History and Present Status of the Magar Community in Nepal

The Magar ethnic group is one of Nepal’s most prominent indigenous communities, known for their rich cultural traditions, distinct identity, and significant contributions to the nation’s history. Primarily settled in Nepal’s western and mid-hill regions, the Magars are renowned for their martial prowess, vibrant cultural heritage, and harmonious integration into Nepal’s multicultural society. This article delves into the origins, migration, religion, culture, traditional occupations, contemporary history, and status of the Magar Community in Nepal.

Origins and History of the Magars

The Magar people, or Mangars, trace their origins to the Sino-Tibetan family, and linguists classify their language within the Tibeto-Burman subgroup. Oral traditions suggest that the Magars were among the earliest settlers in Nepal, predating many other ethnic groups or Native peoples of Nepal.

According to the 2021 Nepal census, the Magar community in Nepal represents 6.9% of Nepal’s total population and is one of the main Native Nepali group or Gurkha tribes.

Mythical Origins

Historians have claimed that the eighth-century ruler of the Kali Gandaki region, Aramudi, was the Magar king “Aramudi.” In the Magar language, ‘Ari’ means ‘source of water’ + ‘Modi’ is ‘river’ = ‘Arimodi’ or ‘Aramudi’; hence the literal meaning of Arimudi is the river’s source. However, due to the lack of historical evidence, there are some controversial views among historians. According to the manuscript ‘Narada Smriti‘ and history books written in Sikkim, the Sen dynasty of Palpa was the Magar king.

According to legend, the Magars are the descendants of Aramudi, an ancient ruler of the Kali Gandaki region. The name “Aramudi” is linked to the Magar term for the Kali Gandaki River. Magars emphasize their historical ties to the western Nepalese hills.

According to another account, the first written history of the Magar people in Nepal dates back to 1100 AD. According to this, the ancient homeland of the Magars was known as Magar Bisaya, which later came to be called Magrat.

Historical Accounts

Historical evidence suggests that the Magars played a significant role in the unification of Nepal. They are mentioned in the context of early Nepali states such as the Khasa Kingdom (11th–14th centuries) and were known for their influence in areas such as Palpa, Pyuthan, Rolpa, and Rukum.

The unification of the Magar community into the Gorkha Kingdom was significant under King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Many Magars played important roles in his military campaigns, forming the backbone of the famous Gorkhali army. Their bravery and loyalty were widely recognized, establishing their legacy as a warrior community of Nepal.

Migration and Settlement Patterns

The Magars live primarily in the central hilly and mountainous regions of Nepal. Their settlements are concentrated in the districts of Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, Baglung, Myagdi, Rolpa, and Rukum, which form part of the historical Magarant or “Magar state.”

Historical migrations suggest that the Magars may have originated from the plateau regions of Tibet or beyond and gradually settled in the hills of Nepal due to favorable climatic and agricultural conditions. Over time, they spread to other parts of Nepal, mixing with the local population and adopting diverse cultural influences. Some Magars have also migrated to India, particularly areas such as Darjeeling, Assam, and Sikkim, and to other parts of the world for employment and education.

Religion and Belief Systems

Magars are highly syncretic in their religious practices, blending animistic traditions, Buddhism, and Hinduism. According to the Nepal census report, 79 percent of the Magars are Hindus. However, regarding religious beliefs, the influence and blend of different religions can be seen within the Magar community of Nepal. Also, if they follow Hinduism or Buddhism, some influence of ancient Tibetan Buddhism and some faith in the traditional practices of their ancestors are seen. Apart from this, the influence of different local religions is also found among the Magars in Nepal, as in other places.

There is a tradition of Magar priests in many Hindu temples, including the famous Shaktipeeth or pilgrimage site Gorkha Manakamana in Nepal. There is evidence that the Magars have been religious since history. In Nepali history, we can read about the Magar community being appointed from the king’s priests to high-ranking officials.

Traditional Religion

The original religion of the Magars is deeply rooted in animism and nature worship. They venerate natural elements such as rivers, forests, and mountains, alongside their ancestors. Traditional shamans or priests, called Dangar or Bhusal, perform rituals and ceremonies to appease spirits and ensure harmony within the Magar community in Nepal.

