Maharjan
Maharjan (Nepali: महर्जन), is one of the original Newar castes or groups of Nepal, predominantly from Patan, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu in Kathmandu Valley. Newars are a mixture of Indo-European people, like Lichhavis, Mallas, Koliyas, Shakyas from Aryavart (now the Indo-Gangetic plain), Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India (Aryavart means Home of Aryans) and Austro-Asian and Mongolian people like Kirat,and ancient Nepalese mongolians.
Overview
The Maharjan people are also called Jyapu. Jya means work, and Pu means complete.[1] This name was used to describe them by later dynasties after they were displaced from political power. Since the Vedic Period, the Jyapu ruled Nepal.
Thakuri Kings, after having defeated the Lichhavis, began to change the identity of the Lichhavis through new political practices. Since all the administrative and military jobs were denied to Lichhavis[2] after their defeat, they were forced to take on other occupations like farming. This political change caused them to mix with other groups like the Kirat(rarely) and Ahir that already farmed the Kathmandu Valley. These groups were incorporated into the Jyapu community.[3] More than 80% Maharjans are considered to be descended from Yadavas(Gopalas) who came to Kathmandu valley from south (U.P. and Bihar of modern india).
References
- Baburam Acharya (Prachin Nepal Ko Itihas)
- Dr. Laxmi Narayan Shrestha (Nepal Ka Newar Haru)