Deborah Chan
Nepal's caste system is a complex social structure that defines social classes and ethnic groups through hierarchical endogamous groups called 'jatis' or 'castes'. While caste-based discrimination was criminalized in 1963, it remains prevalent in Nepalese society, as evidenced by the 2020 Rukum massacre, where six youths from a lower caste were killed for attempting an inter-caste marriage. This incident highlights the enduring prejudice and violence faced by certain castes, particularly the Dalits, who constitute one of the most underprivileged groups in Nepal. The caste system's influence extends beyond social spheres, impacting economic and political landscapes as well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the caste | Khas/Parbatiya |
| Location | Hills |
| Language | Nepali, Kumaoni, Baitadeli, Doteli |
| Hierarchy | Brahmins (priests) at the top, followed by Kshatriya (warriors and princes), Vaishya (farmers and artisans), and Shudra (shoemakers, tailors, metal workers, and servants). |
| Caste-based discrimination | Outlawed in 1963, but still prevalent in Nepalese society |
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What You'll Learn
- The Nepalese caste system is based on the Hindu Chaturvarnashram model
- The caste system defines social classes by hierarchical endogamous groups
- The Government of Nepal abolished caste-based discrimination in 1963
- The Khas, Madhesi, and Newars are the three societies traditionally part of the four Varna concept
- Caste-based violence and honour killings still occur in Nepal
The Nepalese caste system is based on the Hindu Chaturvarnashram model
The Nepalese caste system is the traditional system of social stratification in Nepal. It is based on the Hindu Chaturvarnashram model, which consists of four broad social classes or varnas: Brahmin, Kshatriya or Chhatri, Vaishya, and Sudra. Each varna has specific duties, and adhering to them is considered upholding Dharma, a central concept in Hindu philosophy.
The caste system defines social classes through a number of hierarchical endogamous groups, often termed jaat. This custom was traditionally prevalent in three Indo-Aryan societies: the Khas, Madhesi, and Newars. The Khas and Newars are hill-dwelling groups, while the Madhesis live in the plains. The Khas and Madhesi groups reflect the four varna structure, while the Newars have a more complex social structure, with over 25 occupational caste categories and a division between upper and lower Buddhist castes.
The ancient tribes living in the northern territory of modern Nepal were less influenced by the fourfold Varna system of Hinduism. Nature worship, shamanism, and ancestor worship were more common, with Tibetan spirituality among the Sino-Tibetan groups. The Newar group, in particular, presents a complicated social structure that reflects the four Hindu varna categories and the unclean castes outside of it.
Since the unification of Nepal in the 18th century, various non-Hindu ethnic nationalities and tribes have been incorporated into the caste hierarchy. However, these groups do not necessarily adhere to the customs and practices of the caste system. Nepal's government has taken steps towards freedom and equality by legally abolishing and criminalizing caste-based discrimination, including "untouchability," in 1963. Despite these measures, caste prejudice persists in rural regions, and incidents of caste-related community violence still occur.
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The caste system defines social classes by hierarchical endogamous groups
The caste system in Nepal is a traditional system of social stratification that broadly follows the Hindu Chaturvarnashram model. This model consists of four broad social classes or varnas: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra. The caste system defines social classes by hierarchical endogamous groups, often termed jaats or jatis. Endogamy refers to the practice of marrying exclusively within one's group, which is a common feature of caste systems.
In Nepal, the caste system is particularly associated with three Indo-Aryan societies: the Khas, Madhesi, and Newars. However, since the unification of Nepal in the 18th century, the country's various non-Hindu ethnic nationalities and tribes have also been incorporated into the caste hierarchy to varying degrees. Despite legal measures to abolish caste-based discrimination, caste prejudice and community violence based on caste identities continue to persist in rural areas of Nepal.
The Newars, for example, present a complex social structure that reflects both the four Hindu varna categories and distinct upper and lower Buddhist castes. They are further divided into over 25 occupational caste categories, sharing a common language, Nepal Bhasa, or speaking Nepali. Similarly, the Madhesi Hindu groups exhibit a complex social structure, reflecting four varna groups with distinct hierarchies within them and belonging to four distinct language groups: Maithili, Bajika, Bhojpuri, and Awadhi.
The caste system in Nepal has undergone historical restructuring, notably during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla in the 14th century. This restructuring was influenced by Aryan migrations to Kathmandu, leading to a complex urban and caste-based society. The specific migration of the Malla and Chathariya/Kshatriya introduced Maithil Brahmins and other castes, contributing to the formation of a hierarchical caste system.
Caste systems are not unique to Nepal and can be found in various parts of the world, including India, Africa, Latin America, and among certain religious groups such as Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs. However, the term "caste" is primarily associated with the rigid social groups within Hindu society in South Asia. While urbanization and affirmative action programs have led to a decline in the economic significance of the caste system in India, it continues to shape social interactions and marriage practices in Nepal and other regions.
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The Government of Nepal abolished caste-based discrimination in 1963
Nepal's caste system is a traditional social stratification system that broadly follows the Hindu Chaturvarnashram model. It consists of four broad social classes or varnas: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra. The caste system in Nepal has a long history, with the earliest detailed records found in Kathmandu Valley from the 5th century CE during the Licchavi period (400-750 CE). This system has been a hallmark for all ethnicities of Nepal, with three societies traditionally adhering to the four Varna concept: the Khas/Parbatiya and Newars in the hills, and the Madhesis in the plains.
