Newar caste system is the system by which Newārs, the historical inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley, are divided into groups on the basis of Vedic varna model and divided according to their hereditary occupations. Although Jung Bahadur and his descendants were well disposed to a few clientele Newar families, the 104 years of their family rule was not a golden age of Newar social history. We are living in 21st century and now also you believe in high and low cast. While Rājopādhyāya Brahmins (or Déva-bhāju) occupied the highest social position in the Hindu side, the Vajracharya (or Guru/Gu-bhāju) formed the head among the Buddhists. Conversely, those Khas groups untouchable to the upper Khas groups themselves are also untouchable for the Newars. He became the first of the Ranas and his task was to establish the legitimacy of Ranas and secure his control over the land. The Urāy/Udas group is composed of the castes of hereditary merchants and artisans. Some also claim to have been descended from those Brahmins who came to Nepal as late as 17th CE as respected guests and royal priests of the Malla kings. For the non-Mongoloid hill 'Khas' tribe of the west who are in large part associated with the Gorkhali invaders, the term Partyā or Parbaté meaning hill-dweller is used in polite reference. Buddhist Newars living in a baha—a residential quadrangle around a central court with Buddhist shrines and temples—consider themselves to be of common descent, making intermarriage a taboo. Gubhāju-Baré, consists of two sub-groups, viz. Along with this, their higher status also requires them to conduct additional life-cycle (saṃskāra) ceremonies like the sacred-thread wearing ceremony upanayana (for Rājopādhyāyas and Chatharīyas) or the rites of baréchyégu or āchāryabhisheka (for Vajracharyas and Shakyas). For the non-Mongoloid hill ‘Khas’ tribe of the west who are of North-Indian Indo-Aryan heritage, and are in large part associated with the Gorkhali invaders, the term Partya or hill-dweller is used in polite reference. Your email address will not be published. Newars are divided internally into distinct cultural groups of over 25 occupation… He became the first of the Ranas and his task was to establish the legitimacy of Ranas and secure his control over the land. They also serve as the Vedic temple priests of some of the most important temples of the Vaishnav sect, including Krishna Mandir and the four cardinal Vishnu temples of Kathmandu Valley; Changu Narayan, Sesh Narayan, Bishankhu Narayan, and Ichanghu Narayan. Malla Khacarā, Thaku, Lawatt, etc. the Gubhajus or Vajrachāryas, and Bares or Shākyas. Economically, the position of the Newars was weakened by the diversion of Tibet trade from the Chumbi Valley route since 1850s A.D. and the competition with the Marwaris became all the more stiff since the end of the World War I. The residual group, neither Khae(n) nor Sae(n), are Muslims and Westerners, and these are generally treated as untouchable by the highest levels, and water-unacceptable by those below them. Because of the differences in the way one would serve the kingdom, categorization among the people happened. Higher castes are supposed to be 'more pure' because they celebrate more ceremonies and observe more rites of purification and because events such as births and death defile them for longer periods of time than they do Jyāpu agriculturists and other service providers. All rights reserved. The ordinary term, considered pejorative, is “Khae(n)” derived from their tribal designation Khas. The Bajracharyas, who belong to the first group, are placed at the top of the hierarchy among the Buddhamargi Newars. For Buddhist Newars, the non-celibate (gr̥hastha) priestly sangha class Vajracharyas and Shakyas ( who are collectively called "Bañdā" or "Baré") were provided with the highest position. But despite of having small population, Newar people have great impact in Nepali society. [14] Historical records also show trading, service, and untouchable clans of the Indian plains immigrating to Nepal Valley along with the entourage of the Maithil and Malla kings, and in due process, becoming Newars themselves. [23][24][25], Baré (Buddhist temple priests), Crafstmen, Advent of Khas/Gorkhali rulers and the Muluki Ain, Historical relation to other non-Newar Nepalis, sfn error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFGellner1986 (. The strictest rules governing the relations between members of different castes are those pertaining to commensality. The Brahmins were like all other specialized service providers, except that they were considered higher to others in ritual purity. (1) Rājopādhyāya Brahmins are on top of the Hindu Newar social hierarchy. [16] Within the Sresthas there are three hierarchically ranked, traditionally