Gavate
• Gandile
• Gabopalkar
• Gambwal
• Gangania
• Gothwal

[edit] H

• Hange
• Harivel
• Harlla
• Hudinwal

[edit] I

• Ilberia
• Ilberia

[edit] J

• Jhagrolia
• Jare
• Jhawat

[edit] K

• Kharolia
• Kirwal
• Khaiao
• Kaniawal
• Karewia
• Kharwaria
• Kingas
• Kharania
• Khormba
• Kothwal
• Karoti
• Kasoran
• Khartania
• Kurar
• Kharwalia
• Koslia
• Kakria
• Kathet
• Khola
• Kousaliya
• Khosya
• Kakkas
• Khaliav
• Khor
• Kashyap
• Khatodiya
• Kadainyaa
• Kavle
• Kharmate
• Khillare
• Korale
• Kukde
• Kundekh
• Kaltope
• Katale
• Kalhore
• Kandhla
• Khoia
• Kulhad
• Kalaliya
• Khadoia
• Khar
• Kherwal

[edit] L

• Latiwaal
• Loachas
• Lahotia
• Laade
• Lendkhere
• Laman
• Laruk-Saruke
• Landage

[edit] M

• Mehta
• Mundad
• Maniwala
• Matahia
• Madhgtri
• Mohakhan
• Madh Rama
• Motan
• Mahalay
• Mahakhariya

[edit] N

• Nirban
• Nirwan
• Nainwal
• Nanu
• Nakhnia
• Nuniyal
• Niani
• Noniwal
• Narwaria
• Nainan
• Naikwade
• Nagare
• Nagargoge
• Nakade
• Neharkar
• Nakumb
• Nigania
• Ninania

[edit] P

• Pirt wa
• Pisan
• Punbwar
• Pawalia
• Pachwania
• Pacheria
• Phathak
• Panwalia
• Pote
• Phatkalu
• Palwe
• Pakhrekh
• Phade

[edit] R

• Rhola
• Roswalia
• Rabad
• Raralia
• Rasgor

[edit] S

• Shovalia
• Sisoviya
• Silgi
• Sabakwal
• Sanwalia
• Sisodhia
• Saanp
• Sigarhia
• Sounaria
• Soundaliya
• Shelke
• Shekde
• Sangale
• Sunaria
• Sharia
• Shelangiya
• Sisothia
• Santoria
• Sultania
• Sunaria

[edit] T

• Terakiya
• Thukran
• Tondak
• Tambde
• Tadge
• Tatla
• Turk

[edit] V

• Vare
• Vidharia

[edit] Muslim Aheers of Pakistan

The Aheer in Punjab speak Jhangochi and Seraiki, while those in Sindh speak Sindhi.

[edit] Location

Found principally in Khushab, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Jhang, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Khanewal,Rahim Yar Khan Districts of Punjab, Pakistan.

Their main villages in Chiniot District are Chak 142J.B (Aheeran), Chak 235JB (Haiboana), Langrana and Mouza Lodhran.

In Jhang District the main village is Chak 410 JB(Aheeranwala).

In Sargodha district Aheer are found mainly near Sahiwal, where there are several villages.

In Mianwali District there are many villages of Aheers, most notable: Aheeranwala, Aba Khel, Ahheranwala, Jandanwala and Wandhi Aheeranwali near Pai-Khel.

In Khanewal District they are found in Kabirwala and near Qadirpur Raan.

Also found in Khushab District. In Khusab they are in large numbers along with Tiwanas and Awans and are quite active in the politics, and found mainly in Mohallah Aheeranwla in main Khushab city and in satellite town Jouharabad. The most influential are the aheers of the Khusab district.Their main villages in Khushab are Aheerpur and Rakh Baghoor.

The tribe is also found in Larkana District and Qambar Shahdadkot district of Sindh province of Pakistan.

In Mandi-bha-ud-din district Tehsil Malakwal there is a famous village of Aheer family Chak 7 (Aheeranwala).

