Dhanuk

The Dhanuk are an ethnic group found in India. In Bihar, where they are present in significant numbers, they are classified among the "lower backwards", along with several other castes, together comprising approximately 2.13% of the state's population. In recent years, the community has experienced increased political representation. In Bihar, Dhanuks are often considered a sub-caste of the Mandal caste and frequently use Mandal as a surname. In parts of Uttar Pradesh, particularly from Kanpur Dehat northward to Etawah, Kannauj, and Agra, Katheria is a commonly used surname.

In recent times, there have been efforts to forge a socio-political alliance between the Dhanuks and the Koeri and Kurmi castes as a part of the so-called Luv-Kush political equation. However, these castes generally do not recognise the Dhanuks as part of their grouping.