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Ahir
EntityQ2724018· pop 20· linked from 491 articles

Ahir or Aheer (derived from the Sanskrit word: abhira) is a community of traditionally non-elite pastoralists in India, most of whom now use the Yadav surname, as they consider the two terms synonymous. The Ahirs are variously described as a caste, a clan, a race, and/or a tribe.

Key facts

Caste.image
The People of India 1868 Aheer.jpg
Caste.caption
An Aheer from Shahabad, Bihar
Caste.caste_name
Ahir/Aheer
Caste.subdivisions
Yaduvanshi AhirNandvanshi Ahir Gwalvanshi Ahir
Caste.populated_states
India and Nepal
Caste.religions
Hinduism
Caste.languages
Varies depending on region

via Wikipedia infobox

~9 min read

Article

18 sections
Contents
  • Etymology
  • History
  • Early history
  • Kingdoms
  • Military involvements
  • Sanskritisation
  • Recreating the past for new identity
  • Participation in reactionary communal conflicts
  • Distribution
  • North India
  • Maharashtra
  • Culture
  • Diet
  • Language and tradition
  • Folklore
  • See also
  • Notes
  • References

Ahir or Aheer (derived from the Sanskrit word: abhira) is a community of traditionally non-elite pastoralists in India, most of whom now use the Yadav surname, as they consider the two terms synonymous. The Ahirs are variously described as a caste, a clan, a race, and/or a tribe.

The traditional occupations of Ahirs are cattle-herding and agriculture. Since late 19th century to early 20th century, Ahirs have adopted Yadav word for their community and have claimed descent from the mythological king Yadu. This is a part of a movement of social and political resurgence (sanskritisation) under the influence of Arya Samaj.

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