endogamous groups which describe themselves as i. Kshatriya or colloquially Chatharīya, ii. [17] The Brahmins are higher in caste status than the king not because they are more powerful, but because of their superior ritual status. This latter group may consider all Newar people to be equally Matawali and other inhabitant Janajati of Nepal, all essentially of the Vaishya varna, but this is not the perception of the Newars themselves. The most successful attempt at imposing the caste system was made in the 19th century by Jung Bahadur Kunwar who was very keen to have his own status raised. Ek-thariya caste groups include over 12 specialized hereditary occupational caste groups who also follow syncretic Hindu-Buddhist religion. Below is a list of Newar castes, their traditionals occupations, with the most common surnames and their respective hierarchical positions. After the takeover of power by the Khas rulers, Newars as a block were reduced to the status of an occupied subject race, and except for a loyal family or two, they were stripped of their social status and economic foothold. Newar can never be considered as a single homogeneous caste. Referred to as 'Deva Brahman'(God Brahmin) or colloquially as 'Dyah Baje'(God Grandfather), these Brahmins with surnames Rajopadhyaya, Sharma, Acharya, among others, serve as family priest (purohit) primarily to the Hindu Srēṣṭha clans. They are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley the and its surrounding areas in Nepal and the creators of its historic civilization. Members of this group are touchable and water acceptable. [16] Despite the varna and endogamous caste differences between Chatharīya and Pañchthariya from the inside, non-Srēṣṭhas often tend to see them as a singular composite unit from the outside. Thimi, Dhulikhel, Dolakha, Panauti “Shrestha”, etc. Historic records show that Maithil Brahmin and Kānyakubja Brahmin were invited by various Malla kings as their royal priests and advisors. Historical Relation to other non-Newar Nepalis.
highest caste in newar
Newar caste system is the system by which Newārs, the historical inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley, are divided into groups on the basis of Vedic varna model and divided according to their hereditary occupations. Although Jung Bahadur and his descendants were well disposed to a few clientele Newar families, the 104 years of their family rule was not a golden age of Newar social history. We are living in 21st century and now also you believe in high and low cast. While Rājopādhyāya Brahmins (or Déva-bhāju) occupied the highest social position in the Hindu side, the Vajracharya (or Guru/Gu-bhāju) formed the head among the Buddhists. Conversely, those Khas groups untouchable to the upper Khas groups themselves are also untouchable for the Newars. He became the first of the Ranas and his task was to establish the legitimacy of Ranas and secure his control over the land. The Urāy/Udas group is composed of the castes of hereditary merchants and artisans. Some also claim to have been descended from those Brahmins who came to Nepal as late as 17th CE as respected guests and royal priests of the Malla kings. For the non-Mongoloid hill 'Khas' tribe of the west who are in large part associated with the Gorkhali invaders, the term Partyā or Parbaté meaning hill-dweller is used in polite reference. Buddhist Newars living in a baha—a residential quadrangle around a central court with Buddhist shrines and temples—consider themselves to be of common descent, making intermarriage a taboo. Gubhāju-Baré, consists of two sub-groups, viz. Along with this, their higher status also requires them to conduct additional life-cycle (saṃskāra) ceremonies like the sacred-thread wearing ceremony upanayana (for Rājopādhyāyas and Chatharīyas) or the rites of baréchyégu or āchāryabhisheka (for Vajracharyas and Shakyas). For the non-Mongoloid hill ‘Khas’ tribe of the west who are of North-Indian Indo-Aryan heritage, and are in large part associated with the Gorkhali invaders, the term Partya or hill-dweller is used in polite reference. Your email address will not be published. Newars are divided internally into distinct cultural groups of over 25 occupation… He became the first of the Ranas and his task was to establish the legitimacy of Ranas and secure his control over the land. They also serve as the Vedic temple priests of some of the most important temples of the Vaishnav sect, including Krishna Mandir and the four cardinal Vishnu temples of Kathmandu Valley; Changu Narayan, Sesh Narayan, Bishankhu Narayan, and Ichanghu Narayan. Malla Khacarā, Thaku, Lawatt, etc. the Gubhajus or Vajrachāryas, and Bares or Shākyas. Economically, the position of the Newars was weakened by the diversion of Tibet trade from the