In 1963, the Government of Nepal took a significant step towards freedom and equality by legally abolishing and criminalizing any caste-based discrimination, including "untouchability," the ostracism of a specific caste. This move marked a shift from the country's previous identity as a Hindu monarchy to a secular state. The New 1964 Legal Code, also known as the New Muluki Ain-1963, replaced the old Legal Code, and it ceased all legal recognition of caste and any discriminatory laws based on caste. This led to all castes being treated equally before the law and enjoying the same access to education.
Despite these legal changes, the caste system in Nepal is still intact today, although the rules are not as rigid as they once were. Caste prejudice is far less prevalent in cities, but it persists in rural areas. Additionally, while the Nepali constitution explicitly banned discrimination on various grounds, including caste, and the Civil Act of 1963 made caste-based discrimination a punishable offense, discrimination against marginalized communities, particularly Dalits, remains prevalent. Dalits, who are considered members of the lower castes, face social, economic, cultural, and political marginalization and are routinely subjected to institutional and structural discrimination, including hate crimes and acts of violence.
The COVID-19 lockdown period further exacerbated incidents of violence and prejudice against Dalits, with at least 31 documented cases of physical violence during this time. An incident in Soti Village, Rukum, on May 23, 2020, triggered a nationwide anti-caste movement called "Dalit Lives Matter," inspired by the "Black Lives Matter" movement in the United States. Despite legal provisions, cases of caste-based discrimination rarely result in convictions, and perpetrators often avoid jail time, highlighting the enduring challenges in eradicating deep-rooted discriminatory practices in Nepal.
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The Khas, Madhesi, and Newars are the three societies traditionally part of the four Varna concept
The Nepalese caste system is the traditional system of social stratification of Nepal. It broadly borrows the classical Hindu Chaturvarnashram model, consisting of four broad social classes or varna: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra. This custom was traditionally only prevalent in the three Indo-Aryan societies of the Khas, Madhesi, and Newars.
The Khas, or Khas/Parbatiya, are a hill tribe from western Nepal. They have a simple social structure, with only three groups in the hierarchy: Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Chhetri. The Khas population in the western Nepal region acquired the 'Chhetri' status in the 1850s, making them the most populous caste/tribe in Nepal. The mother tongue of the Khas is Kumaoni, Nepali, and its dialects like Baitadeli and Doteli.
The Madhesi, or Madhesiyā, are a plain-dwelling society. Their social structure is complex, reflecting four varna groups with distinct hierarchical structures within them. These various cultural groups belong to four distinct language groups: Maithili, Bajika, Bhojpuri, and Awadhi. In 2001, the CBS recorded 43 caste-origin Hindu groups in the Madhesh.
The Newars, or Newārs, are the historical inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley. Their social structure is unique and complicated, reflecting the model of four Hindu varna categories and the unclean castes outside of it. They are also clearly divided among the upper and lower Buddhist castes. Currently, Newars are divided into groups of over 25 occupational caste categories who share a common language (mother tongue) Nepal Bhasa or speak Nepali. The Newar society's foundation firmly stands on the restructuring by Malla, as Newar society continues to comprise the 4 varna and 64 different caste groups hierarchically allotted according to classical and religious Hindu scriptures.
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Caste-based violence and honour killings still occur in Nepal
Nepal's caste system is a traditional system of social stratification that broadly follows the Hindu Chaturvarnashram model. It consists of four broad social classes or varnas: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra. While the Government of Nepal legally abolished and criminalized caste-based discrimination in 1963, the country has continued to struggle with caste-based violence and honour killings.
Caste-based violence persists in Nepal, with the country's Dalit community, formerly known as "untouchables", facing deep-rooted discrimination and violence. In 2020, media reports highlighted two incidents where six people were killed, underscoring the government's failure to address entrenched caste-based discrimination against Dalits. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, called for an independent investigation into these incidents, expressing concern over the high level of impunity for caste-based discrimination and violence in Nepal.
Nepal's 2015 constitution established a National Dalit Commission to promote the rights of the Dalit community. However, the government's inaction in appointing commissioners further highlights its neglect in addressing caste-based issues. Dalits face discrimination in various aspects of their daily lives, including employment, education, access to water and worship places, and their choice of spouse. This discrimination forces them into low-income and dehumanizing jobs, such as manual scavenging and disposing of dead animals.
Honour killings, prevalent in neighbouring countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, have also emerged in Nepal. In 2010, D K Bahadur Thapa Magar of Nepal's Okhaldhunga district fell in love with Parbati Danuwar of Kavre, near Kathmandu. Despite strong opposition from Parbati's father due to caste differences, the couple married against their families' wishes. Tragically, Thapa Magar was found dead in his rented room in Kathmandu, initially ruled as a suicide but later revealed to be a murder by sharp objects. Parbati's father was arrested and charged with murdering his son-in-law, demonstrating the extreme lengths to which individuals will go to uphold caste distinctions and "honour".
The caste-based nature of these killings underscores the persistent influence of Nepal's caste system and the violent consequences that can arise when individuals defy caste expectations, particularly in matters of love and marriage. While Nepal has made legal strides towards equality, the ongoing occurrence of caste-based violence and honour killings highlights the need for more effective implementation and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws to protect the rights and lives of those vulnerable to caste-based prejudice and harm.
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