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 The
People, Culture, & Languages: In Nepal,
ethnical cultural groups are diverse and
many of them have their own languages and
customs. However, they can be geographically
categorized according to their habitats.
The Sherpas who are of Tibeto-Burman stock
mainly occupy the higher hills of eastern
and central Nepal. Sherpas inhabit the SoIu
Khumbu region, where the world’s tallest
peak Mt. Everest stands. Generally they
are Buddhist but some follow the Bon, the
pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, and other
religions. The Sherpas are famed for their
valor and mountaineering skills and are
professionally involved in many mountain
expeditions. Today. Sherpas have joined
other occupations as well, like business,
administration and politics.
A wide variety of ethnic groups occupy the
mid-hills. The Kirats or Limbus and Rais
inhabit the east. During the 7th century
BC, they established a dynasty in the Kathmandu
valley and ruled it for 1,000 years. They
are not originally Hindus or Buddhists but
are ancestor worshipers. However, today,
many embrace Hinduism. In the former days,
they were warriors and skilled hunters.
The Kirats speak Tibeto-Burman languages.
Many serve in the British Army today and
have earned a reputation as the brave Gorkhali.
The population of the Kathmandu Valley consists
mostly of Newars. They speak Nepal-vasa
and practice Hinduism and Buddhism. Many
families celebrate both Hindu and Buddhist
festivals. Their culture also reflects tantrism
and animism. Newars are accomplished in
commerce and they run most enterprises in
the heart of the Valley. Historically, they
are well known for establishing the three
artistically beautiful cities of Patan,
Bhaktapur and Kathmandu.
 The
inhabitants of the hill flanks surrounding
Kathmandu Valley are mostly Tamangs, who
make up one of the largest Tibeto-Burman
ethnic groups in the Kingdom. In the Tibetan
language, Tamang means "horse soldier"
which gives us an idea about their past
occupation. Today, they farm and work as
semi-skilled and unskilled laborers. Tamangs
practice Tibetan Lamaism or the Bon religion
and speak their own language.
The Magars live in the western and central
hills of Nepal. They had their own kingdoms
until the 18th century and were closely
associated with the Hindu Indo-Aryans in
the west. Much of their cultural practices
have been influenced by Chhetris, and today
it is difficult to make any difference in
the housing, dressing and farming practices
of the two. The British and Indian armies
and a great number serve in the Gorkha regiments
have sought after the Magars.
Another ethnic group closely resembling
the Magars in many aspects are the Gurungs.
They also live in the western and central
hills of the country although further to
the east. Of Tibeto-Burman stock, the Gurungs
have their own distinct language and practice
shamanism. Many find employment in the British
and Indian armies.
The Khas are the Bahuns and Chhetris who
formed their own kingdoms in the far west.
They are Hindus, and the Khas originally
spoke Nepali, which is the country’s
official language. Traditionally, the Bahuns
were priests and are better educated than
most ethnic groups. In fact, many occupy
important government and educational posts
in the kingdom today. The Chhetris have
traditionally been known as warriors. Those
living in the higher hills in the far western
region lead hard lives because of lack of
rain and farming is practiced in the river
valleys and on the hill flanks.
The Tharus are one of the original ethnic
groups to inhabit the Terai. The Majhi,
Danuwar, Rajbansi, Darai, Satar, and Dhimal
also occupy the flat lands. The Tharus have
their own unique religion and practice animism.
Their culture is especially suited for the
hot plains and they are actually immune
to malaria. They have Mongoloid features
and speak their own language. There is much
migration going on in the country now and
the cultural definition of the people by
area is difficult. Urban population is increasing
by 7% each year and most cultures have intermingled.
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