The Magar, also spelled as Mangar, and Mongar, are the third largest ethnolinguistic groups of
Nepal
Nepal (; ne, नेपाल ), formerly the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal ( ne,
सङ्घीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल ), is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mai ...
, indigenous to Western Nepal and representing 7.1% of Nepal's total population according to the
2011 Nepal census
Nepal conducted a widespread national census in 2011 by the Nepal Central Bureau of Statistics. Working with the 58 municipalities and the 3915 Village Development Committees at a district level, they recorded data from all the municipalities an ...
.
![Magars of Nepal](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/Magars_of_Nepal.jpg)
The original home of the Magar people was to the west of
Gandaki river
The Gandaki River, also known as the Narayani and the Gandak, is one of the major rivers in Nepal and a left bank tributary of the Ganges in India. Its total catchment area amounts to , most of it in Nepal. In the Nepal Himalayas, it is notabl ...
, and roughly speaking, consisted of that portion of Nepal which lies between and around about
Gulmi
Gulmi District ( ne, :ne:गुल्मी जिल्ला, गुल्मी जिल्ला), a part of Lumbini Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Tamghas as its headquarters, covers an area of ...
,
Arghakhanchi
Arghakhanchi ( ne, अर्घाखाँची जिल्ला ) is one of the districts of Lumbini Province in Nepal. The district headquarter is Sandhikharka. The district covers an area of and has a population (2011) of 197,632. Its ne ...
, and
Palpa.
This part of the country was divided into twelve districts known as "''Bahra Magarat''" (Confederation of Twelve Magar Kingdoms), which included the following regions of that period:
Argha
Argha is a Market Center in Sandhikharka Municipality of Arghakhanchi District in Lumbini Province of southern Nepal. Its fort (''kot'') was the centre of a former Chaubisi kingdom, Argha rajya, which was annexed to Nepal in 1786. The former v ...
,
Khanchi
Before the unification of Nepal, Khanchi was one of the 24 principalities in the Gandaki River Basin.
Khanchi, established by Raja Hang Vir Singh in Saka era 1357 (AD 1435), was one of three Meghasi Kingdoms; the others were Argha, founded by Ra ...
, Bhirkot, Dhor, Garhung, Ghiring, Gulmi, Isma, Musikot, Pyung, Rising,
Satung, and Pyung.
During the medieval period, the whole area from
Palpa to Rukum Rolpa was called the "Magarat"'','' a place settled and inhabited by Magars. Another Confederation of Eighteen Magar Kingdoms known as
"''Athara Magarat''" also existed, and was originally inhabited by Kham Magars.
Origin
There are mythical stories describing the origins of Magars.
The Magar of the Bahra Magarat east of the
Kali Gandaki River
The Gandaki River, also known as the Narayani and the Gandak, is one of the major rivers in Nepal and a left bank tributary of the Ganges in India. Its total catchment area amounts to , most of it in Nepal. In the Nepal Himalayas, it is notabl ...
are said to have originated in the land of Seem. Two brothers, Seem Magar and Chintoo Magar, fought, and one remained in Seem, while the other left, ending up in Kangwachen, southern
Sikkim
Sikkim (; ) is a state in Northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Province No. 1 of Nepal in the west and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also close to the Siligur ...
. The
Bhutia
The Bhutia (; sip, Drenjongpa/Drenjop; ; "inhabitants of Sikkim".) are a community of Sikkimese people living in the state of Sikkim in northeastern India, who speak Drenjongke or Sikkimese, a Tibetic language fairly mutually intelligible w ...
people lived at the northern end of this region. Over time, the Magars became very powerful and made the northern Bhutia their
vassal
A vassal or liege subject is a person regarded as having a mutual obligation to a lord or monarch, in the context of the feudal system in medieval Europe. While the subordinate party is called a vassal, the dominant party is called a suzerain. W ...
s. Sintoo Sati Sheng ruled in a very despotic manner, and the Bhutia conspired to assassinate him. Sheng's queen took revenge and poisoned 1,000 Bhutia people at a place now called Tong Song Fong, meaning "where a thousand were murdered". The Bhutia later drove the Magars out, forcing them to again migrate further south. As part of this migration, one group migrated to Simrongadh, one group moved towards the Okhaldhunga region, and another group seems to have returned to the east. No dates are given.
