Notably, members of the Shah dynasty, which ruled Nepal for centuries, were descendants of the Khand Thakuri caste from Chaubisi.
The Shah royal family held significant sway over Nepalese affairs, guiding the nation through various periods of prosperity and turmoil.
Nepali sociologist Harka Bahadur Gurung noted that the Thakuri is the Nepalese version of the Hindi word Thakur which means 'master of the estate'.
[3] Thakuri is a title that transcends caste and community, with its roots deeply embedded in the diverse cultural norms and traditions across various regions of Nepal.
The term "Thakuri" is not limited to a single ethnicity or lineage but instead reflects the customs, practices, and social structures of different groups.
For instance, Thakuris from Gandaki and Lumbini may follow the Magar custom of marrying maternal cousins (मामाको छोरी), though this practice is not compulsory and is no longer as common.
His son Mukunda Sen I (1518-1553) expanded the kingdom, covering areas from Gulmi in the west to the Koshi River in the east and Gorakhpur in the south.
Although Nepal claimed Butwal due to its historic ties with Palpa, the British eventually refused to take it after the Sugauli Treaty.
Over time, the Khand rulers adopted the surname 'Shah,' signifying their transition from local chieftains to monarchs of a unified kingdom.
This shift is documented in Rajaram Subedi’s historical works, which reference the Khand lineage and their transformation into the ruling Shah dynasty.
Historically, they ruled over Sigana Rajya, a small yet significant kingdom near the Baglung district, for more than 140 years before it was eventually integrated into the unified nation of Nepal.
Their cultural heritage and legacy continue to be an essential part of the historical fabric of the region, reflecting the enduring influence of the Thakuri lineage in Nepalese society.
Historical accounts suggest that the Banshi Thakuri's ancestors were originally Magars, and this connection is reflected in their cultural practices, traditions, and values.
The majority of Banshi Thakuris reside in the Gandaki Province, where they are deeply integrated into local communities, contributing to both cultural preservation and the region’s social fabric.
Despite the lack of extensive historical records, their presence and cultural influence continue to thrive, offering a unique blend of Thakuri and Magar heritage.
Sen, Banshi, Khand, and Uchhai Thakuris: These groups share close cultural ties with the Magars ethnic community.
Additionally, a few families of the Kunwar (Jogi) caste, who are Khas people, claim to be Khand of the Dhor Kingdom of Tanahu, which they are not.
On the other hand, sub-castes like Chand, Shahi, Bam, Singh, and Pal are prominently found mainly in the Karnali region[6] Thakuris constitute the aristocracy and possess the high social, ritual and political status.