Ten Endangered and Minority Ethnic Groups in Nepal

Although a small country, Nepal is known as a very rich country in terms of various castes, languages, cultures, and natural resources, this page provides a special informative introduction to extreme minority ethnic groups based on the ethnic groups’ population in Nepal.

According to the National Census 2021, the total number of ethnic groups in Nepal is 142. However, in the previous census conducted in 2011, a total of 125 are mentioned. Thus, this time’s census in Nepal has identified or improved the classification of 17 additional ethnicities/castes in Nepal. The castes added to the national caste list this time are Bankariya, Bhumihar, Surel, Phree, Mughal, Pun, Rauniyar, Baniyan, Gond (Gondha), Karmarong, Ranatharu, Khatik, Beldar, Chai (Khulaut), Chumba (Nubri), Done, Kewarat.

Thus, some of the ten most minority ethnic groups identified here are also among the endangered ethnic groups declared by the Government of Nepal. However, these native Nepalis lead significantly in showcasing the cultural fragrances of Nepal.

Here are ten extremely minority ethnic groups in Nepal, highlighting their unique identities and cultural significance:

1. Nurang Ethnic Group

Introduction

According to the Nepal census of 2021, the Nurang ethnic group is Nepal’s smallest but most significant part of its diverse ethnic landscape. Its unique culture and traditions need to be preserved and studied. However, little research has been done on the Nurang people, so few records and details about them have been made public.

Population and Settlement

Population: The Nurang community is an endangered ethnic group in Nepal. According to the 2021 census, their population was only 36, compared to 278 according to the 2011 census. Nepal needs to seriously investigate why the Nurang people’s population is reducing rapidly as per each Nepal census.

Culture

Settlement: The Nurangs belong to the Tibetan (Himalayan group) and live in the southern Himalayan region of Nepal. However, this community is said to be found only in Nepal. So, their culture is also influenced by the local hilly community.

Language: The primary language of the Nurang people is Nepali.

Religion: The primary religion of the Nurangs is Hinduism. However, they follow different forms of Hinduism. They also believe in their kind of gods and goddesses.

2. Bankariya Ethnic Group

Introduction

According to the latest census, the Bankariya ethnic group is the second largest ethnic group in terms of extremely minority population. The Bankariya are a tribal group of traditional hunters living near the forest in the far southern part of Makawanpur district of Nepal. They are believed to have originated in the forests of the Chure region.

According to the latest census, the Bankariya caste is the second largest ethnic group in terms of minority population. The Bankariya are a traditional hunter-gatherer tribe living on the forest’s edge in the far southern part of the Makwanpur district of Nepal. They are believed to have originated in the forests of the Chure region.

Population and Settlement

Population: According to the latest Nepal census in 2021, the Banakariya ethnicity has a population of 180. However, experts say that their population is between 80 and 90. The author of this context does not know the reason for this difference in population figures. If the reality is known, it will be corrected later. No data shows that the Banakariyas were listed separately before this or in the 2011 census, as they are considered a subgroup of the Chepang ethnic group.

Settlement: Most Bankariya people are found to have settled in Musedhap under Manohari Rural Municipality of Makawanpur district. The Bankariya, who used to live in the forests around the Parsa National Park, were forced to live as rural farmers after the park administration tightened the forest and the Maoist insurgency increased the threat to the forest. However, they face many problems, including problems with knowledge of modern farming systems, health, education, etc. Improving their livelihood facilities is necessary to solve many issues after the tribals in Nepal lost their natural land (forest).

Culture:

The language and culture of the Bankarias are their own but similar to the Chepang community. In recent documents, the primary language of the Bankaria people of Nepal is recorded as a separate language. However, due to the influence of the Nepali language, their mother tongue is also in danger of extinction. Only a few elderly people are fluent in it.

Due to their lack of educational and ethnic awareness, they are unaware of their traditional beliefs, customs, dress, beliefs, and religion. Still, they celebrate completely traditional festivals and rituals such as birth, marriage, and death.

Their religion and culture are mainly influenced by animism due to their traditional living practices in the forest. They have their own cultural traditions. In terms of ethnic identity, the Bankarias are also similar to Mongoloid characteristics.

3. Kusunda Ethnic Group

Introduction

The Kusunda tribe is one of the most mysterious, ancient, and wild-hunting tribes in Nepal and around the world. There are many differences of opinion and arguments about how the Kusunda entered Nepal. Still, although the Kusunda were once large primitive human beings in South Asia, they seem to be in danger of gradually disappearing.

