Indigenous peoples of Nepal

Ethnic group

Indigenous Peoples of NepalRegions with significant populations

Nepal| Approximately 8,414,536 (37% of total population) [1]
Languages
Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Magar, Awadhi, Gurung, Limbu, Sherpa, Kiranti languages
Religion
Hinduism, Buddhism, Animism

The Indigenous Peoples of Nepal (also known as Adivasi Janajati) are the ethnic minorities of Nepal, recognized for their distinct languages, cultures, and histories. They comprise approximately 37% of the total population and include various groups, each with unique traditions and social structures.

## History

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### Early Contact and Colonization

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Indigenous peoples in Nepal have inhabited the region for thousands of years, developing complex societies. The arrival of the Gorkha Kingdom in the 18th century marked the beginning of significant changes, as the state sought to unify the diverse ethnic groups under a singular national identity.[citation needed]

### Unification of Nepal

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The unification of Nepal by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the late 18th century led to the marginalization of many indigenous groups. The imposition of Hindu culture and the Nepali language often resulted in the loss of land, resources, and autonomy for these communities.[citation needed]

### Panchayat Era (1960–1990)

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During the Panchayat era, the government enforced policies that promoted Hindu nationalism and suppressed indigenous identities. Indigenous peoples were not recognized as distinct groups, leading to further marginalization.[citation needed]

### Democratic Movement (1990)

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The restoration of democracy in 1990 allowed indigenous groups to organize and advocate for their rights. The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) was established to represent the interests of various indigenous communities.[citation needed]

## Culture

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Indigenous cultures in Nepal are diverse, with each group possessing its own languages, traditions, and practices. Many indigenous peoples practice animism, shamanism, and nature worship, maintaining a close relationship with their environment.[citation needed]

## Demographics

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Based on the geographical regions, the Janajati have four major clusters groups. As the following Table shows, 24 Janajati cluster groups live in the hill region, 17 in the Himalayan region, 7 in the Inner Terai (Bhitri Madhesh) region and the remaining 11 in the Terai (Madhesh) region.[citation needed]

Ecology-wise Distribution of Indigenous peoples of Nepal  Ecological Belts | Groups

|

Himalayan/Mountain Region | Baragaunle • Bhote • Byansi • Chhairotan • Dolpo • Larke • Lhomi • Siyar • Lhopa • Mugali • Sherpa • Thakali • Thudam • Tangbe • Gola • Marphali • Walung
Hill Region | Magar • Tamang • Newar • Rai • Gurung • Limbu • Sunuwar • Jirel • Bhujel • Thami • Hayu • Chhantyal • Hyolmo • Pahari • Tingaule • Surel • Kusunda • Frin • Yakkha • Chepang • Kumal • Baramu • Lepcha • Dura
Inner Terai (Bhitri Madhesh) | Bote • Danuwar • Darai • Majhi • Raji • Raute • Bankariya
Terai (Madhesh) | Dhanuk • Dhimal • Gangai • Jhangad • Kisan • Kushwadiya • Meche • Rajbanshi • Satar/Santhal • Tajpuria • Tharu

Source: National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities[2]

## Issues

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Indigenous peoples in Nepal continue to face numerous challenges, including:

* Marginalization: Many indigenous communities struggle for recognition and rights within the national framework.

* Land Rights: Ongoing disputes over land ownership and access to natural resources are prevalent, with indigenous groups often losing their ancestral lands to development projects.

* Cultural Preservation: Efforts to maintain indigenous languages and traditions are hindered by assimilation pressures and lack of support from the state.

Indigenous peoples have been vocal in demanding proportional representation in government, recognition of their languages and cultures, and control over their traditional lands and resources.[citation needed]

## See also

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* Adivasi
* Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities

## References

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[1] [3] [4] [5]

1. ^ a b "Population of Indigenous Peoples in Nepal." Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities.
2. ^ National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities. "Population of Indigenous Peoples in Nepal." Accessed August 4, 2024. https://nfdin.gov.np/nfdin/default/.
3. ^ "Janjatis in Nepal." VIF India. [1]
4. ^ "Indigenous Peoples of Nepal." Indigenous Voice. [2]
5. ^ "Constitutional Politics and Indigenous Peoples in Nepal." IWGIA. [3]