Ethnic Mosiac

Brahmans
Brahmans are the members of the highest social caste. Two different categories of Brahmans viz. ‘Kumai Brahmans’ and ‘Purbiya Brahmans’ are present. They only differ in their derived homeland. The ‘Kumai Brahmans’ are supposed to have come from the mountainous regions of Kumaon in the northern India west of Nepal. They are mainly confined in the western and central Nepal and the capital city of Kathmandu. The ‘Purbiya’ Brahmans derive from the eastern part of Nepal and are found scattered across the country with the greater concentration in the eastern part of Nepal and Kathmandu.

The Brahmans are priestly caste. The priests in all Hindu temples are exclusively Brahmans.

Chepang and Kusundas
These backward ethnic communities belong to a well defined traditional area in the south of Dhading, the west of Makawanpur and east of Chitwan along the steeper slopes of Mahabharat range of the mid-Nepal. Very few of these hunting tribal people have started deriving subsistence from agriculture. Otherwise, hunting, wood collection etc. have been their foremost living subsistence. Though, they are economically backward, they have a rich and unique cultural tradition. With the increasing encroachment of the forest (their main living recourse) by themselves and other communities alike, these people lately started working in the development projects in the areas as hard labors.

They observe all the Hindu festivals of Dashain, Tihar and Sakrantis besides their own tribal festival Nwagi, which is performed on a Tuesday during third week of Bhadra (some day in August and September).

Chhetris and Thakuris
In the caste hierarchy, the Chhetris and Thakuris come second to Brahmans. They are rulers, leaders and warriors. The Brahmans are their teachers and family priests. Like Brahmans, they are orthodox Hindus. Thakuries are believed to have originally come from the northern part of India mainly from Rajasthan. They could have migrated to Nepal in the 12th and 13th centuries.

In Nepal, Chhetris and Thakuris are among the most influential and well-to-do social classes. They are mostly in the government services, in high ranked positions in the army and the police. Some of them have remained farmers and are relatively poor and live like any other ethnic group.

Dolpa
The Dolpa or Dolpo-pa settlements are concentrated in the remote and fascinating region which is confined by the Dhaulagiri Himalaya in the south and east; the Sisne and Kanjiroba mountain in the west and Tibet on the north. They generally settle at altitudes of 3,660 m (Approx. 12,000 ft.) to 4,070 m (14,000 ft. approx.) They are probably the highest settlements in the world. These mongoloid featured people are Tibetan speaking. Most of them are illiterate, but they are not very poor. Marriages are very relaxed in general. Pre-marital and extra-marital sex union are not prejudiced. All the brothers in a family marry a common wife. Marriages can be of any type; by arrangement, capture or elopement. The Dolpa people are Buddhist, but the Bon-po sect of Buddhism also co-exists. They dispose off the dead in different ways. Some throw the corpse into the river while others cut the flesh into pieces and feed them to the vultures.

Gurungs
In the middle hills and valleys along the southern slope of the Annapurna Himalaya in the mid-western Nepal; the Gurungs live together with other ethnic groups like Magars, Brahmins and Chettris. These sturdy, hardworking people are Mongoloid physionomically. They extend their living territories from Gorkha in the east through Lamjung, Manang and Kaski to Syangja district.

The Gurungs are very colorful, happy and flirtatious people. A caste hierarchy divides the Gurung community into ‘char jat’ and ‘sor jat’, group of four and sixteen clans respectively. They are distinctly endogamous groups. Traditionally they prefer cross-cousins marriage. The parallel cousins marriage is, however, strictly prohibited. They also have a tradition of ‘Rodi’, a club of boys and girls of similar age group where dancing and singing is performed. This institution gives them ample opportunities to know, understand each other and develop love and affection. The environment in the Rodi is very flirtatious.

The Gurungs have very interesting dance tradition. They perform Sorathi, Ghado, Ghatu and others on one or many occasions. The dancing season generally starts on Shri Panchami day (On the fifth day of bright lunar fortnight some day in January or February) till the day of Chandi purnima (some day in May or April).

Magars
Along the Gurung and Khas counterparts, the Magars form an integral constituent of British and Indian Gurkha regiments and the Royal Nepal Army. They speak a dialect derived from Tebeto-Burman group of languages. Their religion is Buddhism. However, there are also some Hindu Magars.