It is said that their ethnic existence was discovered after the ethnic explorer Hodgson first encountered the Chepang and Kusunda tribes in the wild in 1848. However, after much research and investigation into this tribe, there is no consensus about its origin and history. The Kusunda tribe is among the endangered tribes of Nepal because its population is constantly decreasing, and its culture is gradually becoming a victim of invasion by other tribes.

The Kusunda is also called the ‘King of the jungle’ because, in the past, they were completely dependent on forest-hunting for their livelihood. Hunting birds, often done at night, was their main source of livelihood. Historically, Kusudas are semi-nomadic Peoples.

Population and Settlement

Population: The Kusunda community’s population was 273 in the 2011 census. However, a report stating that their population is only 253 was published in the latest census of 2021. Thus, it seems that this caste’s population is decreasing every decade.

Settlement: The largest population of Kusunda lives in the Dang, Surkhet, and Pyuthan districts of western Nepal. It is believed that the Kusunda ancestors migrated from Arghakhanchi and Palpa to Dang via Pyuthan. But before that, there are controversial arguments about where the Kusundas came from in Nepal.

Culture

Language: Kusunda’s primary language is Nepali. However, their own Kusunda language is considered unique, as it has no clear genetic relationship to any other language family. Although Hodgson’s document classified the language as Tibeto-Burman, subsequent research has yet to confirm this. Since Kusunda is near extinction, language classes have been conducted, but the number of adults who fluently speak the language is very few. Surprisingly, the word ‘Kusunda’ is not in the language of the Kusunda people, as they call themselves Gemyehak. It is said that social outsiders gave them the title.

Religion: The Kusunda people of Nepal are mainly animists and worship nature. They worship the sun, rivers, mountains, forests, etc. Hinduism influences their religious rituals.

Changing lifestyle: The Kusunda caste traditionally used grass leaves for bedding in the past and lived in the shelter of the forest under special roofs made of large tree leaves for the roofs of their houses. They used to migrate in search of food and shelter. They relied on wild roots and vegetables like yam, niguro, and githa for their livelihood, hunting deer, wild chickens, etc.

But all that is history now. The Kusunda have learned to live a social life and are getting integrated with the surrounding rural environment. Therefore, the Kusunda language and culture are also facing extinction. Now, along with their livelihood, education, health, and shelter, protecting their language and culture also falls under the state’s responsibility.

4. Surel Ethnic Group

introduction

The Surel ethnicity is fourth among Nepal’s ten most sparsely populated ethnicities in Nepal. It is one of the 59 Indigenous tribes recognized and identified by the Nepalese government. The Surel are part of an ancient South Asian tribal Hindu people group found only in Nepal. The Surel have their own identity, traditions, and customs. However, with the impact of modern development, ancient culture is also disappearing.

Population and Settlement

According to the latest census, the Surel caste is one of the 17 caste/ethnic groups added to Nepal. The Surel community has a population of 318. However, this ethnic group is also among the endangered castes of Nepal because their population has decreased significantly compared to the past. It is said that Surel’s language and culture are also disappearing due to modern influences.

Settlement: Their traditional homeland is Suri in the Dolakha district. Suri settlement is in ward number 7 of Suri VDC, which is located a few hours’ walk north of Charikot town, the district headquarters of Dolakha district. So, Surel’s Main residence is this place, but a few have migrated from there to different places for Livelihood.

Culture:

Language: The Surel people have their language, but it is highly endangered. It is said to be a Tibeto-Burman language. They mainly speak Nepali but use the Surel language in their families.

Religion: Hinduism mainly influences the Surel caste. However, along with Hinduism, Samanism is widespread among them. A few percent of people also believe in various other religions.

The Surel group worships various folk deities. However, their entire worship system is guided by the cultural traditions and religious values ​​of Hinduism. They worship deities like Bhume, Ibi, Bambu, Shreedhol, Shreechanda, Jasidhol, Ititdho, Aitware, Rail, Ganga, Kirkistani, Selibhume, Setidevi, Setinag, Komalamai, and Basi as ancestral and local deities with devotion.

The Surel community has a tradition of worshipping these deities with great pomp, especially twice a year in Ubhauli and Udhauli. In addition, the Surel people have various original festivals and celebrations. Even when misfortune befalls their villages and families, they worship their ancestral and local deities with devotion.

The Surels traditionally work in farming, manual and skilled labor, and some occupations, including fishing. Their economic condition isn’t better, but their literacy rate is better than that of other tribals. They still need government assistance and support.

