Understand: Is there too much detail on ethnicities?
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Revision as of 10:33, 28 January 2014
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====Elevation Zones====
====Elevation Zones====
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Nepal has been divided into elevation zones, south to north:
Nepal has been divided into elevation zones, south to north:
* '''Outer [[Terai]]''' - Level plains, a cultural and linguistic extension of northern India. Nepali is spoken less than '''Awadhi''' and '''Bhojpuri''' dialects related to Hindi and '''Maithili'''. Lumbini ( '''Lord Buddha's birthplace''' ) and Janakpur '''(Hindu Goddes Sita's birthplace)''' are in this zone. Other cities -- Dhangadhi, [[Nepalgunj]], [[Sunauli|Bhairawa]], Butwal, [[Birgunj]], [[Janakpur]] and [[Biratnagar]] -- are transportation hubs and border towns more than travel destinations. Nevertheless the Terai may offer opportunities for intimate exposure to traditional Indian culture that have become less available in India itself.
* '''Outer [[Terai]]''' - Level plains, a cultural and linguistic extension of northern India. Nepali is spoken less than '''Awadhi''' and '''Bhojpuri''' dialects related to Hindi and '''Maithili'''. Lumbini ( '''Lord Buddha's birthplace''' ) and Janakpur '''(Hindu Goddes Sita's birthplace)''' are in this zone. Other cities -- Dhangadhi, [[Nepalgunj]], [[Sunauli|Bhairawa]], Butwal, [[Birgunj]], [[Janakpur]] and [[Biratnagar]] -- are transportation hubs and border towns more than travel destinations. Nevertheless the Terai may offer opportunities for intimate exposure to traditional Indian culture that have become less available in India itself.
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* '''Siwalik Range''' or Churia Hills - the outermost and lowest range of foothills, about 600 m (2,000 ft) high. Extends across the country east to west but with significant gaps and many subranges. Poor soils and no agriculture to speak of. No developed tourist destinations, however the forests are wild and the sparse population of primitive hunters and gatherers is unique.
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* '''Siwalik Range''' or Churia Hills - the outermost and lowest range of foothills, about 600m (2,000 ft) high. Extends across the country east to west but with significant gaps and many subranges. Poor soils and no agriculture to speak of. No developed tourist destinations, however the forests are wild and the sparse population of primitive hunters and gatherers is unique.
* '''Inner Terai''' - large valleys between the Siwaliks and higher foothills to the north. The '''Dang''' and '''Deukhuri''' valleys in the Mid West are the largest, offering opportunities to experience Tharu art and culture. '''Chitwan''' south of Kathmandu is another of these valleys, known for '''[http://www.chitwannationalpark.gov.np/ Royal Chitwan National Park]''', a World Heritage Site where tigers, rhinos, crocodiles, deer and birds can be observed. Originally these valleys were malarial and lightly populated by '''Tharus''' who had evolved resistance and developed architectural and behavioral adaptations limiting exposure to the most dangerous nocturnal mosquitoes. Suppression of mosquitoes with DDT in the 1960s opened these valleys to settlers from the hills who cleared forests and displaced and exploited Tharus. Nevertheless, more remote parts of these valleys still have a Garden of Eden quality - forests broken by indefinite fields, lazy rivers, fascinating aboriginal peoples.
* '''Inner Terai''' - large valleys between the Siwaliks and higher foothills to the north. The '''Dang''' and '''Deukhuri''' valleys in the Mid West are the largest, offering opportunities to experience Tharu art and culture. '''Chitwan''' south of Kathmandu is another of these valleys, known for '''[http://www.chitwannationalpark.gov.np/ Royal Chitwan National Park]''', a World Heritage Site where tigers, rhinos, crocodiles, deer and birds can be observed. Originally these valleys were malarial and lightly populated by '''Tharus''' who had evolved resistance and developed architectural and behavioral adaptations limiting exposure to the most dangerous nocturnal mosquitoes. Suppression of mosquitoes with DDT in the 1960s opened these valleys to settlers from the hills who cleared forests and displaced and exploited Tharus. Nevertheless, more remote parts of these valleys still have a Garden of Eden quality - forests broken by indefinite fields, lazy rivers, fascinating aboriginal peoples.