The Magars celebrate the festival dedicated to the goddess Kali in great pomp (a Hindu festival). Especially in Gorkha, they sacrifice a lot of goats during the occasion. Those who live in the vicinity of Brahmans and Chhetris have their cultural rituals similar to theirs. Magar villages are typical with their round and oval houses. One comes across many of these Magar settlements in the Annapurana round trekking.

Manangi
Manangi resemble Physiognomically and religiously to the Tibetans but they take pride to believe themselves belonging to the Gurungs who live in the lower hills and valleys. These people inhabit the pleasant valley of Manang in the upper reaches of the Marsyangdi river northwards in the central Nepal. The Manang district encloses three distinct areas of Neshyang, Nar and Gyasumdo; all of them culturally interrelated. They have agriculture as their foremost recourse of subsistence for living. The harsh and cold climate limits the cultivation to buck wheat, barley, wheat, maize, potatoes and radishes. They also breed sheep and other cattles.

Lhosar, the New Year’s celebration is their main festival in the month of February. Similarly, archery is arranged in a grand way during the month of April-May.

Newars
The natives of Kathmandu, the Newars, are mainly traders. With a purpose to trade, they are scattered across the country; with greater concentration in the Kathmandu Valley, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Bhojpur, Bandipur and Tansen. Despite the small percentage numerically, they contribute significantly in the history, art, architecture and business activities in the country.

Newars speak their own language, ‘Newari’ better known as Nepal Bhasa which belongs to Tibeto-Burman family of languages. It has its own scripts and has no linguistic connection to Nepali, Hindi or Sanskrit. The Newari script, the ‘Ranjana lipi’ is exceptional. The Newari literature is also very rich.

There are both Buddhist and Hindu Newars. Like elsewhere in the country, religious syncretism is blended into the culture and tradition. They celebrate numerous feasts and festivals throughout the year. Besides their rich cultural heritage, festivals, the Newars are impeccable artists and architects.

To put it in a nutshell, the Newars, though small in numbers, have a very strong and dominating influence in Nepal’s economy, politics and society in general.

Rais and Limbus
The Rais come from surrounding hills in the north-eastern Nepal; mainly near Dhankuta, Terhathum, Bhojpur and Arun and Dudh valleys. Likewise, the Limbus come from the extreme east of Nepal; mainly from the region of Taplejung, Khotang and Arun Valley.

The Rais are neither purely Hindu nor Buddhist. They have their own deities and beliefs. Tibetan lamaism has, however, great influence in their rites and rituals. The Limbus follow a mixture of Shivaism, Buddhism and Animism. Among the Rais, marriages are monogamous. The marriages are held by arrangements, captures and elopements. The Limbus follow the same marriage tradition. Both the Rais and Limbus bury the deceased and place a tombstone on the grave, bearing the name and date.

Sherpas
The most famous among the Himalayan people are the Sherpas because of their impeccable mountaineering skills which has made them an indispensable part of mountain expeditions as leaders, guides and porters. As an individual or in groups, they have set records of many ‘firsts’ in the mountaineering world. They live in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal, in the vicinity of Mt. Everest, along the Arun Valley, the Dudh Koshi river and its tributary areas.

Fraternal polyandry is found among the Sherpas, that is two brothers may marry one common wife. However, if there are three brothers in a Sherpa family, the middle brother has to serve the monastery as a monk and for a family with four brothers, the group of two may marry two common wives.

Sherpas observe a number of festivals during the year. The important ones are losar and dumze. Losar is the new year’s celebration according to the Tibetan calendar. It occurs sometimes in the end of February. This singing, dancing, feasting time is rejoiced by all families. Dumze is interesting festival observed in the village ‘gomba’ or the monastery for seven days, sometimes during the month of July. The village lama conducts the rituals by worshipping Guru Rimpoche, Phawa Cheresi, Tsanba and other deities.

There are many of Sherpas who have set records in the mountaineering world. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa with Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first to climb the highest mountain of the world in 1953.

Tamangs
The Tamangs live mainly in the high hills in the east, north, south and west of Kathmandu Valley in the central part of Nepal. These Tibeto-Burman speaking ethnic group derive their subsistence mainly as porters for the traders and trekking expeditions. The Tamang community is divided into several exogamous clans. A Tamang may marry any other except from his or her own clan. Cross-cousin marriage is preferred.

The Tamangs are Buddhists. The religious activities are based on Jhankrism. There are several ghyangs (Buddhist temples) in every Tamang settlement. All their festivals and ceremonies are performed in Buddhist fashion. On the first day of Magh (some day in January and February), they celebrate Chho in these ghyangs.

