Abhiras

 

 

Vraja

The abhiras are similar to the vaisyas in customs and behaviour. They belong to the sudras and maintain their life by taking care of cows, buffaloes and other animals, and are also known by the name Ghosha. The abhiras are considered slightly inferior to the aforementioned vaisyas.

 

 

 

 

Elsewhere

A few details:

1) A low-caste people. People living in the estuary of the rivers of Sindhu and Sarasvati were generally called Abhiras. In the Sabha Parva of Mahabharata we find Nakula defeating these people during his victory march after the great Mahabharata batt1e.

 

2) Once Abhiras went to Dharmaputra with many gifts. (9alokas 11-13, Chapter 51, Sabha Parva, M.B.). 3) Once it was prophesied by Markandeya Rsi, that low-caste people like Abhiras and Sakas would become rulers of states in different parts of Bharata during Kaliyuga.

(Slokas 35-36, Chapter 188, Vana Parva, M.B.).

 

4) In the Garudavyuha (Battle array named after Garuda) which Drona created during the Kuruksetra battle he included Abhiras also. (8loka 6, Chapter 20, Drona Parva, M.B.).

 

5) Because of the hatred of Sudras and Abhiras a sacred lake named Vinas’ana disappeared from the river, Sarasvati.

(Salokas 1 and 2, Chapter 37, Salya Parva, M.B.).

 

6) Abhiras were Ksatriyas formerly. Afraid of Parasurama they fled and lived in mountain-caves not continuing their hereditary work and thus became Sudras. (Sloka 16, Chapter 29, A’svamedhika Parva, M.B.).

 

7) When Dvaraka was destroyed by floods and all the Yadavas were killed Arjuna went north taking along with him the wives of Sri Krsna. At that time Abhiras were among those who attacked and carried away the women. (Slokas 47-63, Chapter 7, Mausalya Parva, M.B.).

 

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