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====River Basins====
====River Basins====
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These are also important geographic divisions. The '''Mahabharat Range''' is a major hydrologic barrier in Nepal and other parts of the Himalaya. South-flowing rivers converge in '''candelabra''' shapes to break through this range in a few narrow gorges. Travel is usually easier within these candelabra drainage systems than between them, so high divides between river systems became historically important political, linguistic and cultural boundaries.
These are also important geographic divisions. The '''Mahabharat Range''' is a major hydrologic barrier in Nepal and other parts of the Himalaya. South-flowing rivers converge in '''candelabra''' shapes to break through this range in a few narrow gorges. Travel is usually easier within these candelabra drainage systems than between them, so high divides between river systems became historically important political, linguistic and cultural boundaries.
=====Karnali-Seti-Bheri=====
=====Karnali-Seti-Bheri=====
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The '''Karnali''' system in the far west is the birthplace of Pahari ('hill') culture. It was settled by people called '''Khas''' speaking an '''indo-european''' language called '''Khaskura''' ('Khas talk') that was related to other north Indian languages, all claiming descent from classical '''Sanskrit'''.
The '''Karnali''' system in the far west is the birthplace of Pahari ('hill') culture. It was settled by people called '''Khas''' speaking an '''indo-european''' language called '''Khaskura''' ('Khas talk') that was related to other north Indian languages, all claiming descent from classical '''Sanskrit'''.
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=====Rapti''' and '''Gandaki=====
=====Rapti''' and '''Gandaki=====
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The Rapti river system east of the Karnali-Bheri had few lowlands suitable for growing rice and extensive highlands that were not attractive for Khas settlement but were a barrier to migration. However the Rapti's upper tributaries rose somewhat south of the Himalaya. Between these tributaries and the Dhaulagiri range of the Himalaya, a large east-west valley called '''Dhorpatan''' branching off the upper Bheri provided a detour eastward, over an easy pass called Jaljala into the '''Gandaki''' river system further east. The Gandaki is said to have seven major tributaries, most rising in or beyond the high Himalaya. They merge to cut through the Mahabharat and Siwalik ranges. In this basin elevations were generally lower and rainfall was higher compared to the Karnali-Bheri and Rapti basins. There was great potential for rice cultivation, the agricultural base of the Khas way of life. A collection of small principalities called the '''Chaubisi''' developed. Chaubisi literally means '24', as these kingdoms were counted. Not all were Khas kindoms. Some were Magar -- a large indigenous hill tribe people related to the Kham. Other kingdoms were Gurung and Tamang. Several Gandaki tributaries rose in the transhimalayan region where inhabitants and rulers became increasingly Tibetanized to the north.
The Rapti river system east of the Karnali-Bheri had few lowlands suitable for growing rice and extensive highlands that were not attractive for Khas settlement but were a barrier to migration. However the Rapti's upper tributaries rose somewhat south of the Himalaya. Between these tributaries and the Dhaulagiri range of the Himalaya, a large east-west valley called '''Dhorpatan''' branching off the upper Bheri provided a detour eastward, over an easy pass called Jaljala into the '''Gandaki''' river system further east. The Gandaki is said to have seven major tributaries, most rising in or beyond the high Himalaya. They merge to cut through the Mahabharat and Siwalik ranges. In this basin elevations were generally lower and rainfall was higher compared to the Karnali-Bheri and Rapti basins. There was great potential for rice cultivation, the agricultural base of the Khas way of life. A collection of small principalities called the '''Chaubisi''' developed. Chaubisi literally means '24', as these kingdoms were counted. Not all were Khas kindoms. Some were Magar -- a large indigenous hill tribe people related to the Kham. Other kingdoms were Gurung and Tamang. Several Gandaki tributaries rose in the transhimalayan region where inhabitants and rulers became increasingly Tibetanized to the north.
