Nepal is a treasure trove for anthropologists, with hundreds of diverse ethnic groups living within its borders. Their complex territorial claims result from a long history of interaction. One has to keep in mind that the Nepalese state has only been unified since the middle of the 18th century, by the most famous of the Nepalese kings: Prithvi Narayan Shah, a Gurkha sovereign, who fought against all the local chiefs. He is famous for creating a sense of national identity, despite this ethnic mosaic.
Here are some of the most numerous minority ethnic groups:
- In Kathmandu Valley, 2/3 of the population are Newars. This ethnic group has long been settled here and is famous for its ability at wood carving. The Newars speak newar, a language of the Tibeto- Burmese family. Most of them are Buddhists.
- In the Terai, there are many ethnic groups, who settled there when malaria was eradicated in the 1950’s. Before that, only the Tharus dared to stay in this area said to be haunted by spirits. The Tharus were nomads and still today, no one knows for sure their origin. They used to be animists, but are changing toward Hinduism.
- The Magars and the Gurungs are “sister” ethnic groups. They have the same Tibeto-Burmese origin and are Buddhists. The Gurung live in the eastern part of Nepal, whereas the Magars are settled in the centre, and are famous for their courage at fighting.
- In the heights of the Himalayas, live the Sherpas. These people are fewer in number, but famous all around the world for their records in climbing the highest mountains of the world. They have Tibetan origins and are Buddhists.
- The Kirant (Rai and Limbu), are descendants of the first kings of Kathmandu. The Rai people are nowadays in the centre and eastern part of the country, whereas the Limbu people stay in the extreme East. They both follow their own ancestral religion, which is derived from Buddhism and Hinduism.
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