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. |