Tharu Culture

Tharu Culture

The Tharu people are an ethnic group indigenous to the Terai in southern Nepal and northern India. They speak Tharu languages. They are recognized as an official nationality by the Government of Nepal. In the Indian Terai, they live foremost in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Nepal: 1,737,470

Uttarakhand: 91,342

Bihar: 159,939

Uttar Pradesh: 105,291

The Tharu constitute the largest ethnic group of the Terai. They are spread across the length of Nepal's plains and also extend westward into the Kumaon foothills. The Tharu are probably the oldest and original inhabitants of the Terai. While they generally have Mongoloid features with dark-brown complexion, the Rana-Tharu of the western Terai claim Rajput ancestry.

Tharu language has been greatly influenced by various Indo-Aryan languages such as Maithili in the eastern, Bhojpuri in the central, and Awadhi in western Terai. Tharu marriages are patrilocal within the tribe. A common feature of the Tharu community is the joint family system of living in long houses.

Traditional Tharu religion consists of the worship of spirits, particularly of the forest. The family deity is located in the eastern corner of the house, where also sleeps the senior most family member. Tharus also revere two categories of ancestral deity: Goraiya is offered pig and Mainya is offered goat as sacrifice. The village shrine, called bhuinhar, is marked by several carved wooden boards erected on the ground where chicken, pigs and goats are sacrificed. The tribal priest is known as Guruwa, whose tradition still holds strong in inner Terai and western Terai villages. Tharus in these areas bury their dead in a common burial ground, while crema¬tion is common elsewhere. 

Tharu huts have wattle walls, and the thatch roof is usually covered with gourd creepers. The utensils include containers of gourd, earthen pots and mats woven from paddy straw. The houses are kept clean, and the walls decorated with floral and animal motifs. The women adorn themselves with intricate ornaments that include bangles and necklaces of beads and coins.

Tharus live in compact villages, usually in the middle of a forest clearing. They are very familiar with jungle life and also fish in the streams. In agriculture, Tharus have developed elaborate irrigation techniques for agriculture. While some are rich landlords, the great majority of the Tharu population is made up of tenant farmers.  Tharu is believed to be the largest Nepali tribal group after Magars. 

The Tharu people have a rich oral tradition and storytelling is an important part of their culture. They have many folktales and legends that have been passed down through generations. Their traditional attire is also distinctive, with men wearing a dhoti and a kurta, and women wearing a sari and a blouse. The Tharu people are skilled artisans and are known for their woodcarving, weaving, and pottery. The Tharu houses are also unique, with walls made of mud and cow dung and roofs thatched with straw. The Tharu people are a close-knit community, and their social structure is based on clans and kinship. The Tharu language is also unique, with its own set of grammar and vocabulary. Despite the challenges faced by the Tharu people, including discrimination and marginalization, they have a strong sense of pride in their culture and traditions. The Tharu people have made significant contributions to Nepali and Indian culture and society, and their customs and traditions continue to inspire and fascinate people around the world.

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Tharu Caste: The Indigenous Inhabitant of Terai In Nepal

Tharu Caste live in 20 different districts of the Terai region of Nepal from East Jhapa to West Kanchanpur, especially in the Inner Madhes. This caste is the most populous caste among the indigenous tribes of Nepal. According to the 2068 census, the population of Tharu caste in Nepal is 17,37,470. The Tharu community has its own language, culture, way of life, customs, script and history. According to sociologist Dor Bahadur Bista, the name Tharu is derived from the fact that the Tharus came from the southern Thar Desert. The area of ​​the Terai inhabited by the Tharus has been known as Tharuwan or Tharuhat since time immemorial.

