Bashera (surname)

The surname Bashera is derived from the villages these Rajputs belongs to natively (Basedi, Baseda). The Bashera caste is one of the most foremost Rajput clans who moved to hills as a result of great migration from Rajputana state.

According to a popular book on Kshatriya clans Kshatriya Vansawali (approved by all rajputs MPs before it release) centuries ago the kings of Rajputana were called for help by the priests of Garh Mukteshwar (District Ghaziabad) to save Hindus from conversion into Muslim by a Muslim king. It was decided the won area of the land would be divided among the participant kings as per the strength of people or soldiers they brought to fight. The Chauhan of Neemrana got the majority of the land area, which is currently west Uttar Pradesh, and established many villages named Bashera/Baseda (in Hindi). According to another popular book on Kumaon by B.D. Pandey, Kumaon ka Itihas that these people moved to hills from the Gwalior and Jhansi area.

These people brought a unique administration in the area of warfare and arts in Kumoan. The remaining of the art and culture that they brought from Rajputana can still be found in the areas of Malli Mirthi and Shirakot (Didihaat district) area. They are mainly confined to the Pithoragarh area of kumaon region after migration.

In Kumaon region they were dominant in Shirakot and enjoy the rulership in all Pithoragarh regions. Atkinson wrote about their kingdom in his book Himalayan Gazetteer and some summary can be seen at Pithoragarh district government website.