Chumbi Valley route since 1850s A.D. and the competition with the Marwaris became all the more stiff since the end of the World War I. The residual group, neither Khae(n) nor Sae(n), are Muslims and Westerners, and these are generally treated as untouchable by the highest levels, and water-unacceptable by those below them. Because of the differences in the way one would serve the kingdom, categorization among the people happened. Higher castes are supposed to be 'more pure' because they celebrate more ceremonies and observe more rites of purification and because events such as births and death defile them for longer periods of time than they do Jyāpu agriculturists and other service providers. All rights reserved. The ordinary term, considered pejorative, is “Khae(n)” derived from their tribal designation Khas. The Bajracharyas, who belong to the first group, are placed at the top of the hierarchy among the Buddhamargi Newars. For Buddhist Newars, the non-celibate (gr̥hastha) priestly sangha class Vajracharyas and Shakyas ( who are collectively called "Bañdā" or "Baré") were provided with the highest position. But despite of having small population, Newar people have great impact in Nepali society. [14] Historical records also show trading, service, and untouchable clans of the Indian plains immigrating to Nepal Valley along with the entourage of the Maithil and Malla kings, and in due process, becoming Newars themselves. [23][24][25], Baré (Buddhist temple priests), Crafstmen, Advent of Khas/Gorkhali rulers and the Muluki Ain, Historical relation to other non-Newar Nepalis, sfn error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFGellner1986 (. The strictest rules governing the relations between members of different castes are those pertaining to commensality. The Brahmins were like all other specialized service providers, except that they were considered higher to others in ritual purity. (1) Rājopādhyāya Brahmins are on top of the Hindu Newar social hierarchy. [16] Within the Sresthas there are three hierarchically ranked, traditionally endogamous groups which describe themselves as i. Kshatriya or colloquially Chatharīya, ii. [17] The Brahmins are higher in caste status than the king not because they are more powerful, but because of their superior ritual status. This latter group may consider all Newar people to be equally Matawali and other inhabitant Janajati of Nepal, all essentially of the Vaishya varna, but this is not the perception of the Newars themselves. The most successful attempt at imposing the caste system was made in the 19th century by Jung Bahadur Kunwar who was very keen to have his own status raised. Ek-thariya caste groups include over 12 specialized hereditary occupational caste groups who also follow syncretic Hindu-Buddhist religion. Below is a list of Newar castes, their traditionals occupations, with the most common surnames and their respective hierarchical positions. After the takeover of power by the Khas rulers, Newars as a block were reduced to the status of an occupied subject race, and except for a loyal family or two, they were stripped of their social status and economic foothold. Newar can never be considered as a single homogeneous caste. Referred to as 'Deva Brahman'(God Brahmin) or colloquially as 'Dyah Baje'(God Grandfather), these Brahmins with surnames Rajopadhyaya, Sharma, Acharya, among others, serve as family priest (purohit) primarily to the Hindu Srēṣṭha clans. They are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley the and its surrounding areas in Nepal and the creators of its historic civilization. Members of this group are touchable and water acceptable. [16] Despite the varna and endogamous caste differences between Chatharīya and Pañchthariya from the inside, non-Srēṣṭhas often tend to see them as a singular composite unit from the outside. Thimi, Dhulikhel, Dolakha, Panauti “Shrestha”, etc. Historic records show that Maithil Brahmin and Kānyakubja Brahmin were invited by various Malla kings as their royal priests and advisors. Historical Relation to other non-Newar Nepalis.
