Map 5. Kailali district
Source: Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0, https:en.wikipedia.orgwikiKailali_DistrictmediaFile:Nepal
KailaliDistrictmap.png November 3, 2015.
1.2 The Tharu people
The Tharu ethnic identity is comprised of many separate groups that vary in culture and language. Generally, the term Tharu refers to a large ethnic group that spans most of the Tarai in Nepal. In
actuality, there are many diverse ethnic and language groups under the umbrella term Tharu. “Outsiders generally view the Tharu as one homogeneous group… The Tharu, however, recognize many different
subgroups distinguished by clan, region, cultural differences, and language” Webster 1993:4. The most well-known of these groups are the Rana, Dangaura, KochilaMorangia, Chitwania and Kathariya
Boehm 1997:19.
1.2.1 History
Dangaura speakers are originally from Dang district, but currently live not only in Dang, but also in the districts west of Dang. This westward migration occurred as a result of a push for development of the
Tarai in the 1950s. Prior to this time, the Tharu were one of the few people groups with an immunity to malaria, allowing them to live in relative isolation. As the Malaria Eradication Project lessened the threat
of malaria and roads were constructed, hill people were encouraged to settle and work the land in the Tarai. These newcomers had more political awareness and gained control of the land in regions like
Dang Guneratne 2002:4, 94. In response, many Dangaura Tharu speakers migrated west van Driem 2001:1167.
1.2.2 Culture
The ethnic identities of the Tharu people groups in this survey do not necessarily align with their linguistic identity. Different Tharu groups maintain their own set of religious rituals, marriage patterns
and family relations. This section summarizes the economy, religion and family structure of Tharu varieties of this survey.
According to observations of the Webster 1993 survey, the western Tharu were almost completely rural, living in villages of less than 2,000 people. Their primary economic base was agriculture and they
were generally self-sufficient year round through hunting, fishing and gathering Webster 1993:3, 113. Referring to the western Tarai, Rajaure says, “a Tharu village consists of several families living in a
compact social unit which benefits them both socially and economically…” 1981:155. Marriage tends to occur within the same clan, but not in the same village. According to McDonaugh and confirmed
through observations and interviews, Rana, Kathariya and Dangaura Tharu people do not intermarry but think of each other as separate castes 1989:193. Women go to live with their husband’s family. Of
Dangaura Tharu within Dang district, Rajaure reports that they rarely leave Tharu areas for more than a couple of days 1981:178. These reports were verified through informal interviews where 78 of
respondents say they have never travelled outside of their area.
Most Tharu people practice a traditional religion, however many claim to be Hindu Boehm 1997:27. “Most Tharu practice an indigenous form of animism, in which shamanism, ancestor worship
and tattooing play pivotal roles” van Driem 2001:1167. Idol and artifact worship is common. Guneratne points out that following other groups migrating into the Tharu area after the malaria
eradication in the 1950’s, “Tharus were no longer able to perform customary rituals, because they no longer had the resources to do so; these rituals became abbreviated in their performance or fell into
disuse entirely” 1998:760.
1.2.3 Education
