Middle
Hills and Valleys
Brahmin
and Chhetris
Two large groups distributed in scattered patterns
all over the country, which are considered the
two highest castes in Nepal. They have sharp Indo-Aryan
features and an olive complexion. Brahmins are
believed to have migrated from India while Chhetris
are from the present day Khasa people from Khasi.
These people follow Hinduism as their main religion
and socially they have many sects. They are divided
into two major streams, the Purba and Umai. The
Kumain people are of the origin of Kumo, Northern
India, Uttar Pradesh. Their social practices depend
upon Hindu religious epics. They speak Nepali,
the national language of Nepal and use a script
with basis in Sanskrit.
Kirati
Kirati mainly consists of Rai and Limbu people.
Literally Rai or Limbu means headman. They are
decendents of the Kirati's who first formed the
kingdom in the Kathmandu Valley. They now mainly
live in far eastern Nepal. Kirati people are well
known for their courage and bravery and are often
recruited into armies abroad like the more famous
Gurkhas. The religious text of Limbu is the Mundhum.
Newars
Newars are mainly settled in Kathmandu Valley
and in major trading centers throughout the kingdom.
They have Mongolian features and their own language
and script, Newari, believed to have its origin
from Tibeto-Burmans. Hinduism and Buddhism are
their main religions. They have complex social
systems and practices and are comprised of many
castes. Trade and farming are their main occupations.
Tamangs
In Tibetan language Tamang means horse traders.
It is believed that they originally came from
Tibet. The majority of Tamangs live in the hills
surrounding Kathmandu Valley. Their social practices
and customs are based on Buddhism and they have
their own language, Tamang. They work mainly as
farmers, labours and as porters.
Magars
Their origin is basically found in hill regions
of western Nepal. Their religion is Buddhism and
their language, Magar Kura, depicts their affinity
to the Tibeto-Burmese tongue and culture. Farming,
military service, weaving, hunting, and fishing
are their major occupations.
Gurungs
They are famous for their innocence, simple mindedness,
and bravery while serving in military forces.
They are mostly settled along the higher slopes
of the Annapurna areas and the Kali Gandaki river
above the Baglung district. They are farmers of
rice and grains and also sheep. They are ethnically
related to Magars, Thakalis and Kiratis in eastern
Nepal. The Gurung people love music and they have
their own language.
Thakalis
The origin of Thakali is Thok Khola, a high valley
in central Nepal along the Muktinath region. They
have Mongolian features, a fair complexion and
narrow eyes. Thakalis are divided into four major
groups: Gauchan, Tulachan, Sherchan and Bhattacan.
Their religion is a mixture of Buddhism, Hinduism
and Jhankrism. They are known for their hospitality,
good salesmanship, and cleanliness.
Occupational
Castes
Certain ethnic groups in Nepal are categorised
according to their occupation. They are Kamis
(smiths), Damais (tailors), Dhibis (washerman)
Sarkis (cobblers), Gaines (professional singers)
and Khumbharas (porters). The origin of these
castes has not been investigated yet by the anthropologists.
Hinduism is their major religion and Nepali their
major language. Many have their own local festivals
and practices.
Furthermore,
Sunwars, Jirels, Chepangs, Kusundas and Panchgaule
(five villages) are other minor ethnic groups
of the Nepal midland hill regoins. Sunwars are
Jirels are considered to be the off shoots of
Magars. Panchgaule are similar to Thakalis. Kusundas
still live in primitive conditions. They live
in caves, under trees and in temporary huts in
the forest. Only a handful of them are settled
into occupational farming. Chepangs, who are believed
to be the offshoots of Kirats, are slowly moving
into urban areas. |
