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
The Gaur Brahmins are believed to have originated from the Kurukshetra region in northern India, occupying lands between the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers. Some sources suggest that the name "Gaur" may have been derived from the Ghaggar-Hakra River, historically known as the Saraswati River.The community claims to be one of the earliest Brahmin groups in the region, with other North Indian Brahmin communities, such as the Saraswat, Kanyakubja, Maithil, and Utkala, believed to have branched off from them.
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
