The ongoing debate on Facebook and beyond about classifying the Malla kings as Newar or Thakuri has sparked significant interest. This thought-provoking discussion has prompted me to critically reflect on the issue. To clarify my perspective, it is essential to maintain an open and impartial mindset.
The Newar community proudly embraces individuals of all castes, clans, and religions who honor the Newar language, culture, customs, cuisine, social norms, and civilization as part of its rich and diverse identity. Mallas may be Thakuris. However, Newar communities accepted them as kings when they honored and embraced Nepal Bhasha, Newar culture, and civilization as their own. For example, the Jha and Mishra community, initially comprising Madhesi Brahmins and Sharmas, Rimals, and Rajopadhyayas, was welcomed into the fold as Newar Brahmins upon adopting Newari traditions, language, and way of life. For centuries, the Kathmandu Valley has been home to a diverse array of people who have coexisted with and shown deep respect for the Newar language, culture, and civilization as an integral part of their lives.
The Newar community is renowned for its distinct identity, resilience, and adaptability, evident in its language, rich cultural traditions, and ancient civilization. Their ability to thrive and adapt in the face of challenges is truly inspiring, showcasing their strength and determination. They do not neatly fit into the Hindu varna system as a distinct caste or race. The ‘Chhattis Jaat ra Char Varna’ system (Thirty-Six Varnas of Four Castes) was not originally part of the traditional Hindu varna system, which raises important questions about its relevance to the Newar community. Therefore, Newars are not simply a caste, race, or creed but a linguistic and cultural community with diverse characteristics.
The ancient Vedic civilization, which predates the Aryan migration to India, is often associated with the Indus Valley civilization. However, recent historical research suggests that the Newar civilization may have existed even before the Indus civilization, dating back to the 6th century BC. Its influence can be seen in the ancient temples, shrines, and monuments scattered throughout the Nepal Mandal, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. The rich history and profound influence of the Newar civilization have significantly shaped Nepal’s national values of tolerance and respect for diverse religious beliefs, cultural practices, and indigenous traditions, playing a crucial role in establishing Nepal as a prominent nation globally. Even today, the Newar civilization continues to be a source of pride, with its rich history of architecture, art, music, dance, customs, cuisine, and vibrant festivals.
The Newar civilization has its roots deeply embedded in the ancient history of the Kathmandu Valley. Its origins can be traced back to the 8th or 7th century BC when the Kirati tribe, under the leadership of King Yalambar, first conquered the valley. This marked the beginning of the influential Kirat dynasty. Subsequently, the Lichhavi and Malla dynasties also played crucial roles in shaping the Newar people’s culture, history, and civilization. However, the Newar civilization faced significant counter-attacks, such as the invasion by Shamshuddin Ilyas Shah of Bengal in 1349 AD, resulting in the looting of precious jewelry and the destruction of temples, arts, and architecture. Newars in Kathmandu Valley also witnessed a gradual decline in the once flourishing Newar architecture, Nepal Bhasha language, and the traditional Guthi system during the Shah/Rana oligarchy system. The influence of the British empire further impacted the architectural landscape, leading to the construction of Western-style palaces and mansions, thus overshadowing the traditional Newar architecture. However, with the promulgation of the constitution of Nepal in 2015, which established Nepal as the Federal Democratic Republic, there has been a renewed focus on preserving and promoting ancient cultures, including that of the Newars.
The 2021 national census in Nepal has recorded a Newar population of 1,341,363, 4.67 percent of the total population. Most Newars reside in the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur, as well as in Dhulikhel, Banepa, Panauti, Dolakha, Chautara, Pokhara, and Bandipur. Newars are also found in the eastern and western hills and the lowlands of southern Nepal, known as the Tarai-Madhesh. The population consists of 656,144 males and 685,219 females. Out of this, 863,380 individuals speak Nepal Bhasha, the Newar language, while 478,983 Newars do not speak their mother tongue for various reasons. The same census report also reveals that 1,179,948 individuals (4.05 percent) speak their ancestor’s language–the Nepal Bhasha. Additionally, 32,604 people use Nepal Bhasha as their second language, potentially including members of other communities that have lived in the Kathmandu Valley for extensive periods.
The Newar community is a rich embroidery of diversity, comprising distinct groups with unique social and professional backgrounds. There are Brahmins (Rajopadhyay, Rimal, Sharma, Jha, Mishra, etc), Chhetris and Thakuris (Malla, Pradhan, Amatya, Joshi, Shrestha, Bijukchhe, Mathema, Rajbhandari, Maskay, Mulmi, Vaidya etc), Kayastha (Kasaju, Sainju, Bhuju, Faiju) who are primarily involved in government services. Baniya, Tuladhar, Manandhar, etc are associated with trade and business. Furthermore, there are groups such as Sthapit, Kansakar, Tamrakar, Ranjitkar, Chitrakar, Swarnakar, Byanjankar, Malakar, Shilpakar, Nakarmi, Khadgi, etc, who are renowned for their traditional craftsmanship.
The Guthi system in Newar society safeguards the cultural and religious significance of temples, shrines, heritage sites, and intangible practices like feasts, festivals, and funeral rites. Nepal’s distinct system represents community trusts and upholds traditional land ownership and Newar social units. In 2019, a significant mass protest in Kathmandu, known as the historic Guthi movement, opposed the government’s proposed amendment to the Guthi Ain (laws) to gain control over it. The movement included activists from traditional Newar communities and people from varied castes and creeds who have lived in the Kathmandu Valley for over a century and respected Newar civilization as their own.
The Newar community has significantly impacted the language, culture, and civilization of various regions in Nepal. They have their unique Ranjana script and observe the Nepal Sambat as their national era, exemplifying their progressive mindset. A deep appreciation for their language, culture, and civilization is essential to the Newar identity, irrespective of their ancestral background. Unlike the traditional varna system, the Newar caste structure is not fundamental, as their community comprises diverse socio-economic and cultural heritages. The Newar identity is based on self-respect, self-determination, and self-reliance, forming a historically significant linguistic, cultural, economic, and social community. While their language is Nepal Bhasha, their era is Nepal Sambat, and their homeland is Nepal Mandal. They have intentionally chosen not to align with any specific caste, religion, or belief to preserve the nation’s identity. The Newar community has a solid connection to Nepal, their true motherland, and therefore accusing them of being communal is not realistic. The community is renowned for its rich diversity and derives strength from its pluralistic nature. It encompasses various ethnicities and has a history of unity amidst diversity. Therefore, anyone who respects and embraces the Newar language, culture, and civilization is considered a member of the Newar community in Nepal.
Gauri Pradhan is a human rights defender and social activist.
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