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People
In Nepal, ethnical cultural
groups are diverse and many of them have their own languages and customs. However, they
can be geographically categorized according to their habitats. Even though, there is
much migration going on in the country now and the cultural definition of the people by
area is difficult. Urban population is increasing by 7% each year and most cultures have
intermingled.
Sherpas
The Sherpas who are
of Tibeto-Burman stock mainly occupy the higher hills of eastern and central Nepal. The
SoIu Khumbu region, where the world's tallest peak Mt. Everest stands, is inhabited by
Sherpas. Generally they are Buddhist but some follow the Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion of
Tibet, and other religions. The Sherpas are famed for their valor and mountaineering
skills and are professionally involved in many mountain expeditions today. Sherpas have
joined other occupations as well, like business, administration and politics.
Kirats and Rais
A wide variety of
ethnic groups occupy the mid-hills. The Kirats or Limbus and Rais inhabit the east. During
the 7th century BC, they established a dynasty in the Kathmandu Valley and ruled it for
1.000 years. They are not originally Hindus or Buddhists but are ancestor worshipers.
However, today, many embrace Hinduism. In the former days, they were warriors and skilled
hunters. The Kirats speak Tibeto-Burman languages. Many serve in the British Army today
and have earned a reputation as the brave Gurkhas.
Newars
The population of the Kathmandu Valley consists mostly of Newars. They speak
Nepalbbasa and practice Hinduism and Buddhism. Many families celebrate both Hindu and
Buddhist festivals. Their culture also reflects tantrism and animism. Newars are
accomplished in commerce and most enterprises in the heart of the Valley are run by them.
Historically, they are well known for establishing the three artistically beautiful cities
of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.
Tamangs
The inhabitants of the hill flanks surrounding Kathmandu Valley are mostly
Tamangs, who make up one of the largest Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups in the Kingdom. In the
Tibetan language, Tamang means "horse soldier" which gives us an idea about
their past occupation. Today, they farm and work as semi-skilled and unskilled laborers.
Tamangs practice Tibetan Lamaism or the Bon religion and speak their own language.
Magars
The Magars live in the western and central hills of Nepal. They had their own
kingdoms until the 18th century and were closely associated with the Hindu Indo-Aryans in
the west. Much of their cultural practices have been influenced by Chhetris, and today it
is difficult to make any difference in the housing, dressing and farming practices of the
two. The Magars have been sought after by the British and Indian armies and a great number
serve in the Gurkha regiments.
Gurungs
Another ethnic group closely resembling the Magars in many aspects are the Gurungs. They
also live in the western and central hills of the country although further to the east. Of
Tibeto-Burman stock, the Gurungs have their own distinct language and practice shamanism.
Many find employment in the British and Indian armies.
Khas
The Khas are the Bahuns and Chhetris who formed their own kingdoms in the
far-west. They are Hindus, and Nepali, which is the country's official language, was
originally spoken by the Khas. Traditionally, the Bahuns were priests and are better
educated than most ethnic groups. In fact, many occupy important government and
educational posts in the kingdom today. The Chhetris have traditionally been known as
warriors. Those living in the higher hills in the far western region lead hard lives
because of lack of rain and farming is practiced in the river valleys and on the hill
flanks.
Tharus,
Majhi, Danuwar, Rajbansi, Darai, Satar, and Dhimal
The Tharus are one of the original ethnic groups to inhabit the Terai. The
Majhi, Danuwar, Rajbansi, Darai, Satar, and Dhimal also occupy the flat lands. The Tharus
have their own unique religion and practice animism. Their culture is especially suited
for the hot plains and they are actually immune to malaria. They have Mongoloid features
and speak their own language.
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