Khas people

Khas people. The Khas people are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group native to the Himalayas, primarily associated with the modern nation of Nepal. Historically known as Khas or Khasas, they are considered the progenitors of many Pahari communities and the dominant group behind the propagation of the Nepali language and Hinduism across the hill regions. Their historical migration and consolidation played a foundational role in the formation of the Gorkha Kingdom and the subsequent Kingdom of Nepal.

Etymology and terminology

The term "Khas" finds early mention in ancient Sanskrit texts like the Mahabharata and the writings of Pāṇini, often referring to a people from the northwestern Indian subcontinent. In the medieval period, the designation was commonly used in the hills of present-day Nepal and Uttarakhand. Over centuries, the term evolved, and in modern Nepal, "Khas" is often used interchangeably with Chhetri, Bahun, and other hill castes who speak the Khas language, which later standardized as Nepali. The community is also historically linked to the Khasas mentioned in Rajatarangini, the chronicle of Kashmir.

History

The early history of the Khas people is traced to their presence in the western Himalayas, possibly migrating from the Kashmir region or the northwestern plains. By the early medieval period, they established several petty kingdoms known as the Khasa Malla Kingdom, which flourished in present-day Far-Western Nepal and Kumaon. This kingdom, with its capital at Sinja Valley, was a significant power, as noted by the medieval traveler Ibn Battuta. The fragmentation of this realm led to the rise of numerous Baisi and Chaubisi principalities in the Gandaki Province. The consolidation under the Gorkha Kingdom, led by Prithvi Narayan Shah of the Shah dynasty, unified these Khas-dominated territories, forming the core of the expanding Kingdom of Nepal. Key battles like the Battle of Kirtipur and the Siege of Kathmandu Valley were instrumental in this process.

Culture and society

Traditional Khas society is structured around a patrilineal caste system in Nepal, with Bahun (priests) and Chhetri (warriors) forming the dominant strata. Their social customs and religious practices are deeply influenced by Hinduism, particularly following the Smarta tradition and worshipping deities like Shiva and Durga. Important festivals include Dashain and Tihar, which are celebrated across Nepal. The Muluki Ain of 1854, enacted under Jang Bahadur Rana, codified their social hierarchy. Cultural practices include the Jhankri (shamanic) tradition and distinctive folk music and dance forms. The legacy of figures like Bhanubhakta Acharya, who translated the Ramayana into Nepali, is central to their literary heritage.

Demographics and distribution

The Khas people constitute a significant portion of the population in Nepal, especially in provinces like Gandaki Province, Karnali Province, and Sudurpashchim Province. Beyond Nepal, substantial diaspora communities exist in India, particularly in the states of Sikkim, West Bengal (especially Darjeeling and Kalimpong), Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, as well as in Bhutan. Internationally, large numbers reside in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Malaysia, often recruited historically into military service such as the British Gurkhas and the Indian Gorkhas.

Language

The native tongue of the Khas people is the Khas language, an Indo-Aryan language that developed into modern Nepali, the official language of Nepal and one of the scheduled languages of India. It is written in the Devanagari script and has a rich literary tradition. Historically, the language served as the lingua franca of the Khas Malla courts and the Gorkha Kingdom. Significant literary contributions come from poets like Laxmi Prasad Devkota and the works of the Shah dynasty court. Dialects of the language are spoken across the Pahari belt, influencing other languages like Kumaoni and Garhwali.

Category:Ethnic groups in Nepal Category:Indo-Aryan peoples