Kushwaha is a community of the Indian subcontinent, which has traditionally been involved in agriculture and farming.
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The Kushwaha are found in large numbers in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, WB as well as in Nepal and Mauritius. They are a numerious group comprising 8-10% population in these states and numbering around four crore.
Large migrant populations have also settled in Bombay (Maharastra), Gujrat, West Bengal, Delhi and Assam. English descriptions of the various subgroups of Kushwaha are full of praise for their farming skills, industriousness and thrift..
Kusha (Sanskrit: कुश), in Hindu mythology, was one of the twin sons of Lord Rama and Sita (the other being Lava). Born in the Forest after Sita had been banished from Ayodhya, they were educated and trained in various skills and were under the care of Sage Valmiki. When Rama performed the Ashvamedha Yagya, then they challenged their father (who was at this point unknown to them) to a duel by holding up the Yagya horse. When Rama found out their identity, he took them back to Ayodhya. The illustrious line of kings which ruled Kashi (Kasi), also called Varanasi was derived from him. The Maurya dynasty, an empire that ruled the Indian sub-continent (320-185 BC) claimed descent from Kush. Such descriptions are found amongst Hindu scriptures. Jain scriptures have great descriptions of both Ikshvaku and Mauryas. Both the dynasties were great supporters of Jainism.
Kushwaha generally claim decent from Maurya dynasty and Maurya empire. Kushwaha claim historical linkages with kingdoms of Kasi Kosala, Maurya, Kushans and numerous Kshatriya kingdoms in Northern and Eastern India.
Most use common surnames such as Kumar, Singh, Prasad etc. Singh, Prasad are the most common surnames amongst Kushwaha in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Though many kushwaha are to this date involved in pure farming pursuits, many have made contributions in social services, freedom struggle, schools and universities, public and private sector etc.
Kushwaha are generally followers of Hinduism. They are vegetarian though those living in cities may have turned non-vegetarian in a small way. Popular Gods and Goddesses among Kushwaha are Sri Rama, Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman etc.