Buddhism

Many Magars also practice Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in districts like Baglung, Myagdi, and Dolpa. They observe Buddhist rituals, celebrate festivals like Lhosar, and maintain monasteries that serve as cultural and religious hubs.

Hinduism

With the spread of Hinduism, many Magars adopted Hindu practices, celebrating Hindu festivals such as Dashain and Tihar, worshipping deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Kali. Hinduized Magars often participate in Nepal’s broader Hindu cultural framework while maintaining their indigenous identity.

This duality of Buddhist and Hindu influences has shaped the Magars into a community with rich and diverse religious traditions.

A small percentage of Magars practice other religions, such as Christianity and Bon religion, in addition to the above-mentioned ones.

Culture and Traditions

The Magar culture is vibrant, reflecting its deep connection to its environment, history, and community life. It is expressed through its festivals, music, dance, and unique customs.

Magars are fun-loving people. Therefore, they love to spend their free time in various entertainment activities. Such entertainment methods include gathering relatives, neighbors, and friends, eating together, organizing dance and song cultural programs, celebrating fairs, etc. The Magar culture celebrates various festivals according to place, caste, and religion. The following are worth mentioning.

Festivals

• Lhosar: Celebrated as the Magar New Year, Lhosar marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is one of their most important festivals. It involves family gatherings, feasts, and cultural performances.
• Dashain and Tihar: Hinduized Magars actively participate in these national festivals, honoring familial and societal bonds.
• Various Festivals: They also celebrate various festivals at their location. Some major festivals of the Magar community are Bhume Puja, Chandi Purnima, Baisakhe Purnima, Mangsir Purnima, Jestha Purnima, Kulpuja and Makar Sankranti.

Music and Dance

Magar music and dance are integral to their culture; some significant types of cultural practice are:

• Hurra is a folk dance performed by the Magar community during the Tihar festival. It is believed to have originated in the Dhankuta district.
• Yanimaya Bhaka, a deeply emotional song believed to have originated in the Magar community around the villages of Baglung and Myagdi, serves as a profound way for them to express their feelings to each other.
• Bhume Nach is a popular dance practiced by the Kham Magar community of Nepal’s Lumbini and Karnali provinces. Bhoomenach is a deep culture in which village boys and girls, dressed in beautiful clothes, jewelry, and flowers, dance in the middle of a circle. It shows the importance of the relationship between the earth and humans.
• Kauda Dance: A lively and rhythmic traditional dance performed during festivals and gatherings.
• Sorathi Dance: A narrative dance that recounts historical and mythological tales.
• Salai Jo Dance: A warlike dance symbolizing their martial traditions.

Apart from the above, many other dances, songs, or cultural practices are folk traditions in the Magar community, such as Ghatu, Jhora, Sunimaya, Rung, and Bon Lama Nach.

Attire

Magar traditional clothing is simple yet distinctive. Men wear bhoto (vest) and daura suruwal, while women wear gunyo cholo (a wrap-around blouse and skirt) adorned with ornaments like tilhari and phuli (nose ring).

The Magar people wear many types of clothing and jewelry. However, there are some differences in customs depending on the place and clan. However, there is a general uniformity in the leading clothing they wear during festivals. The jewelry worn by the women of the Magar community is of many types and is also very beautiful.

Cuisine

Their agrarian lifestyle and regional produce influence Magar cuisine. In the Modern day, Most of the Magars’ daily food is Nepali ‘Dal Bhat’ and Roti, But they also favor traditional Staple foods, including:

• Dhido: A thick porridge made from millet or maize.
• Gundruk: Fermented leafy greens.
• Alcoholic beverages like rakshi and jaand are also central to their celebrations.

Language and Literature

The population of Magar is about 2 million in Nepal. Approximately half speak their native Magar language, and the remaining half speak Nepali in daily life.

The Magar language, called Magar Kura or Magarkura, is a member of the Tibeto-Burman language family. It has three main dialects:

1. Dhut: Spoken in Palpa, Tanahun, and Syangja.
2. Kham: Found in Rolpa, Rukum, and Baglung.
3. Kaike: A rare dialect spoken in Dolpa.

Magar Kura is primarily oral, with limited written traditions. However, recent efforts aim to preserve and promote the language through education and literature.

