Gaur Brahmins

For the Southern Indians caste, see Goud.

Gaur Brahmin

Regions with significant populations
Haryana • Rajasthan • Western Uttar Pradesh • Madhya Pradesh • Delhi
Languages
Haryanvi • Rajasthani • Western Hindi
Religion
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Brahmins • Pancha Gauda • Garha

Gaur Brahmins (also spelled Gor, Gour, Gaud or Gauda) are a community of Brahmins in India. They are one of the five Pancha Gauda Brahmin communities that live north of the Vindhyas.[1][2]

Demographics

Gaur Brahmins are most numerous in the western half of Northern India, particularly in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and western parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, but a significant number are present in other northern states of India also.[3]

Brahmins, mostly Gaurs, have a significant population in Delhi, around 12% - 14%, larger than the combined population of Jats and Gujjars. They play a dominant role in the region's politics.[4]^[clarification needed][5]

Military

During World War I, Gaur Brahmins were recruited to regiments and companies of the British Indian Army, notably the 1st Brahmans and 3rd Brahmans.[6]

Social status

In places where Gaur Brahmins reside, Brahmins who are not of the Gaur community are often considered to have an inferior status.[7]

Notable people

Historical figures

• Bhai Almast – 16th century religious figure[8][9]
• Bhai Balu Hasna – 16th century religious figure[10]
• Khushal Singh Jamadar – 19th-century military and administrative officer[11][12]
• Tej Singh – 19th-century military and politically leader[13]
• Madan Mohan Malaviya – educationist and Indian independence activist[14]

Artists

• Lakhmi Chand – poet, founder of Haryanvi Saang Culture[15]

See also

• Forward Castes
• Gabr

References

1. James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z. Rosen. pp. 490–491. ISBN 9780823931804.
2. D. Shyam Babu and Ravindra S. Khare, ed. (2011). Caste in Life: Experiencing Inequalities. Pearson Education India. p. 168. ISBN 9788131754399.
3. James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Rosen. ISBN 9780823931804.
4. Kumar, Rajesh (4 December 2013). "Fight for Brahmin votes intensifies". The Pioneer. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
5. Yadav, Sanjay (2008). The Invasion of Delhi. Worldwide Books. pp. 14, 15. ISBN 978-81-88054-00-8.
6. Yadav, Atul (2022). Valour Unlimited: Haryana and the Indian Armed Forces (1914-2000). K.K. Publications. p. 25.
7. Sharma, K. L. (2 February 2019). Caste, Social Inequality and Mobility in Rural India: Reconceptualizing the Indian Village. SAGE Publishing India. p. 80. ISBN 978-93-5328-202-8.
8. Singh, Bhupender (23 December 2022). BABA NANAK SHAH FAKIR. Blue Rose Publishers. p. 119. ISBN 978-93-5704-660-2.
9. Singh, Harbans (1992). The Encyclopedia Of Sikhism Vol. I. Punjabi University, Patiala. p. 85-86. ISBN 81-7380-100-2.
10. Singh, Bhupender (23 December 2022). BABA NANAK SHAH FAKIR. Blue Rose Publishers. p. 119. ISBN 978-93-5704-660-2.
11. Gopal, Madan (1999). Life and Times of Dyal Singh Majithia. Uppal Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7658-002-1.
12. Falcon, Robert Worgan (1896). Handbook on Sikhs for the Use of Regimental Officers. Pioneer Press.
13. Williams, Donovan (1970). Life And Times Of Ranjit Singh. V.V.R.I. Press. p. 268. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
14. Excelsior, Daily (24 December 2014). "A Staunch Nationalist". Jammu Kashmir Latest News | Tourism | Breaking News J&K. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
15. भारती, कंवल (20 February 2023). "हरियाणवी समाज के प्रदूषक लोक कवि लखमी चंद". Forward Press (in Hindi). Retrieved 17 June 2023.