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BOOK REVIEW |
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BOOK REVIEW |
On Kirant Culture The book highlights the
cultural aspects of Kirant, an ancient ethnic community of eastern Nepal By A CORRESSPONDENT Nepal is a multi-religious, multi-lingual
and multi-ethnic country. In short words, Nepal is like a miniature of the whole of South
Asia. From the communities that trace their descent from the Dravidians of South India to
those who relate themselves to the Tibeto-Burman groups of northeast and other ethnic
group of Tibetans as well as those descending from the Aryans of the Indian plains, Nepal
has variety of ethnic diversity that is unique in the world. Although they live in different parts of
the region, each ethnic community has developed its own set of values, ethics, norms,
culture and religion. In the past, Nepal’s ethnic diversity was not a matter of
public discussion. With the restoration of democracy, however, different ethnic groups
have found opportunities to express their own cause.
Living in the eastern hills of Nepal,
Kirants are said to be the indigenous settlers of this Himalayan Kingdom. Kirants were
known to be first rulers of this country. Their dynasty ruled this region more than two
thousand years ago. The Kiranti Kings like Yalambar and Jitedasti find ample mention in
Nepal’s ancient history. Like most of the ethnic groups in Nepal,
Kirants also believe in anamnesis. Before the invasion of the Moguls to India, most of
Nepal’s ethnic groups believed in anamnesis. Following the Muslim invasion in
India, however, many Hindus left towards the north and nearer to the Himalayas in order to
escape the invading forces’ wrath and to preserve their religion and culture. There are many ethnic groups in Nepal but
Kirants have distinct culture, religion and practices. Kirants have been able to retain
their own identity in the long course of social and cultural upheaval that passed through
this country. Since many decades, Kirant community has been able to maintain their
presence in this part of the region. Written by Tanka Bahadur Rai, the book
“Kirantharuko Dharma Ra Sanskriti” (Kirant’s Religion and Culture) is a
first of its kind, which points out many important aspects of this particular ethnic
religion and culture. The author elucidates how Kirant religion evolved and how this
community is distinct from others. The book, among others, highlights various
characteristics of Kirant religion and identity. In the book, the author does not mince
word in deploring the existing Hindu domination over the ethnic communities. He takes a
swipe at the existing social patterns, which he claims is blatantly against the minority
and indigenous communities. At a time when the government of Nepal
itself as well as various donor countries have been talking about the issue of social
exclusion, the author’s viewpoints do not appear misplaced. However, it is clear that only
reconciliation and rapid development is going to resolve such problems of social
exclusion. Rather than venting extremist ideas, the country at this juncture, needs a
healing touch from each and community. Lyrical Expression Poet Swar expresses his
inner feelings through poems Poems that are filled with loneliness and
solitude - poet Swar has written more than five dozen short as well as long verses of
poems describing various situation of joy and despair. There is a cause of rebellion and
unhappiness in most of his poems. One of the aspects of Swar is that he is
able to express his feelings through his powerful words. From his first poem to the last
one, the poet calls for peace and harmony. At a time when the country has been passing
through a critical phase of insurgency with the bloodshed, the poet’s heart seems to
be very much touched by these events. From his poems Blindfolded to of Becoming Me, poet Swar has observes various phases of social upheavals and sorrows. From painful situation of death to other rituals, poet Swar has his own unique way of narration.
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