Thapa Kaji is a large social group of people of Jharra Chhettri caste in Nepal. Over a period of time, this community has spread to many parts of the world. The surname originated during the Khas Kingdom in Karnali region during middle age-it referred to a position/post of a warrior. Chhetri is considered a derivative form of the Sanskrit word Kshatriya. , a Thapa Kaji "Kaji" means administrator or ruler. It was a hereditary family title awarded to some famous Nepali Kshatriya castes like Thapa, Basnyat/Basnet, Pandey, Kunwar, Bista, Khadka, etc. Majority of Thapas Chhetri speak the Nepali language as mother tongue. The Thapas Chhetris are divided into many sub-castes which are the:
Thapa Chhetri are found in different parts of current Nepal and some parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal State of India. Currently many of the Thapa Chhetri are found in Nepal, and parts of India i.e. Sikkim, Himachal, Assam as well as in Bhutan and Myanmar. The Thapa Chhetri are Kshatriya or varna like Basnyat/Basnet of Nepal. Thapas were the major political and military figures during and after the unification of the Nepal. Bir Bhadra Thapa was a Thapa of Chhetri group and leading Bharadar during Unification of Nepal. His grandson Bhimsen Thapa became Prime Minister of Nepal and established Thapa faction in the central power. Thapas were a major power base of Nepal in the 17th century starting from Mukhtiyar Bhimsen Thapa. Then it was carried out and shined by Major other historical Nepalese hero like Amar Singh Thapa, Bhakti Thapa, and Mathabarsingh Thapa. Due to the unique relation between royal family of Nepal and Thapas, they were always viewed as a loyal to royal family. The Rana who ruled Nepal for 104 years were established by Jung Bahadur Rana who rise in power by support of his maternal uncle, Mathabarsingh Thapa who was Prime Minister. Modern Chhetri Thapa are Surya Bahadur Thapa was PM of Nepal for 5 times. Army chiefs Dharmapaal Barsingh Thapa, Pyar Jung Thapa. Gagan Thapa also belongs to Chhetri family.
Notable Chhetri Thapa
Bhimsen Thapa: The first prime minister of Nepal. It was during his tenure the Gorkha empire had extended from Susta in west to Teesta in the east
Amar Singh Thapa: Commander in chief during the Anglo-Nepal war also known as "The Living Lion" due to his bravery.
Bhakti Thapa: "The bravest of the brave" was the title given to him by the British for his bravery as he led a small group of Gurkha soldiers at the age of 70 and fought until death.
