Chetri
| छेत्री / क्षेत्री | |
|---|---|
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Nepal
|
43,98,053 (16.6% of Nepal) (2011 census) |
| Languages | |
| Nepali(Khas-Kura) as mother tongue | |
| Religion | |
| Almost all are Hindu | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Indo-Aryan peoples | |
Chhetri (Kshetri, or Chhettri) (Hindi: छेत्री , Nepali: क्षेत्री), synonymous with Kshetri (Nepali: क्षेत्री) and Khatri (Nepali: खत्री) are Nepali native speakers of Khas community, an Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic group along with Brahmins (Bahun), and Thakuris.
Chhetri is considered a derivative form of the Sanskrit word Kshatriya. According to 1854 Legal Code (Muluki Ain) of Nepal, Chhetris are the social group among the sacred thread bearers (Tagadhari) and twice-born people of the Hindu tradition. They make up 16.6% of Nepal's population according to the census of 2011, making them the most populous caste or ethnic community in Nepal. Chhetris speak an Indo-Aryan language Nepali language as mother tongue.
Chhetris are primarily Hindu (99.48% according to the 2001 Census). Those Chhetri who follow Hinduism may also follow Buddhism. The ancient religion of the Chhetri is Masto which uses nature worship and can still be seen in western Nepal's Karnali district and in India's Gorkhaland. In Nepal's hill districts the Chhetri population rises to 41% compared to 31% Brahmin and 27% other castes. This greatly exceeds the Kshatriya portion in most regions with predominantly Hindu populations.
They are thought to be connected to the Khasas mentioned in the ancient Indian literature and the medieval Khasa kingdom.
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