Another feasting ceremony, Nara is observed on the full moon day. Altogether, the Tamangs represent a community greatly exploited and poor in general.

Tharus
The Tharus are the indigenous ethnic group who live in the northern part of Terai and inner Terai with a concentrated population in the middle and west of the country.

Most of the Tharus have Mongoloid features with dark and semi-dark colors. They are aboriginal Terai settlers. Some also believe that Tharus came to Nepal from India during the Muslim invasion in the 12th and 13th century. The Tharus have their indigenous dialect, known as ‘Naja’. But they speak a mixture of local dialects, such as Prakriti, Bhojpuri, Mughali, Nepali, Urdu and Maithili.

The Tharus believe in Animism. They also celebrate Hindu festivals. There are normally two clans; Pradhan and Apradhan. The former is considered superior. Each village has its own local gods and goddesses protecting the people. Marriages among the Tharus, are monogamous. It is, however, strictly endogamous. Polyandry and polygamy are practiced sometimes. Rites and rituals linked with Tharu marriages are elaborate and complex.

Thakali
Physiognomically Mongoloid featured ‘Thakalis’ are believed to have originated from Thak Khola, the valley of the Kali Gandaki river in western Nepal. These people are famous for their neatly tended kitchens and derive their subsistence from hotels, inns, and restaurants income. They are encountered mainly in the Annapurana round trekking, one of the most famous trekking routes in the country.

Thak Khola lies in Mustang district of Dhaulagiri zone of Nepal. Thak-sat-se is the traditional area of the Thakali community, which lies in the salt trading zone on the south of Tukuche mountain.

A Thakali has to marry none other than Thakali, but the marriage has to be outside his or her own particular clan. The four clans are equal in status socially or ritually. However, on the basis of precedance in the worship, Gauchan clan comes first, followed by Tulachan, Sherchan, and Bhattachan. They have their particular clan gods as animal representative of dragon, elephant, lion and yak for Gauchan, Tulachan, Sherchan and Bhattachan respectively.

The religion of the Thakali is a mixture of Buddhism, Jhankrism, Bonpo and Hinduism, but they are close to Jhankrism, a kind of Shamanistic cult as their original religion. Lha Feva is the most significant festival for the Thakalis. It is observed some day in the month of November of every monkey year of the twelve year cycle according to the Tibetan calendar.

Customs

The diversity in Nepal in terms of ethnicity again makes room for various sets of customs. Although some customs have merely been converted to habits without thought, ancient texts justify them with far-fetched reasons, sometimes making sense and sometimes not.

Most of these customs go back to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Among them, the rules of marriage are particularly interesting. In traditional families marriage deals are arranged by parents after the boy or girl come of age. Child marriage and polygamy that were once upheld and accepted with glee are not allowed by the law anymore.

Nepalese do not eat beef. There are several reasons for this, one being that the Hindus worship cow. Cow is also the national animal of Nepal. Buffalo meat is a good substitute but is only eaten by a certain section of the population.

Another interesting concept among Nepalis is the division of pure and impure. ‘Jutho,’ referring to food or material that contains another’s saliva, is considered impure by Nepalis. Nepalis consider cow dung to be pure for cleaning purposes. During menstruation women are considered impure and hence, are kept in seclusion until their fourth day purification bath.

Marriage
The marriageable age has been legally set as 18 for girls and 21 for women. Even today, most people do not have love marriages, the decision is usually made by the parents. Yet, the divorce rate is considerably low.

Pasni
The pasni (rice – feeding) ceremony is the child’s next important occasion. In the presence of family and priests, the seven month old child is dressed in finery and fed rice presented on a coin by all members of the family. He is shown several objects on a tray: a heap of earth, paddy (unhusked rice), bricks, toys, rings, a pen and ink-pot, and a book. It is said his parents can tell the child s future profession from the object he first picks up.

Costumes
Since Nepal is a country rich in ethnicity, there are different costumes worn by different ethnic groups. But generally, the men wear Daura suruwal s and women wear saris.

Tika and kohl lined eyes
Tika, a mark on the forehead, symbolizes the blessings of god. The colours of the tika varies according to the occasion and type of temple one visits. The black gajal or kohl is used to line the eyes of children to keep away evil eyes.