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====='''Kathmandu Valley''' (Bagmati)=====
====='''Kathmandu Valley''' (Bagmati)=====
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Prithvi Narayan must have been a charismatic figure, for he recruited, equipped and trained a formidable army and persuaded his subjects to underwrite all this from his ascension until his death in 1775. Through conquest and treaty, he consolidated several Chaubisi kingdoms. As his domain expanded, '''Khaskura''' became known as '''Gorkhali''', i.e. the language of the Gorkha kingdom. Then he moved east into the next river basin, the '''Bagmati''' which drains the Kathmandu Valley that held three small but prosperous urban kingdoms. Like the Rapti, the Bagmati rises somewhat south of the Himalaya. Unlike the Rapti basin, this valley had once held a large lake and the remaining alluvial soil was exceptionally fertile. Between the agricultural abundance, local crafts, and extensive trade with Tibet, the cities were prosperous. Prithvi Narayan encircled the valley, cutting off trade and restricting ordinary activities, even farming and getting water. With a combination of stealth, brutality and intimidation he prevailed and deposed the local kings in 1769, making Kathmandu his new capital. This was the high point of Prithvi Narayan's career, however he continued consolidating the Kathmandu Valley with the Chaubisi and Baisi federations to the west until his death in 1775. Gorkhali was re-dubbed '''Nepali''' as 'Nepal' came to mean not only the urbanized Kathmandu Valley, but all lands ruled by the Shahs.
Prithvi Narayan must have been a charismatic figure, for he recruited, equipped and trained a formidable army and persuaded his subjects to underwrite all this from his ascension until his death in 1775. Through conquest and treaty, he consolidated several Chaubisi kingdoms. As his domain expanded, '''Khaskura''' became known as '''Gorkhali''', i.e. the language of the Gorkha kingdom. Then he moved east into the next river basin, the '''Bagmati''' which drains the Kathmandu Valley that held three small but prosperous urban kingdoms. Like the Rapti, the Bagmati rises somewhat south of the Himalaya. Unlike the Rapti basin, this valley had once held a large lake and the remaining alluvial soil was exceptionally fertile. Between the agricultural abundance, local crafts, and extensive trade with Tibet, the cities were prosperous. Prithvi Narayan encircled the valley, cutting off trade and restricting ordinary activities, even farming and getting water. With a combination of stealth, brutality and intimidation he prevailed and deposed the local kings in 1769, making Kathmandu his new capital. This was the high point of Prithvi Narayan's career, however he continued consolidating the Kathmandu Valley with the Chaubisi and Baisi federations to the west until his death in 1775. Gorkhali was re-dubbed '''Nepali''' as 'Nepal' came to mean not only the urbanized Kathmandu Valley, but all lands ruled by the Shahs.
=====Koshi=====
=====Koshi=====
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Prithvi Narayan's heirs Pratap Singh, Rana Bahadur and Girvan Yuddha continued expansion of their kingdom into the '''Koshi''' river basin east of the Bagmati system. Like the Gandaki, the Koshi traditionally has seven major tributaries descending from the Himalaya before joining forces to break through the Mahabharat and Siwalik ranges. Ranges drained by Koshi tributaries include Mount [[Everest]] and its neighbouring peaks, as well as the western side of the Kangchenjunga massif. Kangchenjunga and a high ridge to the south are the watershed between the Koshi and Tista basins as well as the border between Nepal and the former kingdom [[Sikkim]] that India annexed it in 1975.
Prithvi Narayan's heirs Pratap Singh, Rana Bahadur and Girvan Yuddha continued expansion of their kingdom into the '''Koshi''' river basin east of the Bagmati system. Like the Gandaki, the Koshi traditionally has seven major tributaries descending from the Himalaya before joining forces to break through the Mahabharat and Siwalik ranges. Ranges drained by Koshi tributaries include Mount [[Everest]] and its neighbouring peaks, as well as the western side of the Kangchenjunga massif. Kangchenjunga and a high ridge to the south are the watershed between the Koshi and Tista basins as well as the border between Nepal and the former kingdom [[Sikkim]] that India annexed it in 1975.