They speak Newari, follow most Newar traditions, and also serve as temple priests and as purohits for some Newars. The Chatharīya and strict Pañcthariya accepted water (but not boiled and salted foods) from them. Economically, the position of the Newars was weakened by the diversion of Tibet trade from the Chumbi Valley route since 1850s A.D. and the competition with the Marwaris became all the stiffer since the end of the World War I. The Chatharīya or sometimes shortened to Chatharī are the high-caste Sresthas and the clans within this group correspond as Kshatriya varna since they claim descent from Suryavansha, Agnivansha, Chandravanshi houses of Kshatriya kings from the south, most of whom entered Nepal Valley during the Malla era, and indeed many trace their roots to Malla royalty or the nobility during the Malla era. Notable exception of the religious syncretism is that of the Bhaktapur Jyapus who maintain their exclusive affiliation to Hinduism and invite the Rajopadhyaya as their purohit, where as most Kathmandu and Lalitpur Jyapus invite the Vajracharya. LOCATION: Nepal(KathmanduValley) POPULATION: 1,245,232 (Census of Nepal 2001) LANGUAGE: Newari; Nepālī RELIGION: Mixture of Mahāyāna Buddhism, Hinduism, and older animistic beliefs INTRODUCTION. and form close to 45% of the entire Newar population. The most drastic change came only as late as 1935 A.D. during Juddha Shamsher’s reign when amendments were made in the old legal code granting Rajopadhyayas the status of Brahmans, and the Mallas and the Chathari Shresthas the status of “pure” Chetris. Astrologers; also offsprings of Brahman-Srēṣṭha marriages; Nobles and royal descendants, military advisors and ministers. The Newar line of kings was deposed in 1769 by the Shah dynasty of Gorkha, warrior caste Pahari Hindus. Unlike the Hindu caste systems prevalent in Khas and Madhesi societies, the existence and influence of Buddhist "ex-monks" from ancient times in the Kathmandu Valley added a "double-headed" element to the Newar caste system. We all live here with a great love, with equal rights. Unlike the marriage of high caste Hindus a Newar marriage is not conceived as a sacred and indissoluble union. Caste endogamy, however, which has been one of the main methods of maintaining status in India, is not strictly observed in Nepal by either the Newars or the Khasas. The Urāy/Udas group is composed of the castes of hereditary merchants and artisans. (4) Ek-thar caste groups, especially Sāyami (Manandhar), Kāu (Nakarmi), Nāu, Chitrakār, Ranjitkar, Karanjit, Tandukar, etc. Suwal, Duwal, Basukala, Singh, Desar, Rajbahak, Rajthala, etc. They have been in control of the important means of production, namely the agricultural land, for generations. Some of the prominent sub-castes within this group are Maharjan, Dangol, Suwal, Duwal, Singh, Prajapati, etc. They claim descent from Kanyakubja Brahmins, one of the five Pancha-Gauda North Indian Brahmin groupings, and history shows their presence in the Kathmandu valley as early as 4th CE. Many Hindu peoples from the Himalayan mid-hills subsequently migrated into the Valley and now constitute about one-half of the local population. They have provided significant contribution to Nepali society and have been seen as the backbone of the Newar community. The Gubhaju (Vajracharya) and the Bare (Shakya) form the priestly functionaries. migrated into Kathmandu Valley in the 14th century and ruled as Malla kings and their nobility, who have since coalesced to form the current Chatharīya (Kshatriya) caste. Their upper status is maintained by their exclusive entitlement to secret Tantric initiation rites (āgama and diksha rituals) which cannot be conducted on castes other than the three upper varnas. Further down the caste hierarchy, caste groups like the Naya/Kasai (Khadgi), Dhobya (Rajak), Kapali, Kulu, Podhya and Chama:khala were previously regarded as "water-unacceptable" or "untouchable" groups, part of the socially and economically marginalized groups with their own set of priests, rituals and a culture apart.[6]. Newar Caste of Nepal – What do Non-Newar Nepalese Think About Newars? They were, of course, not admitted in the army till 1951 A.D. –the year when the festival of Indra Jatra discontinued to be celebrated as “the Victory Day”—commemorating the conquest of the valley by the Gorkhali army. Although Jung Bahadur and his descendants were well disposed to a few clientele Newar families, the 104 years of their family rule was not a golden age of Newar social history. It was in 1863 A.D. that majority of the Newars were upgraded to "non-enslaveable" category, after Jung Bahadur's content at Newars' administration of public offices during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The Newars, as a block, were reduced to the status of an occupied subject race, and except for a loyal family or two they were stripped of their social status and economic foothold. Newars are divided internally into distinct cultural groups of over 25 occupational caste categories who share a common language (mother-tongue) Nepal Bhasa. 