Maharjan


Maharjan, is one of the Hindu Buddhist Newar castes or groups of Nepal, predominantly from Patan, Kirtipur, and Kathmandu in Kathmandu Valley.

Overview

The Maharjan people are also called Jyapu. Jya means work, and Pu means complete. This name was used to describe them by later dynasties after they were displaced from political power. Since the Vedic Period, the Jyapu ruled Nepal.
Thakuri Kings, after having defeated the Lichhavis, began to change the identity of the Lichhavis through new political practices. Since all the administrative and military jobs were denied to Lichhavis after their defeat, they were forced to take on other occupations like farming. and Ahir that already farmed the Kathmandu Valley. These groups were incorporated into the Jyapu community.