Nepalian: The People, Culture, and History of Nepal

The term “Nepalian” is often used interchangeably with “Nepalese,” though “Nepali” is the term preferred by the people of Nepal and is promoted by their government. It refers to the citizens, culture, and collective heritage of Nepal, a nation of immense diversity nestled within the Himalayas. Officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, its society is a complex mosaic of ethnicities, languages, and traditions shaped by geography and history. The story of its people is one of resilience, reflecting a deep connection to their land and a rich cultural inheritance that continues to evolve.

Defining the Nepalian People

Nepal’s population is a composite of numerous ethnic groups and castes. Major groups include the Chhetri, Bahun (Hill-Brahmin), Magar, Tharu, Tamang, Newar, Gurung, and Sherpa. Historically, society was structured around a caste system, a hierarchical framework that defined social status and occupation. Although the government legally abolished caste-based discrimination in 1963, its influence persists in shaping social interactions, particularly in rural areas.

This ethnic richness is mirrored in the country’s linguistic landscape. Nepali is the official language, used in government and education. Beyond Nepali, over 120 distinct languages and dialects are spoken. These languages primarily belong to the Indo-Aryan and Sino-Tibetan families, reflecting waves of migration.

With a population of over 29 million, a significant Nepali diaspora has spread across the globe. Communities have been established in India, Malaysia, the Middle East, and Western countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. This global presence is driven by the pursuit of employment and educational opportunities.

Cultural Tapestry of Nepal

Religion in Nepal is characterized by a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. While most of the population identifies as Hindu, Buddhist principles are deeply interwoven into the cultural fabric. This syncretism is visible where Hindu and Buddhist shrines share the same sacred spaces, and deities are worshipped by followers of both faiths. This peaceful coexistence has fostered a culture of tolerance.

This spiritual foundation comes alive during the country’s festivals. Dashain, the longest festival, spans fifteen days and celebrates the victory of good over evil, marked by family reunions and feasting. Shortly after, Tihar, the festival of lights, illuminates the nation for five days, honoring deities and animals and culminating in Bhai Tika, a day for the bond between brothers and sisters.

Nepalese cuisine is a flavorful part of its culture. The main dish is Dal Bhat, a meal of lentil soup (dal), steamed rice (bhat), and vegetable curry (tarkari), which reflects the country’s agricultural reliance on local ingredients. Another popular food is the Momo, a dumpling with Tibetan origins filled with minced meat or vegetables and served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Traditional attire also expresses Nepal’s cultural identity. For men, the Daura-Suruwal is the national dress, consisting of a long shirt (Daura) and trousers (Suruwal), often paired with a cap called a Dhaka Topi. For women, the Gunyu-Cholo is a traditional ensemble comprising a blouse (Cholo) and a skirt (Gunyu), worn with pride during ceremonies and festivals.

The Land of the Himalayas

Nepal’s geography is defined by three distinct parallel belts traversing the country from east to west. The southernmost belt is the Terai, a flat and fertile lowland plain. This hot and humid region is the country’s agricultural heartland, producing much of its food.

Moving north, the landscape rises into the Pahar, or Hill region, characterized by rolling hills, deep valleys, and the Mahabharat Range. This area has a more temperate climate and is home to cities like the capital, Kathmandu. The hills are extensively terraced for farming, showcasing the ingenuity of the people in adapting to the terrain.

The northernmost region is the Himal, the Himalayan mountain region. This area contains eight of the world’s ten tallest peaks, including Mount Everest, known locally as Sagarmatha. This landscape of snow-covered peaks and glaciers is sparsely populated but is central to Nepal’s identity, attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe.

A Brief History of Nepal

Modern Nepal’s foundation was laid in the mid-18th century by Prithvi Narayan Shah, king of the Gorkha principality. Before this, the territory of present-day Nepal was a patchwork of competing kingdoms. Starting in 1743, Shah’s conquests gradually absorbed dozens of states, including the Malla kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. In 1768, he established Kathmandu as the capital of the newly formed Kingdom of Nepal.

The Shah dynasty’s power was curtailed in 1846 when Jung Bahadur Rana seized control, establishing a hereditary prime ministership that rendered the Shah kings figureheads. The Rana dynasty ruled until 1951, a period characterized by isolation from the outside world but also the preservation of Nepal’s independence during colonial expansion.

The 20th century brought profound political transformation. A 1950-51 movement ended the Rana regime and restored the Shah monarch’s authority. The push for greater democracy continued, culminating in the 2006 People’s Movement. This led to the abolition of the 240-year-old monarchy, and in 2008, Nepal was declared a federal democratic republic.

Contemporary Nepalian Society

Nepal is a federal democratic republic, a system established by the 2015 constitution. The government is structured into federal, provincial, and local tiers to decentralize power. This transition from unitary rule has created a dynamic political landscape, often with coalition governments and ongoing debates over implementing the new federal structure.

The economy’s primary pillars are agriculture, tourism, and remittances. Agriculture remains the largest sector for employment, though its contribution to GDP is declining. Tourism, particularly trekking and mountaineering, is a source of foreign income, while remittances from citizens working abroad are a component of the national economy.

Nepal has also shown resilience in the face of challenges, most notably the 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25, 2015. The quake caused widespread destruction, resulting in thousands of fatalities, injuries, and the destruction of homes and cultural heritage sites. The nation then embarked on a massive recovery and reconstruction effort.