Gopal or Gauda is an Indian caste which is a synonym of Ahirsfrom Odisha State in East India. Their traditional occupation is dairy farming, cattle-herding, cultivation and deity's palanquin bearing.Beside from this they also worked as Paika (soldiers) under the kings. However during british rules they were used to be zamindars in many areas including : Ranapura, Nayagarh and Khandapara and in Mahabharata they were also mentioned as soldiers of Narayani Sena, whom Krishna had offered to Duryodhan.