Thapa facts for kids

Thapa (Nepali: थापा) is a common family name, also called a surname, in Nepal. People from two main groups use this name: the Khas people (who are part of the Indo-Aryan group) and the Magar people (who are part of the Sino-Tibetan group).

In Nepal, Thapas from the Khas group are often called "Kshetri Thapas" or "Thapa Kajis." They are seen as an important, elite group. Thapas from the Magar group are usually called "Thapa Magars." Both groups have played a big role in Nepal's history.

The name "Thapa" was first given to brave warriors in the old Khas Kingdom. Both Magar Thapas and Kshetri Thapas have done amazing things for Nepal. Many Magar Thapas have served as soldiers in the British, Indian, and Nepali armies. They were key warriors in helping to unify Nepal into one country.

Thapas have been involved in Nepali politics for a very long time. In ancient Nepal, many Thapas were important military leaders in different small kingdoms. After 1806 AD, when Nepal became a unified kingdom, Thapas led both the army and the government.

Bhimsen Thapa was a very famous Thapa from the Bagale Thapa family. He became powerful after King Rana Bahadur Shah was killed in 1805 AD. After this event, a big investigation happened. This led to many senior officers being killed, and the Thapa Kaji group became the most powerful in Nepal's government.

Bhimsen Thapa was a very powerful leader in Nepal. He belonged to the Thāpā Khalaka dynasty.

After Bhimsen Thapa became powerful, other Thapa families, like that of Senior Kaji Amar Singh Thapa, joined to make the Thapa Khalak dynasty even stronger. Many Thapa leaders fought in the Anglo-Nepalese War from 1814 to 1816 AD. Bhimsen's family and Amar Singh's family led most of the military during this war. Another brave warrior named Bhakti Thapa, who was 71 years old, also led a battle at Deuthal and died fighting.

Thapas lost their power when the Rana dynasty took over. The Ranas were related to the Thapas. Later, when the Panchayat government started in Nepal in 1961 AD, many Thapas again held important positions in the government.

Different Thapa Groups

There are two main groups of people who use the Thapa surname: Khas Thapas and Magar Thapas.

Khas Kshetri Thapa

Khas Thapas, also known as Chhetri or Kshatri Thapas, are part of the Khas people. They belong to the Indo-Aryan group. In the Hindu religion, they are seen as part of the Kshatriya (warrior) class. They follow Hinduism and are divided into different family groups called clans, based on the Hindu Gotra system.

Some of the clan names for Khas Kshetri Thapas include:

• Bagale Thapa
• Punwar Thapa
• Godar Thapa
• Lamichhane Thapa
• Suyal Thapa
• Kalikote Thapa
• Hrikshen Thapa
• Khulal Thapa
• Deoja Thapa
• Thakuryal Thapa
• Gamle Thapa
• Sonal Thapa
• And many others.

Bagale Thapa Clan

Mathabar Singh Thapa was a Prime Minister of Nepal from the Bagale Thapa clan.

The Bagale Thapa clan is one of the most well-known groups within the Khas Thapas. In Hinduism, they belong to the Atreya Gotra. The famous Thapa Khalak dynasty, which included Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa, came from this Bagale Thapa clan. They believe their family started with a legendary Khas King named Kalu Thapa.

Puwar Thapa Clan

Kamal Thapa is a politician from Nepal. He belongs to the Puwar Thapa clan.

The Puwar Thapa clan is another group within the Khas Thapas. They say they are descendants of the Parmar/Punwar Rajputs from Rajasthan, India. They belong to the Kapil Gotra in Hinduism. The brave warrior Bhakti Thapa, who was mentioned earlier, belonged to this Puwar Thapa clan.

Godar Thapa Clan

The Godar Thapa clan is also a large Khas Kshetri group. They belong to the Kashyap Gotra in Hinduism.

Magar Thapa

Netra Bahadur Thapa Magar was a Victoria Cross holder. He was a member of the Magar caste.

Magar Thapas, or Thapa Magars, are members of the Magar caste. This group is part of the Sino-Tibetan or Tibeto-Burman language family. They speak the Magar language and follow the traditions of the Magar people. Many Magar Thapas are known for being excellent soldiers in Gurkha armies around the world.

Images for kids

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  Lakhan Thapa Magar was the First Martyr of Nepal. He was an ethnic Magar from the Tibeto-Burman speaking group.

See also

In Spanish: Thapa para niños