Magar vs Thakuri

 

Recently, I have come across an article in which it’s written that Nepal’s Thakuris are actually Magars. Even Hamilton has famously quoted that Prithvi Narayan Shah was descendants of Magars.  

 

So, today I have thought of putting my thought with you guys, what is my view on it.   

 

First understand the word ‘Thakuri’ means. Its origin is very simple & clear this word is derived from the word ‘Thakur’ which is used in Gangetic plain for the ruling class like zamindars. In simple world they were the landlords. According to the size of their property they can claim themselves as local kings. Common local people used to call them ‘Raja Saheb’ means ‘King’. Thakur word itself has many derivatives in India for example Tagore (which is British pronunciation of Thakur), Thakkar, Thackrey etc. Thakur could have probably become Thakuri when speaking in Khas language, which if I am not wrong was originally similar to today’s Doti region language.

 

Many Magar scholars claim that Thakuris are actually Magars, who claim that many Magar chieftains have raised themselves to upper caste & claim the title of Thakuri. They have their own points to support it for example cousin marriage, some cultures etc. However, my view is very much different with their view. In my opinion Thakuris are truly Khas people or in some case Rajputs.

 

This very thing gets complex when we look at the Thakuris of Gandaki region. The region which was ruled by Magar chieftains. So, in my opinion only few Magar chieftains from Gandaki region has come under the influence of Khas Brahmans & change their title. But true Magar origin Thakuris actually came from, Sen Thakuris of Palpa. As mentioned in history, Palpa was once ruled by Sen Kings, these are same & true Magar Kings who declared themselves as Thakuri. And, Palpa is actually the region which is dominated by Magars. This Sen Thakuris are the one who makes the Thakuris history complex. Apart from that there is some possibility that some Gandak region Magar chieftains may have taken the title of Shah, however the possibility of it very slim. There is written history that Prithvi Narayan Shah had Sen King of Palpa had marital relationship.

 

For me other Thakuris like Shah, Chand, Bam are mainly come from western part of Nepal & are Khas. Shah Thakuris was already ruling present day Garhwal in 14^th century. In my opinion Prithivi Narayan Shah’s ancestors were also migrated from Garhwal region. Slowly, they started moving east as Khas people themselves started moving east. One of my points is the language used by Prithvi Narayan Shah, which is pretty similar to present day Doti region language. Mallas, in my opinion were migrated directly from Gangetic plain. There was in fact a Malla Kingdom in Terai 2500 years ago. Malla later got inter-mingled with local Newar elites.

 

So, guys I am also looking forward to inputs from you. Please do comment and share your view to me too.