Nepal
has a population of more than 25 million
consisting of more than 70 ethnic groups
having different cultures and spoken
languages. The distribution of the different
ethnic groups reflects the geographical
diversity of the country. The majority
of Nepal's population is of indo-Aryan
origin, the remaining are of Tibetan
and Bhotia, inhabitants of northern
Nepal and Mongoloid inhabitants of the
central belt.
Some Major Ethnic
Groups Of Nepal
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 groups usually inclined
towards commence, trade and farming.
They have excelled in art, literature,
sculpting, casting bronze, silver and
fascinating forms of architecture.
Brahmin
Brahmins are the priestly class of indo-Aryan
origin, also known as Bahuns, occupies
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
The Chhetris, who 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 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 Buddha. The Khas are generally
regarded as Bahuns and Chhetris who
set up their own kingdoms 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, like the Rais, Limbus
and Magars, have introduced themselves
internationally as the brave Gorkha-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
of Tibet-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 hard worker, friendly and reliable.
The largest Sherpa settlements are in
SoluKhumbu at the foothill of Mt. Everest.
The Sherpas are 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 |
