Explanation:

Ahirs or Yadavs are found throughout the country, but in large number in Haryana. They include the Abhiras or Ahirs of Northern India, Raos of Haryana, Gwalas of Uttar Pradesh, Mandals of Bihar, Pradhans of Odisha, Ghoshals of Bengal, Gopas and Reddis of Andhra Pradesh and Wodeyars of Karnataka.

Although, the Ahirs and Yadavs form one group, yet the Ahirs or Abhiras are an important community of Haryana. Numerically, they constitute less than 10% of the total population. Most of them live in the region around Rewari and Narnaul, which is known as Ahirwal or the abode of Ahirs. Out of these Yadavs, many have been categorised into backward classes whereas, the rest of them are flourishing farmers been in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The name of the state of Haryana may have been derived from its ancient inhabitants: Abhirayana morphed into Ahirayana, which led to Haryana, which finally led to the present name Haryana. The name Abhira may comes from a-bhira, 'meaning not bhira', fearless. Rao Tula Ram was the well known of Ahir leaders. He fought against the British in the Revolt of 1857.