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===Caste, Ethnicity, Religion and languages===
===Caste, Ethnicity, Religion and languages===
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The caste and ethnic groups of Nepal according to the 2001 census are classified into five main categories:
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The caste and ethnic groups of Nepal according to the 2001 census are classified into five main categories: (a)Castes originating from Hindu groups (b) Newars (c) the ethnic groups or janajati (d)
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:(a) Castes originating from Hindu groups
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Muslims (e)Others.
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:(b) Newars
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:(c) the ethnic groups or janajati
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:(d) Muslims
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:(e) Others.
====Hindu Groups====
====Hindu Groups====
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According to one theory, Hindu castes migrated from India to Nepal after 11th century due to Muslim invasion and another theory says that present day hilly Hindu castes come from Buddhist/Hindu population of ancient Khas kingdom(present day Mid-western and Far-western Nepal). The traditional Hindu caste system is based on the four Varna Vyavastha "the class system" of '''Brahman''' (Bahun) priests, scholars and advisors; '''Kshatriya''' (Chhetri) rulers and warriors, '''Vaishya''' (merchants); '''Shudra''' (farmers and menial occupations not considered polluting). Below the Shudra '''Dalit''' perform 'polluting' work such as tanning and cleaning latrines. However, the middle Vaishya and Shudra are underrepresented in the hills, apparently because they did not have compelling reason to leave the plains while Muslim invaders tried to eliminate previous elites. Dalits seem to have accompanied the upper castes into the hills because they were bound by longstanding patronage arrangements. However, the absence of Vaishya people in hilly Hindu population supports the second theory.
According to one theory, Hindu castes migrated from India to Nepal after 11th century due to Muslim invasion and another theory says that present day hilly Hindu castes come from Buddhist/Hindu population of ancient Khas kingdom(present day Mid-western and Far-western Nepal). The traditional Hindu caste system is based on the four Varna Vyavastha "the class system" of '''Brahman''' (Bahun) priests, scholars and advisors; '''Kshatriya''' (Chhetri) rulers and warriors, '''Vaishya''' (merchants); '''Shudra''' (farmers and menial occupations not considered polluting). Below the Shudra '''Dalit''' perform 'polluting' work such as tanning and cleaning latrines. However, the middle Vaishya and Shudra are underrepresented in the hills, apparently because they did not have compelling reason to leave the plains while Muslim invaders tried to eliminate previous elites. Dalits seem to have accompanied the upper castes into the hills because they were bound by longstanding patronage arrangements. However, the absence of Vaishya people in hilly Hindu population supports the second theory.
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====Newar====
====Newar====
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Newars -- the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley -- follow both Hinduism and Buddhism. According to the 2001 census they can be classified into 40 distinct cultural groups, but all speak a common language called Nepal bhasa (Newa bhaaya). Newars use prevailing ''lingua francas'' to communicate outside their community: Nepali in the hills and Maithili, Bhojpuri and Awadhi in the Terai.
Newars -- the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley -- follow both Hinduism and Buddhism. According to the 2001 census they can be classified into 40 distinct cultural groups, but all speak a common language called Nepal bhasa (Newa bhaaya). Newars use prevailing ''lingua francas'' to communicate outside their community: Nepali in the hills and Maithili, Bhojpuri and Awadhi in the Terai.
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====Religion====
====Religion====
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The census of 2011 has listed 10 religions — Hindu, Buddhist, Islam, Kiranti, Christian, Jain, Sikh, Prakriti, Bon and Bahai. Hindu comprises 81.30%, Buddhist about 9% with the other religions making up the rest.
The census of 2011 has listed 10 religions — Hindu, Buddhist, Islam, Kiranti, Christian, Jain, Sikh, Prakriti, Bon and Bahai. Hindu comprises 81.30%, Buddhist about 9% with the other religions making up the rest.