[edit] Notable Ahirs

• Rao Tula Ram, ruler of Rewari (Haryana), fought britishers in revolt of 1857
• Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, President of Nepal
• Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister of Bihar, former Railway Minister
• Rao Balbir Singh (King of Rewari (Haryana)
• * Pran Sukh Yadav (fought along with Rao Tula Ram Yadav at Nasibpur)
• B.P. Mandal, former Chief Minister, Bihar and Chairman of Mandal Commission
• Rao Birender Singh, former Chief Minister, Haryana
• Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Yadav, first Chief Minister of Delhi
• Mulayam Singh Yadav, former Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh. President of Samajvadi Party
• Daroga Prasad Rai, former Chief Minister, Bihar
• Siddaramaiah, former deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka
• Ram Naresh Yadav, former Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh
• Babulal Gaur, former Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh
• Subhash Yadav, Former Deputy Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh
• Sharad Yadav, President JD(U), Member of Lok Sabha, former Union Minister
• Akhilesh Singh Yadav, Member of Lok Sabha, son of Mulayam Singh Yadav
• Rao Inderjit Singh, Member of Lok Sabha, former Minister
• Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav Param Vir Chakra recipient, Kargil War
• Capt. Umrao Singh Victoria Cross recipient, World War II, Burma Front
• Havaldar Namdev Jadav Victoria Cross recipient, World War II
• Brigadier Rai Singh, Maha Vir Chakra recipient
• Ahir Vikrambhai Arjanbhai Madam MP from Jamnagar
• Dr. Karan Singh Yadav, Veteran Heart Sergeon and former Member of Parliament, Alwar
• Dr. Brijendra Kumar Rao, first Yadav recipient of Padma Bhushan from Haryana. Chairman of Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
• Dr. Sudha Yadav, former Member of Lok Sabha, Mahendragarh, Haryana
• Suresh Kalmadi, President, Indian Olympic Association and Member of Lok Sabha, Pune
• Devendra Prasad Yadav, MP from Bihar.
• Ram Kripal Yadav, MP from Bihar.
• Ram Gopal Yadav, MP, from Sambhal, UP. General Secretary of Samajwadi Party.
• D.P. Yadav former Member of Parliament, known gangster from Ghaziabad
• Gajendra Prasad Himanshu, Ex Deputy Speaker/Minister, Bihar
• Kannappan M.L.A and former PWD Minister of Tamil Nadu
• Bandaru Dattatreya, Ex min of govt of India, Andhra pradesh.
• Arun Gawli, known gangster and founder of Akhil Bharatiya Sena
• Pran Sukh Yadav, Military commander in Anglo-Sikh war
• Panne Lal Yadav, Wrestler
• Hemulal Yadav, Cricketer
• Jai Prakash Yadav, Cricketer
• Jyoti Yadav, Cricketer
• Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, India's first individual Olympic medalist
• Shivlal Yadav, Cricket player
• Vijay Yadav, Cricket player
• Simhachalam, Billiards & Snooker player of Andhra Pradesh and also an international referee in Billiards
• Santosh Yadav, Mountaineer, Only lady to have climbed "Mount Everest" twice
• Rajendra Yadav (Hindi novelist and editor of "HANS")
• Anand Yadav (Marathi writer)
• Parbhu Dayal Yadav, (Artisan)
• Poonam Yadav, (Singer, UP)
• Dibang,TV Journalist, NDTV
• Rai Saheb Prof. Parmanand (Secretary of UP board for high school and intermediate education in 1940's)
• Ekta chaudhary (miss India universe2009)
• Raghubir Yadav (Bollywood actor)
• Rajpal Yadav (Bollywood actor)
• Madhavi (Well known South Indian Actress)
• Narsing Yadav (Telugu actor)
• Arjun Sarja, (South Indian Hero, Director and Producer)
• Vijay Yadav (Telugu TV actor)
• sasikumar(Tamil actor and director)
• Parul Yadav(Telugu Actress)
• Dwij Yadav (child actor)
• Shivram Yadav
• Mayur yadav
• Manisha Yadav Top most popular contestant of Miss India 2008
• Paravai Muniyamma -Artiste and singer of Tamil village songs
• Kallapaddi Sinkaram -Tamil Flim Actor
• Senthamarai -Tamil Flim Actor
• Yadav Kant Silwal
• Yadav Pant Nepalese economist and politician
• Yadava College
• Yadukush
• Hansraj Gangaram Ahir
• Ahir Vikrambhai Arjanbhai Madam
• Ahir Bhairav

[edit] See also

• List of Dhangar clans in India
• Abhira Kingdom
• Yadav
• Aheer
• Saraswata Kingdom
• Jats
• Gujjars
• Rawal Jaisal
• Jaisalmer
• Bharatpur,_India
• List of Dhangar clans in India
• Bhati
• Gawli
• Yadu
• Kshatriyas
• Martial Races
• Chandravanshi
• Rajput Clans
• Khatri
• Tarkhan
• Kamboj
• Rajput
• Lohar

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Death of the Aryan Invasion Theory
• Ophir-Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
• Abhira Located in Sind-Shrimad Bhagwatam
• Krishna, as Abhira-boy to Radha, Sri Caitanya Caritamta Antya 1.154
• History of Antiquity – By Max Dunker volume IV
• Ancient Indian Commerce
• Puranic Literature
• Newletter142

• Pandulena, Nasik Maharashtra
• Maharastra History
• Vaishnavachavda are the leaders in ahir, in taking inacatives for their moment from rajastan to Gujarat and at last getting settled towards the sea cost of Gujarat