History of Tharu

History of the Tharu in Nepal

It is relevant to know about the history of The Tharu before we know about the history of BASE. The Tharu is under the prevalent ethnic group, who are living in the Western Terai districts of Nepal from the ancient period. Over the last seventy years, The Tharus have an experience and encroachment of land they traditionally inhabited. After the eradication of malaria and some development initiatives, there was an influx of hill people in these areas. In the process of hill to Terai migration many the Tharus lost their land. Due to which they had to pay the loan, which they hadn’t borrowed before, they were forced to work for their whole life period in the house of so-called high-class people without wage or in a very minimum wage to return the loan and to make their daily expenses to run their miserable life. This brought about socio-economic consequences to unequal inter-caste and class relations that affected the Tharus more negatively. Exploitation, poor health, unclaimed right to natural resources, weak voice in government decision, poor access to market, lack of credit for their work, and many other associated factors increase poverty among the Tharus and other deprived community people of western Nepal as well. So-called high-class people blamed and not accepted to uplift the economic growth of Thurs and addressed their views on the reason on the Tharus for being backwardness. They blamed that Social and cultural factors are the main reason, which made the Tharus less cleaver and incapable of managing their lives in a standard way. These perceptions and understanding the eyes of other community people too discriminated against the Tharu, which caused the Tharu to become weaker and weaker enough to raise their representative voice in the government for their entitlement.

In 1951, the Government of Nepal enacted a progressive land reform act that centralized non-registered land. Similarly in the late 1950s to 1960s, Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) medication was used to eradicate malaria. This resulted in an increment in the migration of hilly populations to plain areas. Before these actions of the Government of Nepal, the Tharu had their administration territory like the Praganna system which administered to execute the justice, development, religious, ritual actions. The Tharus had easy access to natural resources in their territories.

The Tharu people are an indigenous ethnic group who has lived in the lowlands of Nepal for centuries. As per CBS 2011, the Tharu population of Nepal was censuses at 1,737,470 people. The Terai region was covered by a thick malarial jungle that kept away outsiders and guaranteed the Tharus freedom. Their relative isolation led them to develop a distinct and self-sufficient society with their development, language, religion, and culture differing from the hill people.

The land in Terai or plains is the rice basket of Nepal. Western Terai region of Nepal was very productive where the total population of Tharu in six districts (Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Kailali and Kanchanpur) is 909,743. Half of the Tharu populations live in these districts. The lands in these districts were cultivated by the Tharu indigenous people. And it is most productive and sought-after agricultural land. At that time the area’s only the Tharus were the resident and other non-Tharu people came to this area during the winter season that fled from the area during the summer season. They tolerated the jungle’s malaria and wild animals, in return for which they had ample land off which to live. It was a time that senior Tharu citizens still talk about, when a family entering a new settlement could have as much land as they could carve out of the jungle. In this environment, the Tharus developed largely self-sufficient communities in and around the jungle, with building styles, settlement patterns, religion, and agricultural practices very distinctive.
The Rana aristocracy, who claimed legal ownership to parts of the land, was not interested in actually living there. Instead, the Rana regime trickily used only countable Tharu people by appointing them as the local village headmen, known as Chaudhary, as to use them to collect revenue and send it to the Rana regime at the central level. The revenue collection agents were also appointed who were known as “Patwari”. In practical terms, the land was free to use for cultivation but had to pay revenue to the Rana Regime.

The Tharu people are one of the largest indigenous communities in Nepal, with a unique and rich history that spans thousands of years. The Tharus are believed to have originally migrated to the Terai region of Nepal from various parts of India, and over time, they developed their own distinct culture, language, and way of life.

According to historical records, the Tharus were first mentioned in a 12th-century Sanskrit text called the Rajatarangini, which describes them as a tribe living in the forests of western India. The Tharus are believed to have migrated from this region to the Terai region of Nepal around the 12th century, where they settled and developed their own distinct culture.

Over time, the Tharus developed a close relationship with the natural environment of the Terai, and their culture and traditions became closely tied to the agricultural cycle. They were skilled farmers, and their knowledge of the natural environment allowed them to live in harmony with the land.

During the medieval period, the Tharus were largely independent, with their own social and political systems. They lived in small, self-sufficient communities, and their social structure was based on clans and kinship ties. The Tharus had their own language, which was an Indo-Aryan language similar to Hindi, but with unique features and grammar.

In the 18th century, the Tharus came under the influence of the expanding Nepali state, and over time, they became integrated into the larger Nepali society. However, despite this integration, the Tharus maintained their distinct culture and traditions, and they continued to live in their own communities in the Terai.

