Brahman (Bahun) (Nepali: बाहुन) is a colloquial Nepali term for a member of the Pahari or "hill" Brahmin (Nepali: ब्राह्मण) caste, who are traditionally educators, scholars and priests of Hinduism. By tradition—and by civil law until 1962—they represented the highest of the four Hindu varna or castes. Bahuns from the "hills" have been represented disproportionately in Nepal's education system, political parties and civil service since the country was unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah and his heirs in the 18th century.

Excluding the indigenous janajati ethnic groups Newar, Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Mananggay, Mustang-gi, Thakali, Dolpo, Walungi and similar ethnic groups comprise over 50% of the population of the Middle Hills, the Khas Bahun represent 31% of the Hindu population while the second-ranked Khas Chhetri or Kshatriya and Thakuri castes who were traditionally rulers and soldiers make up another 42%. This leaves only 27% engaged in occupational castes such as blacksmiths, tailors/musicians, tanners/cobblers, potters, sweepers and goldsmiths. This top-heavy social structure contrasts strongly with that of Nepal's Terai plains and the adjacent territories of northern India.