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Ethnic Mosaic

Although their concentration varies, the Brahmins, Chetris, & Newars are the found everywhere in Nepal. The people of other castes & tribes sometimes make fun of these three castes by calling them the “mobile castes”.

Brahmins (or Bahun in Nepali): These are the uppermost caste in the Hindu hierarchical caste system. Brahmins are of Aryan descent and found all over Nepal except in the upper Himalayas. Brahmins are mostly teachers, priests, & government officials.

Chetris: The Hindu people of the warrior Aryan caste. The Shah Kings, the Ranas, & the high-profile army postions are still occupied by the Chetris in Nepal.

Newars: The ethnic people from the Kathmandu valley. The Newars have their own physical characteristics, system of language & rituals. Newars are mostly business people and artisans. Most are the Hindus, but some are also Buddhist by generations.

Sherpas: Shrepa people are the original inhabitants of the Nepal’s side of Himalaya – different from Tibetans. The Sherpas are world famous for their mountaineering skills. However, the word Sherpa denotes an indigenous Himalayan community for the Nepalis, unlike what some travel writers refers to them as ‘porters’.

Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu: These are the original inhabitants of mountain region. Although comparatively than Europeans, these ethnic people constitute most of the soldiers in Nepal Army, and the British & Indian Gurkha Army.

Madhesis: The people of the Terai regions constituting both Hindus & Muslims of Aryan descent. Some (but not all) of these people have their relations on both sides of the Indo-Nepal border. The Madhesi people constitute more than 40% of the Nepali population.

Tharu, Rajbansi, Danuwar, Majhi: These people consider themselves to be original inhabitants of the Terai.

Manangi & Dolpo: These are tribal people living in the isolated pockets in the valleys beyond Himalaya but inside Nepal.