5. Lhomi Ethnic Group

Introduction

The Lhomi people are a minority ethnic group of Tibetan origin who live mainly in the northern part of the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal or the Arun Valley. According to the latest census report for 2021, they are the fifth among the ten lowest-populated ethnicities in Nepal. However, They are listed in the Tribal and Ethnic Affairs Act of 2058 of the Government of Nepal.

According to the Tibetan language, Lho means south, and Mi means person, so Lhomi means people from the south. They are people living in the south of Tibet, an autonomous region of China. But the Lhomi also has many nicknames and surnames. More than the Lhomi surname, they identify themselves as Singsawa. The Lhomi people who live in Nepal and speak Nepali are also called Kath Bhote or Bhote. So, they have written their surname Bhote in their citizenship and property documents, etc.

There are many clans (Surname) within the Lhomi ethnic group in Nepal, such as Thikepa, Nupa, Khumbuwa, Dhuguwa, Pongsu, Pheknak, Lingbo, etc. These clans have developed based on their traditional culture and the villages they originated and migrated to.

Population and Settlement

Population: The Lhomi people in Nepal are said to have been many thousands once. Although the 2011 census of Nepal also showed the population of Nepali Lhomi as 1614. However, in the 2021 census, their population was only mentioned as 355. Thus, where the Lhomi population of thousands has disappeared from Nepali statistics or whether they have all migrated abroad is a mystery and has become a major research topic.

The Lhomi tribe is not only found in Nepal. Apart from Nepal, they also live in Tibet and India. However, different statistics have been made public about the total population of the Lhomi tribe worldwide. These statistics show that there were 4000 to 15000 people in Nepal, India, and Tibet. So, their population has controversial reports.

In particular, it seems more plausible that 1000 are in the Sikkim and Darjeeling regions of India, 1000 are in Nepal (all total such as Kathmandu, Dharan for employment, and Sankhuwasabha inhabitants), and the remaining few thousand may have settled in Tibet.

Settlement: The northern part of Sankhuwasabha district, the border crossing into Nepal from Tibet, is locally known as Bhotkhola, Varun Valley, and Upper Arun Valley based on geography. The community of this caste, which lives on the slopes of the deep gorge of the Arun River, is called Lhomi.

It is known that the Lhomi ethnic group has resided not only in the SankhuwaSabha district but has also moved to urban areas of Nepal such as Kathmandu, Dharan, Ilam, and others for employment and trade. Many of the Lhomis who have migrated this way may have yet to be included in the statistics as they have settled there permanently. However, more Lhomis or Bhotes live in northeastern India and Tibet than in Nepal.

Culture

Language: A notable feature of the Lhomi culture is their unique language, a linguistic heritage that reflects their distinct identity. The mother tongue spoken by Lhomi (Shingsaba) community is called Lhoket-Lhomi language. Their language not only unites the community, but also serves as a testament to their cultural heritage. It is said that the Lhomi language is distinct from other languages. Or that it is not even a modified form of the Tibetan language. Although this language is placed in the Tibeto-Burman language group.

Religion: The Lhomis are people of Tibetan origin. Due to which most of them are influenced by Tibetan culture. Therefore, most of the Lhomis are Buddhists. However, due to their migration and long-term association with non-Tibetans, a small percentage of the people are also influenced by other religions and cultures. As a result, their cultural, linguistic and religious characteristics are the result of mixing with other ethnic groups.

Although the religion practiced by the Lhomi people has also been described as ‘unrefined Buddhism’. Because although their worship rituals appear to be based on Buddhism, they are based on the practice of animal sacrifice. But in Buddhism, the practice of animal sacrifice is considered condemnable or forbidden. The Lhomi people sacrifice animals, especially sheep, in some religious rituals of the year.

Occupation

The Lhomi people, who live in the Himalayan region, are based on agriculture and animal husbandry. They make and sell various types of sheepskin clothes and also make clothes from wild cotton. The community is considered rich in traditional arts and crafts. Some Lhomi people have also migrated to Kathmandu and the Terai region of Nepal for livelihood or employment. They engage in various trades and employment activities.

At first glance, they look like the Sherpa or Tamang indigenous people of Nepal, but they are a completely different ethnic group and have one of the most beautiful flower species in the ethnic floristry of Nepal.

6. Walung Ethnic Group

Introduction

The Walung people are a very small ethnic group living in Nepal’s lap of the Himalayas. According to the latest census of Nepal in 2021, the Walung people are the sixth smallest minority ethnic group in Nepal. This page will explore the Walung people, their culture, and other information.

