Thapa Kaji

Thapa Kaji is a large social group of people of Chhettri caste (Kshatriya varna) in Nepal. Thapas of Uttrakhand And Himanchal State of India are considered as Pahari Rajput. Over a period of time, this community has spread to many parts of the world. The surname originated during the Khas Kingdom in Karnali region during middle age-it referred to a position/post of a warrior.[1] Chhetri is considered a derivative form of the Sanskrit word Kshatriya.[2][3]

Bhimsen Thapa, a Thapa Kaji
This article is about Thapa of Chhetri caste and Kshatriya varna. For people with surname Thapa, see Thapa.
Thapa Kaji
Total population
Unknown
Regions with significant populations
   Nepal
Languages
Nepali language
Religion
Hindu and Masto religion

"Kaji" means administrator or ruler. It was a hereditary family title awarded to some famous Nepali Kshatriya castes like Thapa, Basnyat/Basnet, Pandey, Kunwar, Bista, Khadka, etc. Majority of Thapas Chhetri speak the Nepali language as mother tongue.[1] The Thapas Chhetris are divided into many sub-castes which are the:

  • Bagale Thapa
  • Godar Thapa
  • Hriksen Thapa
  • Deoja Thapa
  • Thakuri Thapa
  • Mugali Thapa
  • Panwar Thapa,
  • Lamichhane Thapa,
  • Suyal Thapa,
Portrait of muktiyar mathabar singh thapa

Thapa Chhetri are found in different parts of current Nepal and some parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal State of India. Currently many of the Thapa Chhetri are found in Nepal, and parts of India i.e. Sikkim, Himachal, Assam as well as in Bhutan and Myanmar. The Thapa Chhetri are Kshatriya or varna like Basnyat/Basnet of Nepal.[1]

Gajaraj Singh Thapa, a noble Thapa Kaji with crown

Thapas were the major political and military figures during and after the unification of the Nepal. Bir Bhadra Thapa was a Thapa of Chhetri group[4] and leading Bharadar during Unification of Nepal.[5] His grandson Bhimsen Thapa became Prime Minister of Nepal and established Thapa faction in the central power.[5] Thapas were a major power base of Nepal in the 17th century starting from Mukhtiyar Bhimsen Thapa (first prime minister of Nepal).[6] Then it was carried out and shined by Major other historical Nepalese hero like Amar Singh Thapa, Bhakti Thapa, and Mathabarsingh Thapa. Due to the unique relation between royal family of Nepal and Thapas, they were always viewed as a loyal to royal family. The Rana who ruled Nepal for 104 years were established by Jung Bahadur Rana who rise in power by support of his maternal uncle, Mathabarsingh Thapa who was Prime Minister.[6] Modern Chhetri Thapa are Surya Bahadur Thapa was PM of Nepal for 5 times. Army chiefs Dharmapaal Barsingh Thapa, Pyar Jung Thapa. Gagan Thapa also belongs to Chhetri family.[7]

Notable Thapa Kaji


References
  1. Adhikary 1997.
  2. Singh, K.S.; Anthropological Survey of India (2005). People of India: Uttar Pradesh (3 pts.). Anthropological Survey of India. ISBN 9788173041143. Retrieved 2017-06-11.
  3. Hagen, T.; Thapa, D. (1998). Toni Hagen's Nepal: The Kingdom in the Himalaya. Himal Books. Retrieved 2017-06-11.
  4. Regmi, M.C. (1995). Kings and political leaders of the Gorkhali Empire, 1768-1814. Orient Longman. ISBN 9788125005117. Retrieved 2017-06-11.
  5. Pradhan 2012, p. 22.
  6. Pradhan 2012.
  7. Jha, P. (2014). Battles of the New Republic: A Contemporary History of Nepal. Hurst & Company. p. 63. ISBN 9781849044592. Retrieved 2017-06-11.

Sources
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