Chhetri (Kshetri, Kshettri, Kshetry or Chhettri), (Nepali: क्षेत्री pronounced [tsʰetri]; IAST: Kṣetrī) historically called Kshettriya or Kshetriya or Khas are Nepali speaking indo-aryans historically associated with the warrior class and administration, some of whom trace their origin to migration from medieval India.

From 1806 to 1951, Chhetri prime ministers wielded absolute rule in the country and the monarchy was reduced to a powerless figurehead.

[11][12][13] According to the 1854 Legal Code (Muluki Ain) of Nepal, Chhetris were a social group among the sacred thread bearers (Tagadhari) and twice-born people of the Hindu tradition.

[16] The term 'Chhetri' was adopted by a lot of the high-ranking Khas after the unification of Nepal,[17] and it was formalized by an order of Bir Narsingh Kunwar(Jang Bahadur Rana), who considered their original name (Khasa) to be derogatory.

[24] For 104 years since the middle of the 19th century until 1951, hereditary Rana prime ministers wielded absolute rule in the country relegating the monarchy to a mere figurehead.

[7] All of the Prime Minister of Nepal between 1768 and 1950 were Chhetris with the exception of Ranga Nath Poudyal, being a Bahun, and Fateh Jung Shah, being a Thakuri.

[32] Nepal-Tibet War (1855-1856), commanded by Bam Bahadur Kunwar, Sanak Singh Khatri, Prithvi Dhoj Kunwar, Dhir Sumsher and Krishna Dhoj Kunwar under the authority of Jung Bahadur Rana, resulted in the victory of Nepalese troops whereby the Tibetans had to pay an annual subsidy of ten thousand rupees to Nepal and were made to allow the establishment of a Nepalese trading station and agency in Lhasa.

[34] Chhetris have historically practiced Hindu polytheism which included the worship of Khas Masto sect of Shaivism, clan deity (Kuldevta), their personal favorite deity (Ishta-devata), fierce forms of Shiva (such as Virabhadra and Rudra) and goddesses such as Adi Shakti, Kali and Bhadrakali.

[35] The war cry, "Jay Mahakali, Ayo Gurkhali " meaning "Hail Great Goddess Kali, here come the Gurkhas!

[39] [42] Chhetris form the second largest demographic group after Newars in the Kathmandu Valley, together with Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur, with a population of 621,346.

[42] The frequency of Chhetris by province is shown in the table:[43] As per the Public Service Commission of Nepal, Brahmins (33.3%) and Chhetris (20.01%) were the two largest caste groups to obtain governmental jobs in the fiscal year 2017–18, even though 45% governmental seats are reserved for women, Madhesis, lower caste and tribes, and other marginalized groups.

[46] As per the explanation of legal provisions of Constitution of Nepal, Khas Arya comprises the Brahmin, Kshetri, Thakur and Sanyasi (Dashnami) communities.