The Walung people are descendants of an ancient Tibetan ethnic group that has long lived in Nepal. Although there is no evidence to prove when they first came to Nepal, the oldest recorded study conducted in 1855 in Olongchungola also found the Walung people in Nepal, so it is believed that the Walung people may have lived in Nepal for centuries. The Walung people are also known as Balunge, Halunge, Walongchung Gola, and Walungi.

Population

The Walung ethnic group resides primarily in the high-altitude regions of the eastern Himalayan area of Nepal, particularly in the Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung districts. Their population is relatively small, making them a minority community.

Culture and Lifestyle

Religion: The Walung people are of Tibetan origin and share cultural similarities with Tibetan Buddhists. They follow traditional Tibetan Buddhism or Nyangmapa Buddhism, which incorporates rituals, prayers, and festivals associated with their beliefs.

Their economy is traditionally based on subsistence farming, livestock rearing, and trade, particularly with Tibet. Their houses are typically built in traditional styles using stone and wood, suitable for high-altitude living.

Language: They speak the Walung dialect, which is part of the Tibeto-Burman language family. The language spoken by the Walung people is called the Walunge language, which is very similar to other languages ​​of Tibet. Due to its similarity with the Tibetan language and the languages ​​spoken by the three tribes of Nepal, the Balung, Dhokpya, and Thudam, these three languages ​​are also known as the “WDT Bhote” language.

Festivals: The Walung People enthusiastically celebrate Tibetan Buddhist festivals like Lhosar. Their religion, language, dress, and social structure are products of Tibetan culture. A very old and large monastery in the Olangchung Valley, where they worship passionately. The Walung community celebrates social and religious festivals like Lhosar, Neso, Phutuk, Sakkadawa, etc., with great joy.

Settlement and Occupation

The Walung People are indigenous people living in the northern Himalayan region surrounding Olangchung Gola village (Faktanglung Rural Municipality) in the Taplejung District of Nepal. They have lived there for centuries and practice limited agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade.

Olangchung Gola was once a famous trading pass in Nepal, where the Nepal-Tibet trade was conducted. Since then, the Walungs have also been famous traders. However, over time, roads developed in the Tibetan region. After the trade done through donkeys or mules was transferred to modern vehicles, it is said that the profession of the Walungs also fell into trouble. Therefore, the state’s main responsibility is to help them in their economic crisis and livelihood.

7. Raute Ethnic Group

Introduction

The Raute are the only remaining nomadic community in Nepal. According to the latest census of Nepal, this community is the seventh smallest populous minority community in Nepal. The Raute community is found in Nepal’s Karnali and Far Western regions. It is estimated that this tribal group has been living in the forests and settlements of this region for over 900 years.

Although the efforts of the Nepalese government have established the Rautes in the Dadeldhura district of the Far Western region in social settlements, the Rautes found in Karnali still live in a wild way. They are often referred to as Nepal’s “last nomads.” But, their population is extremely small, with fewer than 200 individuals in recent estimates.

Population: According to the 2021 census report, the population of the Rautes in Nepal is only 566, compared to 618 in the 2011 census. The population of the Raute community in Nepal is gradually decreasing, so this community has also been placed in the ethnic group facing extinction.

Culture and Lifestyle

The Raute traditionally live in temporary camps and rely on hunting and gathering, especially for wild yams, roots, and small game. They eschew agriculture and permanent settlements to maintain their nomadic lifestyle.

They make wooden objects, such as bowls and tools, which they trade with nearby villages for food and supplies. They have a strong oral tradition, with knowledge and stories passed down through generations without written script.

Language: The Raute language is part of the Tibeto-Burman family, which is distinct from the languages ​​of their local neighboring communities. This language is also known as the Khamchi language.

Social structure

They are highly egalitarian. They elect a leader from their group and work under his command. They seek the consent of all the people for the leader they choose. This is a model of an ancient democratic process, which can still be seen in the Raute community, even though they are still in the wild.

Although the Rautes of the far west are socialized, the Rautes of Karnali still live a wild life. Although they are not interested in living a social life, they love the traditional wild hunting life. They love the lifestyle, customs, and traditions practiced in the wild. However, this desire may also be due to their lack of education.

Now, in the forests of Nepal, food is not available for them as before, so their health is deteriorating, and the death rate is increasing. It is necessary to teach them that it is appropriate to create an environment for living a social life. Otherwise, Nepal’s very ancient ethnic community may disappear one day.

