| Some Major Ethnic Groups Of People |
Newar:
Kathmandu has been the homeland of Newar community. The Newars
are inhabitants of a Tibeto-Burman origin who speak in Newari as
well as Nepali. The Newars are among the largest indigenous
groups of Nepal and make up the 7% of the total population.
Several Newari families follow Buddhism as well as Hinduism. The
people of this group usually inclines towards commerce, trade
and farming. They excel in art, literature, sculpturing,
casting bronze, silver and fascinating forms of architecture.
Brahmin:
Brahmins are the priestly class of Indo-Aryan origin, also known
as Bahuns, occupying the highest position in the Hindu hierarchy.
They are said to have come to Nepal from different parts of
India. Today, they are found in every part of Nepal and have
taken up different occupations.
Chhetri:
Chhetris, who look like the Brahmins also have an Indo-Aryan
origin, have been traditionally classified as warriors and
administrators. They are recognized for their bravery and
administrative skills. Today, they are proportionately distributed in almost all
the parts of Nepal. They have been working in different fields.
They are said to have originally come from northern India during
and after the time of Lord Buddha. The Khas are generally regarded as
Bahuns and Chhetris who set up their own kingdoms in the past in the
far-western parts of Nepal.
Gurung:
They are originally belonging to the Tibet-Burman ethnic group,
live mostly in the central region of Nepal in places like the
foothills of western part. The Gurungs are good farmers as well
as warriors. They look like the Rais, Limbus and Magars, have
introduced themselves internationally as the brave Gurkha-soldiers.
Kiranti:
The Kirantis are among the first group of people ruling over
Nepal. Ancient Hindu texts like Himvat-Khanda and Mahabharat
have mentioned their names. They basically come from eastern
Nepal. These people are of Tibeto-Burman origin, worship their
ancestors and at the same time follow Buddhism, Hinduism,
Animism and so on. They are very good farmers and warriors. They
are rich in culture and have several languages and scripts.
Magar:
The Magars, having Tibeto-Burman origin, live in the western
region of Nepal. They speak the Tibeto-Burman language and are
Hindu by faith but they also follow Buddhism. The Magars are
mostly farmers but their martial qualities and physical fitness
have made them perfect soldiers.
Sherpa:
They are said to have come from Tibet, speak the Tibeto-Burman
language and live in the Himalayan region of Nepal. They are
hardworking, friendly and reliable. The largest Sherpa
settlements are in SoluKhumbu at the foothill of Mt. Everest.
The Sherpas are known for adventurous mountaineers of international
repute.
Tharu:
They are the only people living in the forest of the Terai along
the southern base of Nepal. Their age-old religion has been
Animism that often reflects their mixed belief in Hinduism and
Buddhism. They are said to be descendants of the Rajput (ruling
class) of India, have spread from eastern to western part of
Nepal. |
