Yadav (Ahir): Linguistically Enriched Indigenous Community in The Terai Culture

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyze the origin and expansion of the Yadav caste and dynasty, which is well known across Nepal. The Yadav dynasty encompasses the entire lineage of its history and geography. This family, with a long-standing presence in human civilization, traces its origins to the Indus River. Its history is deeply rooted in the broader narrative of human civilization. In Nepal, the Yadav community extends from Mechi to Mahakali, with the majority residing in the southern region of the country. The concentration of the Yadav population is particularly notable in Janakpurdham, the birthplace of King Janak, as well as in the Narayani Zone, the Sagarmatha Zone, and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Beyond these four provinces, Yadavs have been migrating from one place to another. For instance, their migration has historically extended from the Terai (Maddhesh) to the Himalayas and Hills (Pahad). Despite the growth and spread of education in the modern era, the majority of the Yadav community remains illiterate, largely due to their reliance on ancestral property. The family roots and relations of the Yadavs are closely intertwined with the historical and cultural ties between Nepal and India. The Yadav dynasty has had an age-old connection with Nepal, and the cultural traditions of the Yadav families in both Nepal and India remain vibrant and commendable. The Yadavs recognize one another by their common title, yet they also have several sub-titles. Approximately 99% of Yadav families follow Hinduism. The oldest title of the Yadav caste is "Ahir," which also means "Yadu"—a noun derived from the adjective "Yadu-Banshi." Their linguistic heritage reflects the significance and beauty of the Ahir (Yadav) identity through numerous proverbs, which carry profound meanings across various sects and traditions. However, the reasons behind the societal neglect or disregard of the Yadav community, whether intentional or unintentional, remain unclear.