The Magar language script is also called Akkha script. This script is said to be used in a very developed form in Sikkim. In Nepal, too, scholars are making it easier to write the Magar language by introducing the script in a systematic and modern way. In addition, arrangements have been made in various places to teach the Magar language to the new generation of Nepal.

Traditional Occupations

Historically, Magars were engaged in agriculture, hunting, and livestock farming, taking advantage of the fertile mid-hills of Nepal. They cultivated crops such as maize, millet, barley, and wheat, and reared animals like goats, buffaloes, and chickens.

Magars are also skilled artisans, excelling in weaving and blacksmithing. Many Magars were known for producing tools, weapons, and household items, essential for their self-sustaining communities.

Magars and the Gurkha Tradition

One of the most defining aspects of the Magar identity is their association with the Gurkha regiments, both in Nepal and abroad. Alongside other ethnic groups like the Gurungs and Rais, Magars have formed the backbone of the legendary Gurkha soldiers since the early 19th century.

The Magar community in Nepal also played a major role during the unification of Nepal by King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha. After that, the bravery shown by the Magars by joining the Garkha Regiment is world famous.

Military Contributions

• Magars first gained prominence during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816) when the British recognized their martial prowess.
• They became integral to the Gurkha Brigade, serving in the British and Indian armies during both World Wars, as well as in modern peacekeeping missions.
• Their valor and discipline earned them numerous military honors, including the Victoria Cross.

Recruitment into the Gurkha army was a significant source of employment for many young people from the Magar community at that time, and this tradition continued for a long time. The income and pensions from Gurkha service have significantly improved the socioeconomic status of many Magar families.

Social and Contemporary Status

Today, the Magars are the third-largest ethnic group in Nepal, constituting about 7% or Two Million of the population (2021 census). They maintain a vibrant cultural identity while also adapting to modern changes.

Education and Employment

• While traditionally reliant on agriculture, many Magars now pursue education and professions in civil services, teaching, and trade.
• Migration to urban centers and foreign countries, especially the Gulf states and Southeast Asia, has become common, providing economic opportunities.

Political Representation

Magars actively participate in Nepal’s political landscape, advocating for indigenous rights and greater representation. Organizations like the Nepal Magar Association work to preserve their culture while addressing contemporary challenges.

The Magars also actively participated in the Maoist uprising. In fact, the Maoist People’s War in Nepal was fought in the residential base of the Magar community, and the Magar youth played an important military role in it because the Magars wanted a change in the traditional miserable lifestyle and the economic situation of the country. In addition, the Magar community also played an essential role in various democratic movements in Nepal. The first martyr of Nepal was Lakhan Thapa from the Magar community in Nepal. The then-rulers hanged him for being active against the then-Rana regime.

Challenges and Preservation Efforts

Like many indigenous groups, the Magars face globalization, urbanization, and cultural assimilation challenges.

Most of the districts of Nepal where the Magar community is settled are in the mountainous and high-hill regions. Therefore, the Magar community of Nepal is still suffering from the poverty of Nepal. Although the impact of development is seen in some district headquarters and urban areas, the life of the people in the hilly rural areas is very miserable. More development infrastructures must be created in these remote areas, including roads, bridges, clean drinking water, schools, transportation, electricity, telephones, etc.

Especially after the end of the Maoist people’s war, the establishment of a republic in Nepal, and the implementation of a new constitution, the Magars had great expectations that there would be a radical change in their daily lives. However, since Nepal’s politics is still mired in instability and the development agenda is being implemented only at a slow pace, people’s expectations are starting to be disappointed.

Apart from the issues of poverty and development in the society, the following basic agendas also face challenges in the Magar society.

Efforts to be preserved their language, traditions, and identity include:

• Promoting Magar language and cultural education in schools.
• Reviving traditional practices through festivals, music, and dance.
• Advocating for indigenous rights and land preservation.

Summary

The Magar ethnic group embodies a rich tapestry of history, culture, and resilience. From their ancient roots in the Himalayan mountains to their significant role in Nepal’s unification and military legacy, the Magars have left an indelible mark on Nepali society. Their vibrant traditions, unique language, and dedication to community life are sources of Nepal’s pride and identity.

The preservation of Magar heritage is essential for the community and Nepal’s broader multicultural identity. With continued efforts, the Magar community in Nepal must thrive as a proud ethnic group of Nepal, becoming agents of harmonious change between the past and a dynamic future.