Yahudi are Yadav, What are the claims?

In recent times, a narrative has been circulating, particularly among certain political and social media circles in India, suggesting a connection between the Yadavs, a caste in India, and the Jews. This narrative is based on various sources, including religious texts like the Bible and the Mahabharata, as well as historical and DNA evidence.

According to proponents of this narrative, after the war of Mahabharata, some Yadavs migrated to western countries. It is believed that these Yadavs eventually settled in regions like Sham (Syria), Arab, Egypt, Philistine, and Israel. This migration is estimated to have taken place around 3020 BCE. The Yadavs who settled in Israel are said to have established a new empire there.

Arjuna saved some groups of Yadavs and brought them back to Hastinapur after the war of Mahabharata. Bandits killed many Yadavs along the way. The survivors, including Krishna’s wives and a grandchild named Vrajanabh, formed the foundation of the Brijmandal region.

Narrative

The narrative suggests that after the war of Mahabharata, some Yadavs migrated to western countries.  People believe that these Yadavs eventually settled in regions like Sham (Syria), Arab, Egypt, Philistine, and Israel. They estimate this event to have occurred around 3020 BCE.

People believe that the Yadavs, who settled in Israel, established a new empire there. Meanwhile, Arjuna saved some groups of Yadavs and brought them back to Hastinapur. However, bandits killed many Yadavs along the way. The survivors included Krishna’s wives and a grandchild named Vrajanabh2. People say that the Brijmandal region originated from him.

According to this narrative, after the war of Mahabharata, some Yadavs migrated to western countries. People believe that these Yadavs eventually settled in regions like Sham (Syria), Arab, Egypt, Palestine, and Israel. They estimate this event to have occurred around 3020 BCE.

People believe that the Yadavs who settled in Israel established a new empire there. Meanwhile, Arjuna saved some groups of Yadavs and brought them back to Hastinapur. However, bandits killed many Yadavs along the way. Krishna's wives and a grandchild named Vrajanabh, who reportedly originated the Brijmandal region, were among the survivors.

Proponents of this narrative highlight several similarities between Yadavs and Jews. People say that both groups share a similar meaning and passion for fighting until they achieve victory. Furthermore, they draw comparisons between the religious texts of both groups, including the Bible and the Mahabharata.

Claim: The claim suggests that Yadavs are descendants of Yahudis (Jews) and shares various cultural and historical similarities.

Fact Check

1. Historical Evidence: To evaluate the claim, it is crucial to examine historical evidence that can shed light on any possible connections between Yadavs and Yahudis.

a) Yadav Origins: The Yadav community traces its origins to ancient times and claims descent from the legendary King Yadu, mentioned in Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata. There is no historical evidence directly linking Yadavs to Jews.

b) Jewish Diaspora: The Yahudi community, commonly known as Jews, has a well-documented history of diaspora and migration across various regions. However, there is no substantial historical evidence to support a significant migration or settlement of Jews in the Indian subcontinent, specifically among the Yadav community.

2. Cultural Similarities: Proponents of the claim often highlight certain cultural similarities between Yadavs and Jews to support their argument.

a) Names and Surnames: Some proponents argue that similar names and surnames between Yadavs and Jews indicate a connection. However, it is essential to note that names and surnames can have multiple origins and may not necessarily imply a direct ancestral link.

b) Dietary Practices: Another point raised is the similarity in dietary practices, with both communities having restrictions on consuming certain types of meat. However, various cultures worldwide have dietary restrictions, and a direct connection between Yadavs and Jews can't be established by it.

3. Genetic Studies: Researchers have conducted genetic studies to trace the origins of different communities. However, no genetic research has uncovered any substantial genetic connection between Yadavs and Jews.

Similarities

Some scholars seek a connection between Yadav and Jews on this basis. Stephen Knapp states that the Greeks referred to the Jews as Judeos, or Jah deos or Yadavas, which means descendants of Yadu, one of Yayati's sons, or people of Ya. According to Arthur Edward Waite in "The Holy Kabbalah," the Kabbalah, the book of Jewish mystical concepts, originates from the Vedas.

The Bhagvad Gita states that the Yadavas, who held great mystical knowledge, imparted the same knowledge to Manu (the first man on earth), Surya, and Ikshavaku (Lord Rama's ancestor) in ancient times. Some believe that the Abhira served as a connection between eastern and western religions. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan confirms this heritage in his book "Pracya Mattu Paschatya Sanskriti," stating that the Greeks claimed that the Jews were Indians, whom the Syrians referred to as Judea.

The Sanskrit equivalent of Judea is Yadava or yaudheya, while the Indians refer to them as Kalanis, indicating orthodox followers of scripture. A noted similarity is the trait of strictly adhering to scriptural directives, and it seems that this would identify someone as Jewish.

Proponents of this narrative highlight several similarities between Yadavs and Jews. They say that both groups share a similar meaning and passion for fighting until they achieve victory. Furthermore, they draw comparisons between the religious texts of both groups, including the Bible and the Mahabharata.

While this narrative has gained some traction, it’s important to note that it’s based on interpretations of religious texts and historical events. The universal acceptance of this subject is not yet achieved and ongoing research is still studying it. Critics contend that people can use such narratives for political gain or to inflame communal tensions.

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