8. Topkegola Ethnic Group

The Tapkegola tribe lives in Topke Gola village, located at the head of the Mewa River, west of Olangchung Gola. In the local language, the Topkegola are called Dhokpyas. According to the latest census data of Nepal, they are ranked eighth among the minority ethnic communities with the lowest population.

This tribe’s main occupation is trade. They carry out their trade-in Dhankuta, Dharan, Chainpur, Sankhuwasabha, and Tibet.

Population: According to the latest Nepal 2021 census, the population of the Tapkegola minority ethnic group is only 642, while the population of the Tapkegola tribe was recorded as 1523 in the 2011 census. Why there is such a big difference between 10 years or how the population records of this tribe were adjusted is a serious issue.

Their language, religion, culture, and dress styles are similar to those of the Tibet region of China and similar ethnic groups such as the Xingsaba to the near west, the Walung to the east, and the neighboring Thudam.

• Culture and Lifestyle:
  • They are closely connected to the Sherpa and Walung communities in terms of culture and language.
  • Their traditional livelihood includes agriculture, yak herding, and trans-Himalayan trade.
  • They follow Tibetan Buddhism and have strong ties to monasteries.
  • Their traditional attire, festivals, and rituals align with highland Himalayan traditions.
• Language:
  The Topkegola people speak a dialect of the Tibeto-Burman language family.
• Festivals:
  Major festivals like Lhosar and other Buddhist celebrations are central to their culture.

9. Koche Ethnic Group

The Koch people, also known as the Koche, are an indigenous ethnic group living mainly in the eastern Terai regions of Nepal. The Koch or Koche should not be confused with the Rajvanshi surname Koch, as the Koche is a separate ethnic group. The Koch people live in large numbers in Assam, India, and Bangladesh, apart from Nepal. However, the Koche population in Nepal is small. This means that they are the ninth smallest minority ethnic group in Nepal.

Population: According to the latest Nepal census in 2021, the population of the Koche is 847, while the previous census in 2011 showed that the population was 1635. Thus, it seems necessary to know how their population has drastically declined in a decade or how it has been edited.

• Location
  The Koche ethnic group is primarily found in eastern Nepal’s Jhapa and Morang districts. They are also considered one of the ancient indigenous communities of the Terai.
• Culture and Lifestyle:
  • The Koche are closely related to the Rajbanshi ethnic group, sharing similar cultural practices.
  • Traditionally, they were engaged in agriculture and fishing, though many have diversified into other occupations such as business and jobs.
  • They maintain their traditional dress and crafts, which reflect their agrarian lifestyle.
• Religion: Many Koche people in Nepal are influenced by Hinduism, and their traditional rituals are also influenced by other religions.
• Language: They speak the Koche language, which is considered an endangered language and is part of the Indo-Aryan language family, though many also speak Nepali and Rajbanshi.
• Festivals: Koche people celebrate Festivals such as Chaite Dashain and Maghi, which are important to their cultural identity.

10. Phree

The Phree ethnic group is one of the extreme minority ethnic groups in Nepal, ranked tenth in the smallest population. Since this community was only counted as a separate ethnic group in the last census in 2021, its demographic status was unknown. However, it is possible that it was included as a subgroup of some other caste in the previous census.

Population: According to the latest census, the population of the Phree caste is 921. Since very little information has been made public on various other issues of this caste, we have decided to find and publish more facts about this in the coming days.

• Location and Population:
  The Phree ethnic group is a small indigenous community residing in the eastern part of Nepal, particularly in the districts of Ilam and Panchthar.
• Culture and Lifestyle:
  • The Phree are known for their rich traditions, including unique musical forms, dances, and oral storytelling.
  • Agriculture is their primary source of livelihood, with many practicing terraced farming in the hilly terrain.
  • They are animists, blending ancient spiritual beliefs with influences from Hinduism and Buddhism.
• Language:
  The Phree language is part of the Tibeto-Burman family but is considered endangered.
• Festivals:
  The Phree people celebrate seasonal agricultural festivals, honoring nature and ancestral spirits.

Summary

On this page, we have tried to provide essential information about the ten most minority ethnic groups in Nepal, which are also on the endangered list in Nepal. However, these groups are special aspects of Nepal’s multi-ethnic and multicultural landscape. Therefore, if we ignore them, this country will be considered to have lost its unique ethnic heritage.

These groups are very minority. Even if we add up the total population of the ten groups we have presented here, it comes to only 4599, a very small fraction compared to the population of Nepal, about 30 million. However, these groups are beautiful and important human heritages in the ancient ethnic history of Nepal, which hold unique traditions and lifestyles that contribute to the rich tapestry of Nepalese ethnicity and culture.