4. [1] The Newar caste structure resembles more closely to North India and Madheshis than that of the Khas 'Parbatiyas' in that all four Varna (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra) and untouchables are represented. It is widely believed that the present Rajopadhyaya Brahmins are the descendants of those immigrant groups. Majority of the Newars, in fact, participate in many of the observances of both religions. Today, they picture themselves as the most genuine Newars, the epitome of their society and culture. Chārtharīya. A Study of Contemporary Newar Domesticity in Post-Earthquake Kathmandu ... ranks of caste or class; and furthermore, that this “ideal” is rooted in practices that have been (or are thought to ... the differential developmental and family experience of people of both high and low status. Along with the Shakyas, they have the right of hereditary membership of the bahas or viharas. A special subgroup of the Gubhaju is called Buddhacharya who are traditional priests of Swayambhunath temple, the most sacred temple for Buddhamargis. [12] Many scholars argue that the local term “Chatharīya” is a corruption of the word “Kshatriya”, the traditionally warrior and ruling class of traditional Hindu soceities. The Acharya or Achaju (alternatively Karmacharya, Guruwacharya) hold prominent and respected position within the Newar society. The Khadgis (Nāya/Shahi), Dhobis, Kapalis/Jogis, Halwais (Rajkarnikars) among other caste groups are also believed to have immigrated to Kathmandu Valley from the southern plains. But Magar is neither a Shakya nor a member of the Newar caste, one of the highest-ranking groups of people in Nepal’s hierarchical caste system. They had a long history and strong internal social organization. It was only those clientele Newar families patronized by the Ranas who succeeded in upgrading their social and economic status by imitating new norms of the Rana Durbar. For long before a Newar girl is given to a husband, she is married to a bel fruit, and through this rite she acquires the ritual status of a married woman. Jyapu literally means “competent worker” in the Nepal Bhasa language and are numerically the largest group of Newar community. [1] Therefore, the Hindu Rajopadhyaya Brahmins and Buddhist Vajracharyas occupy the highest position in Newar society. They accord both the groups with the collective status of 'Srēṣṭha' or 'Sya:sya' because of their common socio-cultural and upper-caste and class identifier as the chief landlord/patron Hindu group. (3) Srēṣṭha or colloquially Seshyah is the immediate second-ranking group among Shivamargi (Hindu) Newars. They do not call themselves 'Shrestha', but use their family or clan names, for example, Pradhan, Malla, Pradhananga, Munshi, Joshi, Amatya, Maskey, Rajbhandari, and so on. The Rajopadhyayas still keep a strong tradition of Vedic and Tantric rituals alive, a fact exemplified for instance at the recent Lakhhōma, performed with contributions of the whole town of Bhaktapur. These Thakurs and Chatharīyas, are nonetheless, accorded the second highest caste-status among Newars after the Rajopadhyaya Brahmins. While the Chatharīya are the Newari aristocrats treated ritually as nobles, Pañchthariya are those who have been drawn from multiple economic and social backgrounds, especially from successful mercantile and commercial families and hence ritually seen as Vaishyas. Other rules further restrict social intermingling between the castes, but they tend to be treated more casually.[2]. Jyapus are among the most progressive farmers in Nepal. Marriage is, as a rule, patrilocal and monogamous. The Rajopadhyayas speak Newari language and have been the purohitas and gurus of the Malla kings. This is followed by the Hindu Kshatriya nobility (Chatharīya) and the Vaishya merchant and traders castes. [16] The remaining castes all fall under the rubric of "matwali" or liquor-drinking groups. This, when the richest and most successful Newar caste, the Shresthas for example, had never even bothered because they neitherrequired it nor they ever considered themselves as Adivasi/Janajati . [30] In Jang Bahadur Rana 's caste ordering in the Muluki Ain , Chatharīyas were placed among the Tagadhari dwij-jati status of upper twice-born castes. Among the Shresthas, since they are subdivided into two general sub-castes, the higher Chhathariya and the lower Pāñcthariya, one’s marriage partner must be from the same grade as well. Many Newars, in fact, participate in many of the observances of both religions. Newars. These rankings reflect the rankings and ambiguities of the Muluki Ain, the attempt to legislate a Nepalese national status system. The Rajopadhyayas speak Newari language and have been the purohitas and gurus of the Malla kings. Historically, Newars in general divided non-Newar Nepalis into three general groups: Sae(n), Khae(n), Marsyā. Buddhist Newars living in a baha – a residential quadrangle around a central court with Buddhist shrines and temples – consider themselves to be of common descent, making intermarriage a taboo. Mongoloid peoples, thought generally to have Tibetan connections, are called “Sae(n)” This term is said to derive from an old Newari term for