Gaur Brahmins Explained

Group:	Gaur Brahmin
Popplace:	Haryana • Rajasthan • Western Uttar Pradesh • Madhya Pradesh • Delhi
Languages:	Haryanvi • Rajasthani • Western Hindi
Religions:	Hinduism
Related 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] [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
• Gaur Muslims
• Gabr

Notes and References

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