Languages

Nepali is the official language of Nepal, with over 30 other languages spoken as mother-tongues in different parts of the country, and as well there are many regional dialects. Nepali is of the Indo-Aryan family of languages brought from central Asia by the Aryans about 1500 BC. The original Old Indo-Aryan language gave rise to Sanskrit from which Nepali derives.

In common with Hindi, Nepali uses the Devanagri script (the script of the city of the gods, sometimes known as Nagari) which derived from the Brahmi script of ancient India.

English is spoken, with much of the schooling in the cities in the English medium. As well many in the travel and tourism industry speak German, Spanish, Japanese, French and Italian.

In Kathmandu at the Bishwa Bhasha Campus (at Bhrikutimandap) of Tribhuvan University foreign students can study Nepali (spoken and Devanagari script), Newari, Sanskrit and Tibetan languages. At Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur there is the Department of Nepali Studies, where BA and MA studies in Nepali language can be pursued. Sanskrit is also taught in the medical colleges, as many of the texts for natural medicines (ayurvedic and homoeopathic) are written in Sanskrit.

Like the other significant parts of the Nepalese heritage Astrology too links its origin to the Vedas, the major source of virtually everything (for the Hindus) written thousands of years ago. Mesh (Aries), Brish (Taurus), Mithun (Gemini), Karkat (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Brishchik (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makar (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meen (Pisces) are the 12 signs of the zodiac, and in Nepali they are called Rashi.

In Nepal the moment a baby is born, the first thing they do is note down the exact time of birth. Then it is given to the astrologer, who according to the position of the different planets in the solar system at that precise moment prepares a Cheena (horoscope). Cheena is a rectangular chart, which indicates the degree of influence of the planets from the solar world on the people born to a particular Rashi. Besides highlighting the positive as well as negative aspects of one’s life comprising of achievements and failures, when it comes to facing difficult times the Nepalese people go to their astrologer with their Cheena for consultations and they act according to his recommendations.

As an astrological document, Cheena, they say, pre-determines the entire course of an individual s life. For the Nepalese people on their birthday, the day is partly set aside to worship their planet that occupies a major position in their horoscope made according to the position of stars at the time of birth. It is also a day for them to please the other ones who are not placed in such a favourable position in their Cheena. As well on this day they also go through a number of rituals with their priest, who is offered grains and cash in order to stay in good health for the entire year. Astrologers are also consulted on various occasions like rice feeding, sacred thread and weddings. Tika in Dashain, Bhai Tika in Tihar, including a series of national festivals, are occasions when the as- trologers are involved in choosing the auspicious hours for these festivities to take place. As well, they forecast the solar and lunar eclipses and their impact on the people. When a person dies his Cheena is taken to the crematorium or ghat along with his dead body.

Painting

Two media that reveal a lot about Nepalese culture, both past and present, are painting and sculpture. Fortunately, there are many fine and well-preserved pieces that have survived the passage of time and thus enable detailed research to be made. Looking briefly at the history of Nepalese painting, it appears that ancient icons and religious paintings entered the Valley during the Lichchhavi period. Lichchhavi inscriptions inform us that traders, monks and Brahmans as well as artists from neighbouring areas, visited Kathmandu Valley from the mid-fifth century A.D. The visitors may have brought religious icons and paintings with them, which served as models for local artists.

The Chinese envoy, Wang Hsuan Tse, who came to Nepal in the seventh century AD; described quite eloquently the houses in the Valley, which at that early time were embellished with sculptures and paintings. Although there are not surviving examples of paintings from the Lichchhavi period, it can be surmised that the murals or wall paintings noticed by the Chinese envuy were just as sophisticated as the surviving pieces of culture from this period.

Religious paintings worshipped as icons are known as Paubha in Nepalbhasa and Thangka in Tibetan. The origin of Paubha or Thangka paintings may be attributed to Nepalese artists as early as the ninth or tenth century.

Nepali sculpture reached its zenith in the Lichchhavi period (A.D. 330 – 879). Stone, copper and bronze images from this period show round faces with slanted eyes. A distinguishing feature of Lichchhavi sculptures is their simplicity. Budhhist deities were carved to show them wearing long sanghatis (a saffrom coloured robe that the Buddhist wear hanging from the shoulders).

Woodcarving

Besides stone sculpture another art form worth mentioning is woodcarving. No visitor to the Kathmandu Valley can go without being impressed by the numerous extremely beautiful windows, doors, temple roof-struts and other intricately carved artifacts. As wood is vulnerable to the ravages of time well preserved specimens date back only to the fourteenth century.

