The Yadav community is a large, historically significant group in India, traditionally associated with pastoralism and cattle rearing. They primarily identify as descendants of the ancient Yadava tribe, to which the Hindu deity Krishna belonged.
The Yadav community is generally classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in most states of India. Like many large communities, they are divided into numerous regional and occupational sub-castes (Jatis) and clans (Kuls).
Major Yadav Sub-Castes and Regional Names
The specific sub-castes vary widely based on the region and the local language. The common traditional term used to refer to the broader community is Ahir.
1. Northern and Central India (Hindi Belt)
This region has the most complex and varied sub-divisions, often historically referring to the broader group as Ahir.
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Yadav / Ahir: The generic terms used across states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
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Gwal / Gvala: Refers to those traditionally engaged in cattle grazing and milk selling.
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Ghosi / Ghosh: Often refers to those who deal in milk and milk products in urban settings.
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Goala / Goalavanshi: Another term for those involved in pastoral and agricultural activities, particularly in Eastern UP and Bihar.
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Manjrauth: A specific, prominent sub-caste found in regions of Bihar and Eastern UP.
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Jaduvanshi: An umbrella term claiming descent from the ancient Yadu dynasty (Krishna’s lineage).
2. Western India (Maharashtra & Gujarat)
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Gawli / Gawli Dhangar: The term commonly used in Maharashtra and some parts of Karnataka, historically associated with herding and sheep rearing (though the Dhangar community is distinct).
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Ahir: Found in regions of Gujarat, particularly Saurashtra and Kutch, where they are a prominent landowning and cattle-herding group.
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Gadhvi / Charan: While technically bards, some groups are historically allied or associated with Yadavs and Ahirs in Gujarat.
3. Southern India (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu)
In South India, communities with similar pastoral traditions are generally seen as distinct but related to the broader Yadava lineage.
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Golla: The predominant community in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, traditionally shepherds and pastoralists.
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Sub-divisions include: Pakanati, Mushti, Peddati, etc.
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Yadava / Konar: The primary communities in Tamil Nadu, traditionally engaged in herding and selling milk. Konar is the more common traditional term.
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Kuruba / Kuruma: The primary community in Karnataka (though the classification with Yadavs is debated), traditionally shepherds and weavers.
Key Historical Context
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Sanskritization: In the 19th and 20th centuries, many of these regional groups (Ahirs, Goalas, Gwalis) collectively organized under the umbrella term “Yadav” as part of a socio-political movement to assert their high status (Kshatriya/Jaduvanshi lineage) and push for a unified identity.
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Political Dominance: The Yadav community has become one of the most significant political forces in the OBC category, especially in the Hindi-speaking belt (UP and Bihar).