We’re waiting on someone to provide us with an article which explains the differences between the Sherpa’s of Solokhumbu and the sherpas of other regions, namely Langtang, Helambu and Rolwaling. The geography of Nepal is such that once members of an ethnic group have migrated over into another valley system, after time even the dialect that they speak can change. Meanwhile, a quote from a Canadian traveller: In the Himalayan valleys of Nepal live a self-reliant people unlike any others I have encountered. They help Westerners who come in search of high altitude adventure to feel welcome. They seem to [...]
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May 27th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal |
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This is a trailer of the movie ‘Caravan’ as it was named for its French audience, and ‘Himalaya’ internationally. Synopsis It is caravan time in Dolpo, high in the Himalayas of Nepal. The villagers must trek for days across the mountains with laden yaks to trade their salt for grain. But when Karma (Gurgon Kyap) returns to the village with the body of Lhakpa, leader of the caravan and son of the old chief Tinle (Thinlen Lhondup), the new chief blames Karma for the death, and will not allow him to lead in Lhakpa’s place. Though Tinle’s grandson, Tserin (Karma [...]
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May 21st, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, Rara, Jumla & Mugu |
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Lhomis live in the upper Arun valley in eastern Nepal. Their ancestors came from Tibet to these lower regions and Lhomi is a Tibetan expression for “lowlanders”, more correctly, the Lhomis of the upper Arun are known as the ‘Kar Bhote’. They are self-sufficient farmers and trade plays only a minor role, but when they do trade, they trade to the south. Lhomi houses have walls made of stone or quite often of woven bamboo, which is also used exclusively in the covering of the roofs. Lhomi marriages are not arranged marriages as found in much of Nepal. Religion The Lhomis [...]
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May 19th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, Makalu Barun, People |
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A short overview of Nepal’s caste system which was and continues to be quite complex. While the caste system and legal code were publicly outlawed by the 1990 constitution, caste continues to play a prominent role in many Nepalis’ private lives.
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal |
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Newaris are a traditional merchant and trading caste that are prominent in old urban areas of Nepal; like Kathmandu. Before the “unification” of Nepal, Newari kingdoms existed throughout the hills of Nepal along major trade routes and Newari kings were renown for their pagoda style temples and crafts. Many of the old palaces and temples in Kathmandu are the work of Newaris and their rich traditions of woodcarvings and stonework continue to this day. Newaris are less than 6% of the population and speak Newari, a Tibeto-Burman language that is unique and difficult to learn. Newaris have many sub-castes to [...]
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People |
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Limbus are the descendents of Tibetan migrants who came to Nepal centuries ago. Today they comprise less than 2% of the population but possess a culturally rich heritage. They are also known as Kirats, meaning “bearers of bows and arrows,” and are ethnic cousins to Rai people, who share many of their traditions. Limbus speak a distinct language that is a written mixture of Devenagri and Tibetan alphabets. Religiously, they follow the “Kirat Mundhum,” a Bon oral scripture that was later influenced by Buddhism and is unique to their ethnic identity. Like the name “Kirat” name suggests, they are master [...]
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People |
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The Rai people are one of Nepal’s oldest ethno-linguistic groups. They are in several ways similar to Limbus, and both groups were once part of the ancient kingdom of the Kirats. According to the 2001 census, Rai represent less than 3% of the populations but nevertheless possess a rich and unique cultural heritage. There are more than 32 recognized and distinct Rai dialects, which fall within the Tibeto-Burman family of languages. Rai were once part of the Lichhavi Kingdom, who rules the Himalayas before the Shahs from the 6th to 9th centuries, and therefore have a rich oral and written [...]
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People |
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The Bhotiya / Bhotia are a Tibetan ethnic group who migrated into Nepal from Sikkim during the 15th century. They have no one language, but often speak dialects with about 50% overlap to Tibetan. In terms of culture of religion, they practice many of the same traditions and rituals as other Tibetan Buddhists and follow the different lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Bhotiya are known for their practice of polyandry, the marriage of multiple men to one woman. While this practice is rare today, Bhotia would traditionally marry several brothers to one woman in order to keep land holdings intact within [...]
