The Thakuri (Nepali: ठकुरी) is a Royal caste (Ruler title in the past) forming the core of the ruling class in Nepal. This term is a Nepali adaptation of the Indian title Thakur, which translates to 'master of the estate'. The term denotes the royal descendants of kings of Khasa Kingdom, Gandaki kingdom and the Kingdom of Nepal.[3]
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 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 the nation.
Etymology
Nepali sociologist Harka Bahadur Gurung noted that the Thakuri is the Nepalese version of the Hindi word Thakur which means 'master of the estate'.[4] 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'.[4]
There are misconceptions that Thakuris are a sub-caste of Chhetris. This 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.[5] It is, however, undeniable that a lot of Thakuris and Chhetris do hail from 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, 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 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.[6] 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 a Magar priest (Maski-Rana Magar) is mandated for worship.[7]
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 is exemplified by Thakuri Shah rulers, like King Ram Shah, who sought recognition of kinship relations with the Ranas of Udaypur.
Society
Various Thakuri sub-castes, such as Sen Banshi/Bamshi, Khand, Uchhai, Shah 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 the historical Khasa Kingdom.[8]
Demographics
Thakuris constitute the aristocracy and possess the high social, ritual and political status.[9] Thakuris are politically and socially ahead of others.[9] Traditionally, the Thakuris' main occupations involved government, agriculture and military.[8] They traditionally constituted the ruling and warrior classes,[10] and, except royal posts, share other administrative and military posts with the Chhetris.
Most of the Thakuris are agriculturalists in Western Nepal except few aristrocratic families in the capital city, and hence lack actual financial or political power.[11]
^"Population Monograph v02"(PDF). UNFPA Nepal. 2014. [archive.is/heGCi Archived] from the original on 2024-09-02. Retrieved 2024-09-02. {{cite web}}: Check |archive-url= value (help)
^Vanisttart, Eden (1896). Notes on Nepal. Asian Educational Services. pp. 80-81.
^Adhikary, Surya (1988). The Khasa Kingdom : A Trans-Himalayana Empire of the Middle Age. Jayapur, New Delhi: Nirala Publications. p. 19. ISBN978-8185693026.
^Distinct from Sah/Shah (Merchant or Teli caste of Terai, as in Balen Shah) and Shah caste in Kumaon region in Uttarakhand State of India
^Type of Shahi , originally from Karnali(Jumla) region, migrated to Doti and now can be found in Doti/Kailali
