Gaur Brahmins

Gaur Brahmins

Gaur Brahmins (spelling variations: Gor or Gour), also Gaud Brahmins, is a landholding class of Brahmin community in India. The Gauda Brahmins are one of the five Pancha Gauda Brahmin communities that lives in the north of the Vindhyas.

Origins and History

Gaur Brahmins likely originated from Kurukshetra region. Initially inhabiting tracts of land between the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers. Today they are most numerous in the western half of Northern India, particularly in the states of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan as well as in the western parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and a significant amount are present in other northern states of India as well.

The Gaurs claim that the other four main divisions of North Indian Brahmins were originally Gaur, and have acquired their present designations of Saraswat Brahmins, Kanyakubja Brahmins, Maithil Brahmins and Utkala Brahmins by immigrating to the provinces where they are now domiciled. In Sir George Campbell's Ethnology of India, it is suggested that Gaurs may have derived their names from the Ghaggar-Hakra River, which, in ancient times, was a tributary of Saraswati and now discharges its waters into the Sutlej near Firozpur.

Sub-divisions and Lifestyle

The Gaur Brahmins include several sub-groups, such as the Gujjar Gaurs, Shri Gaurs, Tyagi Gaurs, and Sanadhya Gaurs, each with distinct customs and social practices. Traditionally, many Gaurs have engaged in agriculture, often working their own land. Although Brahmins are generally associated with priestly duties, the Gaurs in some regions prefer secular occupations, including agriculture, business, and modern professions.^{[citation needed]}

Demographics

Gaur Brahmins are found in significant numbers in:

• Haryana: 10-16% of the state's population
• Delhi: Approximately 14%
• Rajasthan: 10-12%
• Western Uttar Pradesh: 17%, particularly including the Taga Gaurs(Tyagi)

Military Contributions

During British colonial rule, Gaur Brahmins were classified as a "martial race" and were recruited into the British Indian Army. They served in notable regiments such as the 1st Brahmans, 3rd Brahmans, and 9th Bhopal Infantry. Gaur soldiers were recognized for their valor and played prominent roles in conflicts such as the Maratha, Afghan, and Sikh wars.

Education and Social Practices

A study conducted by Delhi University found high literacy rates among Gaur Brahmins, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR), where the literacy rate is approximately 97%.Business and agriculture remain common occupations within the community. The Gaurs practice monogamy and follow exogamous clan-based marriage customs. Widow remarriage is allowed in some sections of the community.

Political Influence

The Gaur Brahmins have considerable political influence in regions such as Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh, reflecting their substantial population and political involvement.

Notable Gaur Brahmins

Religious and Historical Figures

• Swami Ramananda (15th-century Bhakti saint)
• Dadu Dayal (16th-century poet and saint of the Bhakti movement)
• Hemchandra Vikramaditya (commonly known as Hemu), a 16th-century ruler
• Rao Nandlal Chaudhary, a Mughal-era chief of Indore

Indian Independence Movement

• Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, founder of Banaras Hindu University
• Pandit Neki Ram Sharma, Haryana freedom fighter and social reformer

Sports

• Yogeshwar Dutt, Olympic wrestler
• Manish Kaushik, Commonwealth Games medalist in boxing

Military Figures

• Major Mohit Sharma, Ashoka Chakra awardee
• Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, first Indian in space

Business Leaders

• Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm
• Jaiprakash Gaur, founder of Jaypee Group

Arts and Culture

• Pandit Lakhmichand, noted Haryanvi poet and singer
• Pandit Jasraj, renowned classical vocalist