In the 19th century, the Tharus came under increasing pressure from the British colonial government, which was interested in exploiting the natural resources of the Terai. The Tharus were forced to work on large-scale plantations and were often subjected to brutal working conditions. This period was marked by widespread poverty and exploitation, and the Tharus were marginalized and discriminated against.

In the 20th century, the Tharus began to organize themselves to demand their rights and to fight against the injustices they faced. They formed their own political organizations and began to lobby the government for better treatment and representation.

In the 1950s, the Tharus began to organize themselves into cooperatives, which allowed them to pool their resources and to work together to improve their economic and social conditions. The Tharus also began to develop their own schools and educational programs, which helped to preserve their language and culture.

In the 1960s, the Tharus began to demand recognition as a distinct ethnic group, with their own language and culture. This movement led to the recognition of the Tharu language as an official language in Nepal, and to the establishment of Tharu cultural centers and museums.

In recent years, the Tharus have continued to struggle for their rights and to fight against discrimination and marginalization. They have organized protests and demonstrations to demand better representation in government and to call for the preservation of their cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.

Today, the Tharu people are a vibrant and dynamic community with a rich cultural heritage and a proud history of resilience and resistance. Despite the challenges they have faced over the years, the Tharus continue to maintain their unique culture and traditions, and they remain an integral part of the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal.

The Tharu community is known for its unique and distinct culture, which is characterized by a deep connection to the natural environment and the agricultural cycle. Tharu culture is deeply rooted in the traditional practices and beliefs of the community, which are passed down through generations.

One of the most important aspects of Tharu culture is their traditional dance and music, which is a central part of their festivals and celebrations. The Tharu people have a variety of traditional instruments, including drums, cymbals, and flutes, which are used in their music.

The Tharu community also has a rich tradition of art and craft, with a variety of craftspeople specializing in pottery, weaving, basketry, and wood carving. Tharu art is known for its intricate designs and bright colors, and it is often used in the decoration of their homes and clothing.

Another important aspect of Tharu culture is their traditional medicine, which is based on the use of herbs and other natural remedies. The Tharu people have a deep understanding of the natural environment and its medicinal properties, and they have developed a rich tradition of healing practices that are still used today.

The Tharu community also has a rich culinary tradition, with a variety of traditional dishes that are unique to the community. Tharu cuisine is characterized by its use of locally sourced ingredients, including rice, lentils, vegetables, and meat.

In recent years, the Tharu community has faced a number of challenges, including land grabbing, displacement, and discrimination. However, despite these challenges, the Tharu people have remained resilient and have continued to preserve and celebrate their culture and traditions.

Today, the Tharu community is a vital part of the cultural heritage of Nepal, and they continue to play an important role in the social and economic development of the country. Through their art, music, dance, and traditional practices, the Tharu people have contributed to the richness and diversity of Nepali culture, and they remain an important part of the country's cultural landscape.

The history of the Tharu people dates back several centuries, and their origins are shrouded in mystery. Some scholars believe that the Tharu community may have originated in India and migrated to Nepal and other parts of South Asia over time. Others suggest that the Tharu people may have been one of the original inhabitants of the Terai region of Nepal.

According to Tharu folklore, their ancestors were the descendants of a Rajput prince who fled to the Terai region to escape the wrath of a jealous king. The Tharu people claim that their ancestors were skilled warriors and farmers, and they were able to establish a thriving agricultural community in the fertile plains of the Terai.

Over time, the Tharu community developed a unique culture and way of life that was deeply connected to the natural environment. They developed a sophisticated system of agriculture that was based on the use of traditional knowledge and techniques, including crop rotation, terracing, and irrigation.

In the 19th century, the Terai region of Nepal came under the control of the British Empire, and the Tharu people were subjected to forced labor and other forms of exploitation. Despite these challenges, the Tharu community continued to resist British rule and preserve their cultural identity.

In the 20th century, the Tharu people played an important role in the struggle for democracy and social justice in Nepal. Many Tharu activists participated in the democracy movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and they played a key role in the establishment of Nepal as a democratic republic in 2008.

Today, the Tharu community faces a number of challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and marginalization. Many Tharu people still live in poverty and lack access to basic services, such as education and healthcare.

However, the Tharu people remain proud of their heritage and culture, and they continue to celebrate their traditions and practices through music, dance, and festivals. The Tharu people have also made significant contributions to Nepali culture and society, and they continue to play an important role in the country's development and progress.

One of the most significant challenges faced by the Tharu community has been the issue of land ownership and access to natural resources. For many years, the Tharu people have been subjected to land grabbing and displacement, as large landowners and government agencies have encroached on their traditional lands.

