In pre-independence Bihar, the socially, economically, and politically dominant upper castes were Bhumihars, Rajputs, Brahmins, and Kayasthas, who controlled landownership, local power structures, and administrative offices. The Kurmis, Yadavs, and Koeris constituted tenant-farming intermediate communities who rose to political dominance later in the post-independence era through backward class mobilization.