The Tharus have a distinctly different name, surname, language and civilization. Even though they are the same caste on the basis of Tharu name, there are linguistic and cultural differences. From Mechi to Mahakali, there are fifty surnames of Tharus. Of these, the Tharus living in Morang district are called Khausiya (Kaushia) who live on the banks of the Koshindi in Morangia. Similarly, other Tharus include Chitauniya, Lalpuria, Dangaura, Gachchhadar, Rana, Mahato, Vishwas, Sunada, Sardar, Mahantha, Vantha, Vantar, Bhajaura, Bhagat etc. Similarly, Dahit, Kushumya, Satgaonwa, Chamar, Rana, Dangaura, Katharia, Kariya Magharia etc. are in the Tharu Thar from Dang to West Kanchanpur

Tharu are a caste rich in cultural heritage. Their narrative tradition is rich in literature. They have their own costumes, jewelry, traditional style. The Tharus are found to have embraced different types of language, way of life, culture, values, cultural customs, etc., according to different geographical regions. Tharus are nature worshipers. They worship many forest spirits and deities, including the forest goddess.

They especially like to live near the forest and by the river. Since they live near the forest, they often do animal husbandry business. And being on the riverbank, they also do fishing. Their main occupation is agriculture. However, most of the Tharu community involved in this profession are landless. Therefore, most of the Tharus have to work as Kamaiyas and Kamalharis. They make their own homemade materials using their own traditional skills. They are interdependent with natural resources. The main festival of this community is Maghi.

They consider it as the new year. On this occasion, they choose their chief (barghar). They live in a disciplined manner in the traditional institutional barghar system. They celebrate Maghi as well as various other festivals from time to time. In these festivals, they enjoy a variety of songs, dances, melodies and rhythms.

The Terai region of Nepal is home to many indigenous groups who have been living in the area for thousands of years. These groups have a rich history and culture that is intertwined with the natural environment of the Terai. The indigenous inhabitants of Terai in Nepal are comprised of various groups including the Tharus, Maithilis, Rajbanshis, Dhimals, and other smaller groups.

The Tharu people are the largest indigenous group in Terai, and they have a unique culture that is distinct from other groups in the region. They have their own language, customs, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Tharu people are known for their hospitality, and visitors to their villages are often welcomed with open arms. They have a close relationship with nature, and many of their customs and traditions revolve around the agricultural cycle. The Tharu people are skilled farmers and are known for their knowledge of herbal medicine. Their traditional food includes rice, lentils, and vegetables, and they have a unique method of cooking rice in bamboo tubes.

The Maithilis are another indigenous group in Terai, and they have a rich history and culture that dates back to the Vedic period. They have their own language, literature, art, and music that is distinct from other groups in the region. The Maithilis are skilled artisans and are known for their intricate handicrafts, including pottery, weaving, and painting. They are also known for their festivals, including the Chhath festival, which is dedicated to the worship of the sun god.

The Rajbanshis are another indigenous group in Terai, and they have a unique culture that is influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism. They have their own language, music, and dance that is distinct from other groups in the region. The Rajbanshis are skilled farmers and are known for their knowledge of traditional agricultural practices. They also have a rich tradition of oral storytelling and have many folktales and legends that have been passed down through generations.

The Dhimals are a small indigenous group in Terai, and they have a unique culture that is influenced by both Hinduism and animism. They have their own language, music, and dance that is distinct from other groups in the region. The Dhimals are skilled fishermen and are known for their knowledge of traditional fishing practices. They also have a rich tradition of weaving and are known for their distinctive clothing.

Despite their unique cultures and traditions, the indigenous inhabitants of Terai in Nepal have faced many challenges over the years. They have been marginalized and discriminated against by the dominant groups in society, and their land and resources have been exploited for the benefit of others. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize and preserve the cultural heritage of these indigenous groups. Many organizations and individuals are working to promote indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability in Terai and other parts of Nepal.

In conclusion, the indigenous inhabitants of Terai in Nepal are a diverse group of people with unique cultures and traditions that have been shaped by their close relationship with the natural environment. Despite facing many challenges over the years, these groups have managed to preserve their cultural heritage and are working to ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are respected. As Nepal continues to develop and modernize, it is important to recognize and support the indigenous communities that have been living in the region for thousands of years, and to work towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.