Ahir

Ahir, also spelled Aheer or Hir, is a pastoral community found in northern and central India and parts of Nepal. The term is often used to describe families traditionally engaged in cattle herding, dairy production, and agriculture. In many states the Ahirs form part of the broader Yadav identity; the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, though regional distinctions exist.

Origins and identity: The Ahirs claim descent from the ancient Yadava lineage and are associated in popular tradition with Krishna. Historians view the relationships as complex, and while some scholars link Ahirs to historic cattle-herding communities, the precise origins are debated. In social organization, many Ahir groups are organized into clans or gotras and have historically practiced exogamy within the community. In modern discourse, the term Yadav is often used as an overarching identity for many of these groups.

Geographic distribution and status: In India, Ahirs are most numerous in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, with smaller populations in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and the plains of Nepal. In contemporary India, Ahirs are recognized as Other Backward Class (OBC) in many states, which affects access to state-sponsored reservations; classification can vary by state and political context.

Culture and economy: Traditional occupations include cattle herding, dairy work, and agriculture, with many families also engaged in related trades. With modernization, many Ahirs have diversified into various professions, including business, government service, and politics. Cultural practices often center on agricultural cycles, folk songs, and festivals that celebrate cattle and community life.