In response to these challenges, the Tharu people have organized themselves into various social and political groups, including the Tharu Welfare Council and the Tharu Kalyankari Sabha. These organizations have worked to protect the rights of the Tharu people and to ensure that their voices are heard in national and international forums.

Another important aspect of Tharu history is their struggle for social justice and equality. Historically, the Tharu people have been subjected to discrimination and marginalization, particularly in the areas of education and employment.

In recent years, however, the Tharu community has made significant progress in these areas, with many Tharu individuals achieving success in the fields of education, politics, and business. The Tharu people have also worked to promote their culture and traditions, and to ensure that their language and customs are recognized and respected by the wider Nepali society.

Despite these achievements, the Tharu people continue to face significant challenges, including poverty, lack of access to basic services, and discrimination. However, through their resilience, determination, and commitment to their cultural heritage, the Tharu community remains a vital part of the cultural landscape of Nepal, and they continue to inspire and inspire others with their rich and vibrant culture.

Another significant aspect of the Tharu community's history is their strong connection to the natural environment. The Tharu people have a deep respect for nature and its resources, and their traditional knowledge of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management has been passed down through generations.

The Tharu people have developed sophisticated systems of land use and management, including agroforestry practices that integrate the cultivation of crops with the management of forests and other natural resources. This traditional knowledge and practice have played a critical role in sustaining the Tharu community's livelihoods and ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem.

Furthermore, the Tharu community's history is marked by their contributions to the cultural heritage of Nepal. Tharu music, dance, and art are recognized as integral parts of the country's cultural traditions, and many Tharu artists and performers have achieved national and international recognition.

Tharu festivals, such as Maghi and Hariyaali, are important cultural events that are celebrated throughout Nepal and beyond. These festivals are occasions for Tharu people to come together to celebrate their cultural heritage, to renew their bonds with their ancestors, and to reaffirm their identity as a distinct and proud community.

In recent years, the Tharu community has also been recognized for their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity in Nepal. The Tharu people have played a critical role in protecting the natural resources of the Terai region, including endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhinoceros.

Overall, the history of the Tharu people is a testament to their resilience, ingenuity, and cultural richness. Despite facing numerous challenges over the centuries, the Tharu community has persevered, and their culture and traditions continue to thrive and inspire others.

Another significant aspect of the Tharu community's history is their strong connection to the natural environment. The Tharu people have a deep respect for nature and its resources, and their traditional knowledge of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management has been passed down through generations.

The Tharu people have developed sophisticated systems of land use and management, including agroforestry practices that integrate the cultivation of crops with the management of forests and other natural resources. This traditional knowledge and practice have played a critical role in sustaining the Tharu community's livelihoods and ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem.

Furthermore, the Tharu community's history is marked by their contributions to the cultural heritage of Nepal. Tharu music, dance, and art are recognized as integral parts of the country's cultural traditions, and many Tharu artists and performers have achieved national and international recognition.

Tharu festivals, such as Maghi and Hariyaali, are important cultural events that are celebrated throughout Nepal and beyond. These festivals are occasions for Tharu people to come together to celebrate their cultural heritage, to renew their bonds with their ancestors, and to reaffirm their identity as a distinct and proud community.

In recent years, the Tharu community has also been recognized for their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity in Nepal. The Tharu people have played a critical role in protecting the natural resources of the Terai region, including endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhinoceros.

Overall, the history of the Tharu people is a testament to their resilience, ingenuity, and cultural richness. Despite facing numerous challenges over the centuries, the Tharu community has persevered, and their culture and traditions continue to thrive and inspire others.

In conclusion, the Tharu people have a rich and complex history that is intimately connected to the natural environment of the Terai region. Despite facing numerous challenges, including land grabbing, displacement, discrimination, and poverty, the Tharu community has remained resilient and resourceful, and their cultural heritage has survived and thrived.

Through their traditional knowledge and practices, the Tharu people have played a critical role in sustaining the ecosystem of the Terai region, and in preserving the biodiversity of Nepal. Their contributions to the country's cultural heritage, including music, dance, and art, are an important part of the cultural landscape of Nepal, and their festivals and celebrations are occasions for joy and renewal.

Today, the Tharu community continues to face significant challenges, including poverty, lack of access to basic services, and discrimination. However, through their unity and determination, the Tharu people remain a vibrant and vital part of the social fabric of Nepal, and they continue to inspire and inspire others with their rich cultural heritage.

It is important that the Tharu people's history and cultural traditions are recognized and respected, and that their voices are heard in national and international forums. By doing so, we can ensure that the Tharu community's legacy is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.