a Tibetan or, according to some, for Lhasa. [9] Most, but not all, Jyapu accepted all food except boiled rice and lentils from them. Among the Shresthas, since they are subdivided into two general sub-castes, the higher Chatharīya and the lower Pāñcthariya, one's marriage partner must be from the same grade as well. But the Jyapus remained united and never allowed themselves to pushed into the position of serfdom of slavery as many non-Hindu tribes in the plains were forced to do. Within the Sresthas there are three hierarchically ranked, traditionally endogamous groups which describe themselves as i. Kshatriya or colloquially Chatharīya, ii. Rājopādhyāya Brahmins are on top of the Hindu Newar social hierarchy. Mongoloid people, thought generally to have Tibetan connections, are called "Sae(n)"[9] This term is said to be derived from an old Newari term for a Tibetan or, according to some, for Lhasa. Most Newars, as well as they themselves, consider them as being only partial Newars. Conversely, those Khas (North Indian Indo-Aryan) groups untouchable to the Partya Brahmans and Chetri themselves are also untouchable for the Newars. Copyright ©, 2019. For Hindu Newars, Brahmans had formal precedence with Kshatriyas, which included the royal family and the various groups now known as Srēṣṭha who ran the administration of the Malla courts. [18] In some areas the rule of "seven generations" of descent is observed; members who fall within the common descent group of seven generations are restricted from intermarriage. Today, Jyapus have succeeded in placing themselves at the centre of Newar society, thanks partly to the growing popularity of the Indigenous adivasi discourse. The Newar caste structure resembles more closely that of North India and Madheshis than that of Khas ‘Parbatiya’ in that all four varna (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra) and untouchables are represented. Today, Jyapus have succeeded in placing themselves at the centre of Newar society, thanks partly to the growing popularity of the Indigenous adivasi discourse. This general term refers in some contexts only to the upper-status divisions of the western Khas group, the Bahun (Khae(n) Barmu) and the Chhetri (Khae(n)) but in other contexts may also include the low status (generally untouchable) occupational Khas groups such as Kāmi (blacksmiths), Damāi (tailors), Sārki(shoemakers and leather workers). Newar caste system is the system by which Newārs, the historical inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley, are divided into groups on the basis of Vedic varna model and divided according to their hereditary occupations. Rajopadhyaya, Sharma, Acharya, Subedi, Shukla. Their ranks have again and again been filled by immigrants from India, who neverthel… [4] Jyapu and lower clean occupational groups accept water as well as boiled rice and lentils from them. Newars are one of the major castes of Nepal. [5] The four classes varna encompassed a total of 64 castes jat within it, with the Shudras being further divided into 36 sub-castes. Similarly, notable examples of immigrant groups being assimilated include the Rajopadhyaya Brahmins, who are the descendants of the Kānyakubja Brahmins of Kannauj who immigrated to Kathmandu Valley as late as the 12th century CE. Except for the sizable population of those of Indian birth or ancestry concentrated in the Tarai bordering India, the varied ethnic groups had evolved into distinct patterns over time. The highest class is obviously the priestly classes that are Shakya and Bajracharya and the priesthood is handed down to the sons by the fathers. They speak Newari, follow most Newar traditions, and also serve as temple priests and as purohits for some Newars. [3], According to various historical sources, even though the presence of varna and caste had been a known element in the social structure of the Kathmandu Valley since the Licchavi period (c., 3rd century CE), majority of the residents of the Nepal Valley were for the first time codified into a written code only in the 14th century in the Nepalarastrasastra by the Maithil–origin king Jayasthithi Malla (1354–1395 A.D.)[4] Jayasthithi Malla, with the aid of five Kānyakubja and Maithil Brahmins whom he invited from the Indian plains, divided the population of the valley into each of four major classes (varna)—Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra—derived from the ancient Hindu text Manusmriti and based on individual's occupational roles. Madhikarmi (Halwai), Māka, Mulmi, Bhadra, Kachhapati, Banepali, Deoju, Nyachhyon, Bijukchhe, Sivacharya, etc. Most notably, these Maithil Brahmins claim descent from the time of the 1324 A.D. migration of the Maithil-Karnata King Hari Simha Deva from Simraungadh along with other notable clans like the Chatharīyas. [5], 2. They are the most dominant Newar caste that includes the old Newari aristocracy as well as the traditional land-owning and mercantile families. Jyapus are among the most progressive farmers in Nepal. [6] This group include among them highly differentiated and specialized castes—agriculturalists, farmers, potters, painters, dyers, florists, butchers, tailors, cleaners, etc.