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People |
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Sherpas are perhaps Nepal’s most famous ethnic group due to their proximity to Mt. Everest. Sherpas are actually found in many places in northern Nepal along the border of Tibet. The name Sherpa literally means “from the east,” a reference to their migration from Tibet over 400 years ago. Sherpas are primarily followers of Nyingma Buddhism but can be found practising other forms of Buddhism depending on the area. They are famous for their ability to climb and carry heavy loads up mountains, a skill which brought them international renown when they guided Sir Edmund Hillary to the summit in [...]
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People |
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The word Tamang comes from the Tibetan for “horse warrior.” Sent by a Tibetan king in 755 to guard the borders of Tibet, Tamangs moved down from the mountains and settled in the surrounding hills. Today they comprise one of Nepal’s largest ethnic groups, comprising roughly 6.5% of the population. The live mostly in the hill districts surrounding Kathmandu and speak a Tibeto-Burman language that has several distinctly unique dialects. Tamangs primarily practice Tibetan Buddhism but are strongly influenced by elements of Bon and pre-Buddhist shamanism. Tamangs will often have Lamas, Bonpos and Shamans and many Tamangs will respect these [...]
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People, Photography |
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Gurungs comprise less than 3% of the population and are most known for their participation as “Gorkha Soldiers” in Britain armies. They probably moved into Nepal from Mongolia with the other Kirat ethnic groups, Limbu and Rai, and have since then settled in Western parts of Nepal and elsewhere. Gurungs practice a unique blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and Bon or Shamanistic religion. While some Gurungs claim that they practice a unique form of Himalayan Shamanism and did not originate from Tibet, many do agree that once descended from Tibet as did many other ethnic groups in Nepal. While Gurungs have [...]
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People |
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Thakali people are some of the best trades and businessmen in Nepal. They once came down from the passes of Tibet to settle along the major trading routes and passes. They are one of the smaller ethnic groups and comprise less than 1% of Nepal’s population; however, their success in business and trade has made them prominent figures in Nepal and abroad. Thakali traditionally practised Tibetan Buddhism, and those who still inhabit Mustang still do, but many nowadays practice Hinduism and a mix of different Buddhist traditions.
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People |
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Brahmin and Chhetris together comprise the largest group in Nepal; however, they are not the majority (28.5%). Brahmins and Chhetris migrated east across the Himalayan hills, eventually settling as far as Bhutan. Together they actually comprise two religious castes of Hinduism rather than distinct ethnic groups. Brahmins, or Bahuns as they are called in Nepal, represented the priestly caste of Nepali society, and Chhetris, or Kshatriyas as they are called in Hinduism, were the ruling-warrior caste. Brahmin and Chhetris live across the middle segment of Nepal, occupying the rich, fertile farmland of the Himalayan foothills. Brahmin and Chhetris control the [...]
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May 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People |
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Here are some facinating picures archived by digital SOAS. It is getting rarer these days to see black and white photography and, even when you do, black and white photography looks modern. These pictures are scanned from film and reach back as far as 1956. The first question that springs to mind is: has anything changed? Of course the answer is yes: in many places numerable things have changed – this list includes solar lighting, health posts, suspension bridges, education and skills training, telecommunications and even roads creeping steadily northwards. However, visit Humla, Dolpa or Mustang and you’ll see that [...]
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March 29th, 2010 under
Blog, Dolpa and inner dolpo, ethnic groups of Nepal, Humla & Limi Valley, Photography, Rara, Jumla & Mugu |
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Magars are another Tibetan group that descended from the plateau long ago. No one knows when exactly they came, the first record of them isn’t until 1100 ce. Nowadays they are Nepal’s largest ethnic group, roughly 7% of the population. While they were historically Buddhists, their close interactions with Hindus from the plains and the Hindus from Nepal lead many of them to adopt Hindu traditions and ceremonies. Converts to Hinduism were granted sacred threads and a higher caste standing in the Nepali state to encourage this change. Magars have several languages that are completely distinct from one another; however, [...]
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March 15th, 2010 under
ethnic groups of Nepal, People |
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