Social Dynamics of Dalits in Nepal: Historical Development of Untouchability and Exploitation

Dol Raj Kafle; Dhakaram Sapkota; Tej Bahadur KC

doi:10.18535/sshj.v9i01.1587

Abstract

This research examined the historical context, evolution, and current state of untouchability and discrimination in Nepal, with a specific focus on the Dalit community. Data relating to Dalit, untouchability and discrimination were collected from various secondary sources, including academic libraries and reputable websites. Data relating to origin, historical development and socio-legal frameworks were separately studied and analysis was made using qualitative approach. The study identifies Nepalese kings as the originators of untouchability, institutionalizing it based on the four varnas of the Hindu system. Untouchability was minimal in ancient times, became institutionalized and peaked in the medieval period, but has significantly decreased in modern times due to various legal measures. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of continued efforts towards education, cultural change, and legal enforcement to eliminate untouchability and discrimination, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society in Nepal.

Keywords

Inclusive educationIndigenous parentsInvolvementPractices

References

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Rijal, S. (2006). Ethnographic study of Tarai Dalits in Nepal. Nepal National Depressed Social Welfare Organization.Google Scholar ↗
Senart, E. (1975). Caste in India (The fact and the system). Rose S. S. Publication.Google Scholar ↗
Shah, R. K. (1978). Ancient and medieval Nepal. Ajayakumar Jain Manohar Publication.Google Scholar ↗
Shah, R. K. (1992). Ancient and medieval Nepal. Ajayakumar Jain Manohar Publication.Google Scholar ↗
Sharma, B. C. (1978). Nepalko aaitihasik ruprekha [Historical outline of Nepal]. Krishna Kumari Devi.Google Scholar ↗
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[refR-1] Adarsh Book House, (2006). Nepalko antarim sanbidhan 2063 (Aathau samsodhan sahit) [Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063 (Including Eighth Amendment 2067)]. Adarsh Book House.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-2] Baral, B. (1993). Hindu samajik sangathanko prarup [Forms of Hindu social organization]. Sajha Prakashan.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-3] Bazaracharya, D. B. (1996). Lichchavikalka abhilekh [inscriptions of Lichchavi period]. Nepal ra Asiyali Aadhyan Sansthan.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-4] Bhandari, D. R. (2064). Nepalko aaitihasik bibechana [Historical analysis of Nepal]. Babu Madhav Prasad Sharma.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-5] Bishwakarma, M. R. (2011). Dalit ra hamro samaj [Dalit and our society]. Dikura Publication.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-6] Bista, D. B. (1991). People of Nepal. (7th ed.). Ratna Pustak Bhandar.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-7] Budathoki, C. B. (1982). Jayasthitika sudhar [Reform of Jayasthiti]. Sajha Prakashan.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-8] Chaudhary, M. (2007). Nepalko Terai tatha yaska bhumiputraharu [Terai of Nepal and its landson]. Santi Chaudhary.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-9] Datta, N. K. (1968). Origin and growth of caste in India. Farma K. L. Mukhopadhya.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-10] Davis, H. A. (1968). An outline history of the world. Oxford University Press. https://books.google.com.np/books?id=H7Y-AAAAYAAJ&hl=hi&source= gbs_book_other_versionsGoogle Scholar ↗

[refR-11] Devkota, P. M. (Ed.) (2002). Dalit of Nepal: issue and challenges. Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO)Google Scholar ↗

[refR-12] Gatwood, L. E. (1985). Devi and the spouse Goddess: Women, sexuality, and marriage in India. Mahohar Publication.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-13] https://books.google.com.np/books?id=kIvXAAAAMAAJ&hl=hi&source=gbs_book_other_versionsGoogle Scholar ↗

[refR-14] Ghurie, G. S. (1961). Cast, class and occupation. Popular Book Depot.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-15] Kahetri, G. & Khatiwada, S. P. (1997). Hindu samaj ra dharma [Hindu society and religion]. Shiva Prakashan.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-16] Kanun kitav byabastha samity (Ed.) (1965). Shree panch Surendra Bikram Shahko sashankalma baneko muluki ain [Civil coad made during the reign of King Surendra Vikram Shah. Ministry of Law and Justice.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-17] Karki, G. B. (2011). Nepalma Jatpat ra Chhuwachhutko itihas [History of casteism and untouchability in Nepal]. Asia Publications Pvt. Ltd.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-18] Karki, G. B. (2011). Nepalma jatpat tatha chhuwachhutko itihas. Asia Publication Pvt. Ltd.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-19] kisan, Y. B (2001). Nepalma Dalit jatiya mukti andolan [Dalit ethnic liberation movement in Nepal]. Janautthan pratistan.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-20] Kisan, Y. B. (2005). The Nepali Dalit social movement. Legal Right Protection Society Nepal.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-21] Kroeber, A. L. (1952). The nature of culture. University of Chicago Press. https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Culture-L-Kroeber/dp/0226454223Google Scholar ↗