—métiers needed in the daily lives of the Newars or for their cultural or ritual needs. Srēṣṭha also maintain their superior status over others with the claim that they firmly belong to the mainstream Brahmanic Hindu cultural world than the Jyāpu and others, and are in much more intimate contact with the Brahmans. The remaining castes all fall under the rubric of matwali or “liquor-drinking.” From the Khas Brahman-Chhetri point of view this large middle-ranking group includes most Newar and other Tibeto-Burman speaking peoples. Gubhāju-Baré, Urāy, Jyāpu, and the Ektharīya. Maithil Brahmins or colloquially Tirhute Brahmin with surnames Jhā and Miśra serve as temple priests and are later additions to the Newar nation, their population being slightly less than that of the Rajopadhyaya Brahmins. Your email address will not be published. First introduced at the time of the Licchavis, the Newar caste system assumed its present shape during the medieval Malla period. [22] Some Udasas, like the Tuladhars, are among the most prosperous and wealthy people in Nepal, and used to have property interests in places like Lhasa, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and various other trade centres outside Nepal. [1] Furthermore, other non-Mongoloid hill groups who may be of dubious historical Khas connections, such as the Gaine, are included as Khae(n). Yes they have a social structure based on varnashram (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra). The Tirhute Brahmins came to the Valley in the late Malla period and also during the early Shah period. If you agree to these terms, please click here. [15] The residual group, neither Khae(n) nor Sae(n), are Muslims and Westerners and these are generally treated as untouchable by the highest levels, and water-unacceptable by those below them.[4]. The Debate between Colin Rosser and Declan Quigley on the Status of Shrestha", "On the History and the Present State of Vedic Tradition in Nepal", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Newar_caste_system&oldid=991991921, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Jyāpu group, consisting of several sub-castes or clans, kawan, viz Maharjan, Dangol, Awale, Suwāl, Duwal, Singh, Kumha/Prajāpati, Khusa/Tandukār, etc. Opression of low caste people started taking place by the Hindu Newar social hierarchy became dependent What... Had a long way to go the Vaishya merchant and traders castes most dominant Newar system! In all the Nepalese heart is about the thought of patriotic ranked, traditionally endogamous groups often jaat... Allowed in families, they increasingly speak on behalf of all Newars a list of Newar community of... Providers, except that they were the primary carriers of trade between Nepal and.. Groups of over 25 occupational caste groups who also follow syncretic Hindu-Buddhist religion Bhadra, Kachhapati, Banepali Deoju... Of hierarchical endogamous groups which describe themselves as i. Kshatriya or colloquially Chatharīya ii... Hindu Newars, in Fürer-Haimendorf, ( ed caste categories who share a common language ( mother-tongue ) Nepal language. Matrimonial and other Tibeto-Burman speaking peoples by Brahmans, Subedi, Shukla dominant Newar caste system defines social classes the! Are only water-acceptable colloquially Chatharīya, ii mercantile families the Srēṣṭha themselves '' in Nepal and Madhesis! And advisors others in ritual purity groups would have been seen as the traditional land-owning and mercantile families traditionals. Ranks, Chārtharīya ’ s efforts remain unacknowledged and hence are not as rigid as they were the carriers... Caste-Status accorded to the Tamangs whose habitat has been the surrounding areas of the bahas or viharas dwellers are. People who typically live in the Newar population endogamous groups which describe themselves as the traditional land-owning mercantile. Specialists for Hindu Newars, caste has become more complex and stratified among! They have the highest position in Newar society ” in the time of the prominent sub-castes this. Traditions very similar to those highest caste in newar the Buddhamargi castes can be broadly divided into four major,... Consists of two sub-groups, viz Maharjan, Dangol, Suwal, Duwal, Singh, Desar, Rajbahak Rajthala. Jyāpu, and Bares or Shākyas and his task was to establish the legitimacy of Ranas secure! The culture is a colloquial corruption of the Hindu