What is "pokhariya"

Pokhariya or Pokharia is the group of people live in the newly formed state of Uttarakhand, India. It is an old Rajput clan living in the Garkha region of Pithoragarh district in the Kanalichhina developmental block of Didihat Tehsil. Pokhariya's have ruled Nepal for 200 years and changed the dynamics of Nepali culture. They migrated to India and ruled Khwankot and Kanalichhina. They were famous for torturing Kharkwal clan who were low casts and used to massage Pokhariya Kings. The Samant clan and Kanyal clan were their soldiers who were benefitted alot under Pokhariya's rule. The history of Pokhariya's Rajput clan traces back to the medieval period. They were primarily from the area now called Pokharan (District Jailsalmer) in modern Rajasthan and belong to the mighty 'Champawat' clan of Rathore dynasty. Muslim attackers attempted to convert them there; seeking to preserve their purity of blood, they refused to submit and waged guerrilla warfare against the Muslims.They later moved to Nepal and settled near modern Pokhara in Nepal.They conflicted with natives there, and later on moved and settled in the present place in Uttaranchal. Even these days all Pokhariyas are seen Living Life King Size. The notable Pokhariyas are seen living in Pithoragarh and Khatima regions and serving as Teachers, Politicians and Army Officers. The Clan has a number of traditions such as Jatta, Anthoo, Harela and prayer and Gandeli to deities such as Chhurmal (isht dev), Kaasin, Hushkar, 'Balchhin, Kalua and Kalchhin' and Garh-Devi(deity of fort). Pokhariyas have settlements in Mautgoo, Khwankot, Dangti, Dungara, Bijjouri and Dokuna. Some reside in Nainital district also.They also have existence in some parts of eastern U.P where they call themselves Satpokhariya Thakurs.