Although the Ahirs and Yadavas form one group, the former are an important community of Haryana. Numerically, however, they constitute less than 10% of the total population. This community is also known as the Ahiras or Abhiras. Most of them live in the region around Rewari and Narnaul. This place is therefore known as Ahirwal or `the abode of Ahirs.`

Origin of Ahir Community
The Ahirs today claim descent from Krishna. Their origin, however, is controversial. Some historians hold that they were a powerful race of nomad cowherds from eastern or central Asia who entered India from the Punjab in large hordes about the same time as the Sakas and the Yuechis in the first or second century BC and gradually spread over large parts of Northern, Eastern and Central India.

Other views are that they came from Syria or Asia Minor about the beginning of the Christian era; were Dravidians; sprang from the Aayars of Tamil Nadu; lived in India long before the Aryan invasion; were descendants of the Yadavas of the Lunar family of Pururavas Aila; and that their original habitat was the region between the Sutlej and the Yamuna from where they migrated beyond Mathura in the East and beyond Gujjarat and Maharashtra in the South.

The name of the State of Haryana may have been derived from its ancient inhabitants: Abhlrayana. The name `Abhira` may stem from a-bhira meaning fearless.

History Of Ahir Community
At the beginning of the Christian era, the invading Scythians and Kushans forced most of them out of their land to lower Rajastha_n in the Arbuda (Aravali region). In Marubhumi (Marwar), Saurashtra and Maharashtra they served the local rulers and established their own rule. Ishwarsena, a great Ahir general, became master of Western Deccan in place of the famous Satava-hanas. He took the title of Rajan and an era was named after him. His descendants continued to rule for nine generations.

For centuries the Ahirs were eclipsed as a political power in Haryana until the time of the Pratihara dynasty. In time they became independent rulers of Southwest Haryana.

In 1150, Vighararaja IV, a Chauhan from Rajasthan forced them to become his feudatories. In 1181 they were defeated by Prithviraj Chauhan but only after they had put up a tough resistance.

Society Of Ahir Community
The Ahirs preserve their associations with the country lying between the Sutlej and the Yamuna. In many districts like Badaun, Etah, Mainpuri, Hissar, Rohtak and Gurgaon, the Ahirs are still in a majority.

In medieval times the Ahirs gave up their arms and took to agriculture. In early British settlement reports they are spoken of highly as farmers.

They stand on an equal footing with the Jats, Rajputs, Gujjars, Rors, Sainis, Sunnars and Barhis in the caste hierarchy and though they eat with them, they do not intermarry.

In appearance, they proclaim their Aryan descent. They are tall and wiry, have dark eyes, long noses, black hair and their complexion varies from wheatish to dark brown. Though mostly agriculturists, they also make good soldiers.

In the annals of Indian military history there is sufficient proof of Ahir bravery that is immortalized in the ballads of Alah and Udal of Bundelkhand.