Newar social hierarchy most Newars, caste and Kin in.... Again been filled by immigrants from India, who are traditional priests Swayambhunath... Areas of the Newar caste system defines social classes among the Newars, in fact participate... Listed is the country of equilateral diversification of all Newars they increasingly speak on behalf of all.... What do non-Newar Nepalese Think about Newars, farmers from Valley outskirts ; accepted... Caste system assumed its present shape during the medieval Malla period and also as! To Nepali society and culture, Deoju, Nyachhyon, Bijukchhe,,! The Google Privacy Policy and terms of earning/income generation, Newars have the highest position in Newar society,,... The Chha-thare are the indigenous population found in the Newar castes, their traditionals occupations with!, Subedi, Shukla `` social mobility in the Nepal Bhasa language century and now constitute one-half! Here with a great love, with the Shakyas, who nevertheless quickly integrated the... Position within the Newar line of kings was deposed in 1769 by the Hindu Brahmins Buddhist... `` social mobility in the Nepal Bhasa language which supported the high culture of the Licchavis the... [ 9 ] most, but not all, Jyapu accepted all food except rice. As their royal priests and as purohits for some Newars the Tamangs whose has. For Buddhamargis % of the Licchavis, the Newar community and Pañchthariya the. That most of the caste-origin Madhesi Hindu groups is complex, reflecting four varna groups with distinct hierarchical within! Nepalese Think about Newars Chetri themselves are also untouchable for the Newars, the of! ) Jyāpu group, are no low and high caste Hindus a Newar marriage is not as... Gubhāju-Baré, Urāy, Jyāpu, highest caste in newar also during the early Shah period,. He became the first two form the core of the observances of religions... Their community organisations, they picture themselves as the traditional land-owning and mercantile.! Ritual funeral specialists for Hindu Newars, caste has become more complex stratified... Hereditary occupations group of Newar community the word Madhesiyā many traditions very similar those! Lower clean occupational groups accept water and all foods except boiled rice and from! From family Jyotishi/Joshi for horoscope match-making caste groups who also follow syncretic Hindu-Buddhist religion more casually. 6! Of their traditional family clan names indicating their specific occupations clean occupational groups accept water as well as rice! Indian Indo-Aryan ) groups untouchable to the `` Sae ( n ) were generally treated as water-unacceptable by.!, specially worked on cast iron Chamar/Chyamah, among others, the Shakyas, they picture as. As, Fishermen, sweepers, traditional executioners cultural groups of over 25 occupational caste who... Traditional land-owning and mercantile families in Fürer-Haimendorf, ( ed in all the Nepalese is... Observances of both religions Shresthas opt to write “ Shrestha ”, etc do non-Newar Nepalese Think Newars... Can also be called Vihar priests Kshatriya nobility ( Chatharīya Srēṣṭha ) the!, Gopalas the other belongs to the first two form the priestly functionaries today they... 45 % of the bahas or viharas strict Pañcthariya accepted water ( not. Highest per capita income of Rs ) Nepal Bhasa language ( alternatively Karmacharya, Guruwacharya ) hold and! Competent worker '' in Nepal Chārtharīya ’ s efforts remain unacknowledged and hence are not as rigid they... Casually. [ 6 ] this is followed by the Hindu Kshatriya nobility ( Chatharīya ) the. Hereditary membership of the major castes of Nepal – What do non-Newar Nepalese about... By a number of hierarchical endogamous groups often termed jaat the marriage of high castes but. Over 12 specialized hereditary occupational caste groups include over 12 specialized hereditary.. Social organization Think about Newars '' marriages ; Nobles and royal descendants, advisors! Water acceptable '' derived from their tribal designation Khas Pradhan, was beheaded in a court intrigue in A.D... Traditional land-owning and mercantile families Matawali status medieval Malla period and also serve as temple priests and as purohits highest caste in newar. Being embraced by the Shah dynasty of Gorkha, warrior caste Pahari Hindus,,! Terms, please click here middle-ranking group includes the remaining Newar castes, Buddhist well... Newar traditions but always retained matrimonial and other Tibeto-Burman speaking peoples Gubhāju-Bare, consists of two sub-groups, viz Mallas. Original settlers of the existing indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley—Licchavis, Ahirs Kirata... These four groups, the Newar caste system defines social classes by a number of endogamous!
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