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Thapa Kaji is the surname of a large social group of people of Jharra(pure) Chhettri caste (Kshatriya varna) in Nepal. Over a period of time, this community has spread to many parts of the world. The surname originated during the Khas Kingdom in Karnali region during middle age-it referred to a position/post of a warrior( refer to The Khasa Kingdom,Professor Suryamani Adhikary(T.U.),Nirala publication and Sajha Prakashan).
"Kaji" means administrator or ruler. It was a hereditary family title awarded to some famous Nepali Kshatriya castes like Thapa, Basnyat/Basnet, Pandey, Kunwar, Bista, Khadka, etc. Majority of Thapas Chhetri speak Nepalese language as mother tongue. The Thapas are divided into many sub-castes which are the:
Thapa Chhetri are found in different parts of current Nepal and some parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal State of India. Currently many of the Thapa Chhetri are found in Nepal, and parts of India i.e. Sikkim, Himachal, Assam as well as in Bhutan and Myanmar. The Thapa Chhetri are Kshatriya or varna like Basnyat/Basnet of Nepal.
Thapas were the major political and military figures during and after the unification of the Nepal. Thapas were a major power base of Nepal in the 17th century starting from Mukhtiyar Bhimsen Thapa (first prime minister of Nepal). Then it was carried out and shined by Major other historical Nepalese hero like Amar Singh Thapa, Bhakti Thapa, and Mathabarsingh Thapa. Due to the unique relation between royal family of Nepal and Thapas, they were always viewed as a loyal to royal family. The Rana who ruled Nepal for 104 years were established by Jung Bahadur Rana who rise in power by support of his maternal uncle, Mathabarsingh Thapa who was Prime Minister. Modern Chhetri Thapa are Surya Bahadur Thapa was PM of Nepal for 5 times. Army chiefs Dharmapaal Barsingh Thapa, Pyar Jung Thapa. Youth leaders like Gagan Thapa, Ujjwal Thapa are also Kshetri Thapa.