Woodcarving has been an integral part of Nepalese architecture, some of the examples being the old palaces of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur and a number of different Viharas (monasteries) around the Valley.

Wood Carving Hadicrafts

The wooden carved handicrafts can be seen in the form of buddha statues, peacock windows, kumari windows etc from its early beginnings right up to modern times.

Carved Windows

The carved windows is common in temples and they can also be seen in the houses.

Nepalese religious architecture is another art medium that is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. There are three broad styles – the pagoda style, the stupa style and the shikhara style.

Pagoda style refers to multi-roofed structures with wide eaves supported by carved wooden struts. Windows, either latticed or grilled, are usually projecting, while the roof is generally topped off by triangular spires enclosing and inverted bell of stucco or burnished gold.

The Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath shrines are Nepal’s first examples of the stupa or Chaitya style. This style is purely Buddhist in concept and execution. The outstanding feature of the stupa is a hemispherical mound topped by a square base supporting a series of the thirteen circular rings.

The Shikara style forms yet another architectural design found in Nepal. The super structure is a tall curvilinear or pyramidal tower whose surface is broken up vertically in five to nine sections.

Stupas

The stupa style architecture is very common in Nepal. The outstanding feature of the stupa is a hemispherical mound topped by a square base supporting a series of the thirteen circular rings. Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath are the sites that are listed in UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Nyatapola

Nyatapola (nyata=five, pola=roof) temple in Bhaktapur with its unmatchable five-tier pagoda is a feat in itself and is dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi. The architectural design is superb with skillfully carved windows, beams, 20 pillars and 108 struts. It was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702.

The art form that traces Nepalese culture from its early beginnings right upto modern times is sculpture. As previously mentioned, many carved artifacts have been found in the Terai region of the country, providing an insight into the religion of the country of early times. Nearly all-Nepalese sculptures are of a religious character. It seems that the artists themselves were greatly imbued with a feeling of religious devotion.

Nepalese sculpture reached its zenith in the Lichchhavi period (A.D. 330 – 879). Stone, copper and bronze images from this period show round faces with slanted eyes. A distinguishing feature of Lichchhavi sculptures is their simplicity. The use of clothes and ornaments was quite restrained, many Hindu deities, for example, are shown wearing only a Dhoti (skirt-like lower garment). Buddhist deities were carved to show them wearing long sanhatis (a saffron coloured robe that the Buddhist wear hanging from the shoulders). Lichchhavi period sculptors most often used basalt for their work, first chiselling and then smoothing and varnishing, perhaps with iron dust. The limbs of Lichchhavi period idols were so beautifully executed that it is not possible to find one specimen with a chisel mark. Some of the best examples of Lichchhavi art are the image of “Sleeping Vishnu” in Budhanilkantha, located eight kilometers north of Kathmandu and Vishnu Vikranta or Dwarf Incarnation found near Lazimpat in Kathmandu.

The Sleeping Vishnu

The Sleeping Vishnu lies in a basin on a bed of intertwined snakes which are part of the eleven headed giant snake of Seth. The saga tells, that the 17th century king Pratap Malla was visited in a dream by Vishnu, who warned, that no Nepal king should visit the sleeping Vishnu, otherwise will die soon.

Nepal’s History

Nepal has seen many rulers and ruling dynasties. The earliest rulers were the Kirantis who ruled from 9th century B.C. to 1st century A.D. Legends and chronicles mention that the Indian Emperor Ashoka had come to Nepal and visited Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born, and where he erected a huge stone pillar to commemorate his visit to that spot.

The Kirants were replaced by Licchavis who, according to the earliest evidences in inscriptions of the 5th century A.D. found in the courtyard of Changunarayan temple which is about 15 km north east of Kathmandu, ruled this country from 1st century to 9th century A.D. This period is noted for the many temples and fine sculptures built around the Kathmandu valley.

The Licchavis were followed by the Thakuris, then came the Malla dynasty. The Mallas ruled focusing mainly on the Kathmandu Valley which has been the residence for most Nepali rulers from time immemorial. No other part of Nepal is as rich in cultural heritage as Kathmandu. Thanks to the exceptionally talented crafts-men, who dedicated themselves to construct the many temples and statues, we have seven world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley itself.

In the 14th century A.D. King Jayasthiti Malla established a rigid social order. His grandson tried in every way to protect his country from suspected enemy states. Unfortunately, all his efforts were fruitless, everything went beyond his control and the country eventually divided up into 50 small feudal states including the three major ones in the valley.

