Social Dynamics of Dalits in Nepal: Historical Development of Untouchability and Exploitation
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.
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2. Baral, B. (1993). Hindu samajik sangathanko prarup [Forms of Hindu social organization]. Sajha Prakashan.
3. Bazaracharya, D. B. (1996). Lichchavikalka abhilekh [inscriptions of Lichchavi period]. Nepal ra Asiyali Aadhyan Sansthan.
4. Bhandari, D. R. (2064). Nepalko aaitihasik bibechana [Historical analysis of Nepal]. Babu Madhav Prasad Sharma.
5. Bishwakarma, M. R. (2011). Dalit ra hamro samaj [Dalit and our society]. Dikura Publication.
6. Bista, D. B. (1991). People of Nepal. (7th ed.). Ratna Pustak Bhandar.
7. Budathoki, C. B. (1982). Jayasthitika sudhar [Reform of Jayasthiti]. Sajha Prakashan.
8. Chaudhary, M. (2007). Nepalko Terai tatha yaska bhumiputraharu [Terai of Nepal and its landson]. Santi Chaudhary.
9. Datta, N. K. (1968). Origin and growth of caste in India. Farma K. L. Mukhopadhya.
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_versions
11. Devkota, P. M. (Ed.) (2002). Dalit of Nepal: issue and challenges. Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO)
12. Gatwood, L. E. (1985). Devi and the spouse Goddess: Women, sexuality, and marriage in India. Mahohar Publication.
https://books.google.com.np/books?id=kIvXAAAAMAAJ&hl=hi&source=gbs_book_other_versions
13. Ghurie, G. S. (1961). Cast, class and occupation. Popular Book Depot.
14. Kahetri, G. & Khatiwada, S. P. (1997). Hindu samaj ra dharma [Hindu society and religion]. Shiva Prakashan.
15. 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.
16. Karki, G. B. (2011). Nepalma Jatpat ra Chhuwachhutko itihas [History of casteism and untouchability in Nepal]. Asia Publications Pvt. Ltd.
17. Karki, G. B. (2011). Nepalma jatpat tatha chhuwachhutko itihas. Asia Publication Pvt. Ltd.
18. kisan, Y. B (2001). Nepalma Dalit jatiya mukti andolan [Dalit ethnic liberation movement in Nepal]. Janautthan pratistan.
19. Kisan, Y. B. (2005). The Nepali Dalit social movement. Legal Right Protection Society Nepal.
20. Kroeber, A. L. (1952). The nature of culture. University of Chicago Press. https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Culture-L-Kroeber/dp/0226454223
21. 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.
22. Manohar, (2011). Dalit mukti kasari hunchha? [How is Dalit liberation?]. Nepali-American Society for Opprest Community (NASOC).
23. Neharu, J. L. (1988). Glimpses of world history. (6th ed.). Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Oxford University Press.
https://jaisankarg.synthasite.com/resources/ jawaharlal_nehru_glimpses_of_world_history.pdf
24. Pahadi, D. (2016). Hindu dharma, Dalit ra mandir prabeshma sangharsha [Hinduism, Dalits and the struggle over temple entry]. 1(2), 73-79.
25. Pande, R. (1969). Hindu sanskar. Motilal Banarasilal.
26. Pandey, M. S. (2007). Nepalka Dalitharu [Dalit of Nepal]. Pairabi Prakashan.
27. Panta, D. R. (Ed.) (2008). Nayabikasiny: Manav nayashastra [Nyayavikasini: Human jurisprudence]. Kanun Byabasaik Club.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. Prashrit, M. N. (2001). Manabatako kalanka jatpat ra chhuwachhut pratha [Casteism and untouchability are the stigma of humanity]. Kirn Pustakalaya.
31. Regmi, M. C. (1986). Kami, Damai, Gaine. Regmi Research Series 18(6), 86-90.
32. Rijal, S. (2006). Ethnographic study of Tarai Dalits in Nepal. Nepal National Depressed Social Welfare Organization.
33. Senart, E. (1975). Caste in India (The fact and the system). Rose S. S. Publication.
34. Shah, R. K. (1978). Ancient and medieval Nepal. Ajayakumar Jain Manohar Publication.
35. Shah, R. K. (1992). Ancient and medieval Nepal. Ajayakumar Jain Manohar Publication.
36. Sharma, B. C. (1978). Nepalko aaitihasik ruprekha [Historical outline of Nepal]. Krishna Kumari Devi.
37. Shrestha, T. N. (2009). Nepalka Newarharu (Pahichan ra pristhabhumi) [Newars of Nepal: Identity and background]. Anusandhan Tatha Bikash Sanstha (IFRD).
38. 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.
39. Wasti, P. (Ed.). (2006). Kanun sambandhi kehi aaitihasik aabilekh [Some historical records related to law]. Kanun Byabasahi Club.
Authors
[1]
“Social Dynamics of Dalits in Nepal: Historical Development of Untouchability and Exploitation”, Soc. sci. humanities j., vol. 9, no. 01, pp. 6395–6403, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.18535/sshj.v9i01.1587.
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