[refR-22] Mainali, L. P. (2006). Chhuwachhut unmulanka lagi rastriya tatha aantarastriya kanuni pravdhan [National and international legal provisions for eradicating untouchability]. In V. Koirala, R. Khadka & R. Baral (Eds.). Rajyako punasamrachanama Dalit sahabhagita [Dalit participation in the restructuring of the state]. Vidyanath Koirala, Rajan Khadka and Rajkumar Baral. PP. 112-130.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-23] Manohar, (2011). Dalit mukti kasari hunchha? [How is Dalit liberation?]. Nepali-American Society for Opprest Community (NASOC).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-24] Neharu, J. L. (1988). Glimpses of world history. (6th ed.). Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Oxford University Press.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-25] https://jaisankarg.synthasite.com/resources/ jawaharlal_nehru_glimpses_of_world_history.pdfGoogle Scholar ↗

[refR-26] Pahadi, D. (2016). Hindu dharma, Dalit ra mandir prabeshma sangharsha [Hinduism, Dalits and the struggle over temple entry]. 1(2), 73-79.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-27] Pande, R. (1969). Hindu sanskar. Motilal Banarasilal.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-28] Pandey, M. S. (2007). Nepalka Dalitharu [Dalit of Nepal]. Pairabi Prakashan.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-29] Panta, D. R. (Ed.) (2008). Nayabikasiny: Manav nayashastra [Nyayavikasini: Human jurisprudence]. Kanun Byabasaik Club.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-30] Pokhrel. R. K. (2010). Jatiya rajyako sawal: Ek aaitihasik adhyan [The question of caste basis state: A historical Study]. Itihas prabaha. 4(1), 18-22.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-31] Prashrit, M. (2006). Manabtako kalanka : Jatpat ra chhuwachut pratha. [The stigma of humanity: casteism and untouchability]. In V. Koirala, R. Khadka & R. Baral (Eds.). Rajyako punasamrachanama Dalit sahabhagita [Dalit participation in the restructuring of the state]. Vidyanath Koirala, Rajan Khadka and Rajkumar Baral. PP. 70- 98.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-32] Prashrit, M. N. (2001). Manabatako kalanka jatpat ra chhuwachhut pratha [Casteism and untouchability are the stigma of humanity]. Kirn Pustakalaya.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-33] Regmi, M. C. (1986). Kami, Damai, Gaine. Regmi Research Series 18(6), 86-90.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-34] Rijal, S. (2006). Ethnographic study of Tarai Dalits in Nepal. Nepal National Depressed Social Welfare Organization.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-35] Senart, E. (1975). Caste in India (The fact and the system). Rose S. S. Publication.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-36] Shah, R. K. (1978). Ancient and medieval Nepal. Ajayakumar Jain Manohar Publication.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-37] Shah, R. K. (1992). Ancient and medieval Nepal. Ajayakumar Jain Manohar Publication.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-38] Sharma, B. C. (1978). Nepalko aaitihasik ruprekha [Historical outline of Nepal]. Krishna Kumari Devi.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-39] Shrestha, T. N. (2009). Nepalka Newarharu (Pahichan ra pristhabhumi) [Newars of Nepal: Identity and background]. Anusandhan Tatha Bikash Sanstha (IFRD).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-40] Timilsena, G. R. & Pudasaini S. (Ed.) (2014). Barsik Pratibedan 2070/71: Rastriya Dalit aayog [Annual Report 2070-71: National Dalit Commission]. Nepal Sarkar Rastriya Dalit Aayog.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-41] Wasti, P. (Ed.). (2006). Kanun sambandhi kehi aaitihasik aabilekh [Some historical records related to law]. Kanun Byabasahi Club.Google Scholar ↗