Ahirs

Ahirs

Ahir is an Indian ethnic group, some members of which identify as being of the Yadav community because they consider the two terms to be synonymous. The Ahirs are variously described as a caste, a clan, a community, a race and a tribe. The major groups in the Ahir social structure are the Yaduvanshi, Nandvanshi, and Gwalvanshi. These various divisions represent different myths of origin.

The main and traditional occupation of Ahirs is cow-herding. They are found throughout India but are particularly concentrated in the northern areas. They are known by numerous other names, including Gavli (in the Deccan) and Ghosi or Gaddi (if converted to Islam).