Then came the Shah dynasty. King Prithvi Narayan Shah who annexed small principalities including three states in the Kathmandy Valley and unified Nepal in a single kingdom. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation. During the mid-19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal’s first prime minister to wield absolute power. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s.

Today, Nepal enjoys a multiparty democratic system.

Nepal has a population of more than 26 million people, made up of over 40 different races and tribes. The country offers such diversity that the visitor may experience any lifestyle from the stone age, in far west and high hills, to the jet age of Kathmandu.

When you’re ready to come and visit, contact our Sponsors, to be guaranteed immersion in the culture and heritage of Nepal.

Nepal Cultural Groups by Altitude

The two major groups in Nepalese society are Tibeto-Burmans, or Mongoloids from the north, and Indo-Aryans from the south. Many customs are inherited from both sides and have been developed by the influences of the land, climate and available resources.

The largest groups can be divided on the basis of geographical locations by altitude.

Alpine Based Cultural Groups

High Himalayas

Sherpas
Sherpa, in literal terms, means people of the east in the Tibetan language. Originally from Tibet about 500 years ago they have a close affinity with the Tibetan language, culture and religion. Sherpas major occupations include agriculture, animal husbandry, trade and have become famous for trekking and mountaineering. Today they are know worldwide for their skill and hardiness. They follow Buddhism as their major religion.

Dolpa People
The settlement of these people is considered the highest of any living ethnic group in the world. These people live beyond the mountains, west of the Kali Gandaki river valley. These people practice Buddhist customs.

Larke And Siar People
Larke is the northern most part of Nepal’s Gorkha district while Siar is the northern part of the Dhading district. These people mainly speak the Tibetan and Gurung languages and have ethnic affinity with Gurungs.

Manang Bas
The people of Manang are called Manang Bas. Their major occupations include trade and business. They have their own language and scripts and maintain their own local religious practice with 12 villages called Bara Gaule-Baragaun. The famous pilgrimage spot on the Annanpurna Circuit, Muktinath, lies in their area. Although Buddhism is part religion, they follow Bon-Po which pre-dates the reign of Bhuddha.

To Pas Of Mustang
The settler of Lo are called Lopas. They carry on trade between Nepal and Tibet in the Upper and Lower Mustang areas. Buddhism is their major religion. They have their own local language and festivals outside typical Buddists as well.

Olangchung People
These people are the inhabitants of Olanchung Gola, the main trading route along Eastern Nepal. Besides Buddhism, they have their own customs and practices.

Thudam, Topke Gola and Lhomis are other ethnic groups within Nepal’s alpine region.

Temperate Zone Based Cultural Groups

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.

Kirat
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.

Subtropical Based Cultural Groups

Ethnic Groups Of Terai region and Southern Nepal border.

Brahmian and Rajputs
These a people are similar to Bramin and Chhetris of the middle hills. Their major difference being a high degree of influence from the neighbouring North Indian people.

Tharus
This is the largest and oldest ethnic group of the Terai belt found living in close proximity to densely forested regions. They are dark in complexion and have smart, trim bodies. They follow the Hindu religion and their practices are dependent on many typical Aryan practices. Farming and business are their main occupations. Danwars, Majhis and Darais are very similar to Tharus, physically and culturally. Nevertheless, they speak their own languages which are of Sanskrit origin.

Rajbansis
This is a dominant ethnic group of far eastern Terai areas of Jhapa and Morang. Although they follow both Hindu and Muslims religions, they have their own local practices. Farming is their major occupation.

Satars
They are similar to Santhals of Bihar, India. They are very much like Tharus and their social life is organised and disiplined. They believe in Hinduism. Dimals, Bodos, Dhangars are agriculturist Hindu. Bodos are settled in an area know as the Mechi Zone and are more known as Mechain people. Dhangars, who live in one part of the eastern Terai have their origin in Madhya Pradesh, India. Dhimals are the Terain counterparts of the Limbus from the eastern Terai, mainly in Jhapa.

Musalmans
There are Muslims migrated from Northern India. They speak Urdu and their social practices correspond with the Muslim religion.

Although these above accounts depict a fundamental description of Nepalese ethnic groups, it is difficult to pin point who is “ethnic” and who is “non-ethnic”, who is “indigennous” and who is “non-indigenous” in a particular place. Past migration histories mean Nepal seems to be a melting pot. This is especially prevently in urban areas.