The origins of Kaike Magars end up with the mystical tales told and retold by local people. According to one of these stories, Kaike Magars were the sons of a woman who had fled from an unspecified village of Kalyal kingdom. She subsequently gave birth to her child, a son. The boy, when he grew up, captured an angel while she was bathing with her friends. As time went by, the son and his angel bride had three sons. These sons were the ancestors of Budha, Roka, and Gharti clan. The origin of the fourth major clan is different. One of the three sons was a shepherd who kept losing the same female goat every day, so one day he followed her when she wandered away from the rest of the herd. He discovered that she was giving her milk to a baby boy living in the hollow part of a bamboo tree. He brought the baby home. This boy grew up and became the ancestor of the Jhankri clan. The language was called "Kaike", meaning "language of the Gods".
History
![Magar or Muggur, military tribe, Nipal](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Magar_or_Muggur%2C_military_tribe%2C_Nipal.jpg)
The first written history about Magar people dates as far back as 1100 CE. The Magars are one of the oldest known tribes in Nepal. Their ancient homeland was known as ''Magwar Bisaya'', later called Magarat.
Magarat Magarat is considered to be the place settled and inhabited by Magars, one of the largest indigenous ethnic groups of Nepal. It is a geographical cluster of Federal Republic of Nepal which existed in the modern territory of Nepal before the Unificat ...
bordered from Marsyangdi river to the Pyuthan area during that time. Magars prospered at such a level during that period that this part of the country was divided into twelve kingdoms/thams (''Barah'' ''Magarant)''—each under its own ruler—the members of each supposedly being of common extraction in the male line. Some records show these twelve areas as being
Arghak, Khachi,
Gulmi
Gulmi District ( ne, :ne:गुल्मी जिल्ला, गुल्मी जिल्ला), a part of Lumbini Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Tamghas as its headquarters, covers an area of ...
, Isma, Musikot, Ghiring, Rising, Bhirkot, Payung, Garhung, Dhor and Satung.
Among them, the most powerful kings were those of Gulmi, Argha, Khachi.
Broadly speaking, the twelve Magarat consisted of present-day Argha, Khanchi, Gulmi, Isma, Musikot, Ghiring, Baldengadhi, Rudrapurgadhi, Deuchuli, Tanahang/Tanu-hyula (Tanahu), Kanhu, Ligligkot, Gorkhakot, (Bahakot), Targhakot (Takukot), and Makawanpur areas. Similarly, Athara (eighteen) Magarat consisted of the following regions: Dhurkoi (Gulmi), Gharkoi (Arghakhachi), Paiya (Parbat), Sinkhang (Myagdi), Narikoi (Pyuthan), Balungbang (Pyuthan), Jangkoi (Rolpa), Rukumkoi (Rukum), Chhilikoi (Dang), Bhaba (Dailekh), Borekoi (Jajarkot), Tarakoi (Dolpa), Timarkoi (Jumla), Jural (Doti), Bunkot, Bahrakot, Lu Nanya (Dadeldhura) and Ru-pal (Dadeldhura).
The Magars of the middle and western regions also played an important role in Nepal's formative history. Their kingdom was one of the strongest of west Nepal in and around Palpa District during the time of the 22 and 24 ''rajya'' principalities (17th and early 18th centuries).
Dor Bahadur Bista
Dor Bahadur Bista (born ca. 1924-1928) is a Nepalese anthropologist, social scientist and activist. Bista is considered the Father of Nepalese anthropology, and has published popular books such as '' Fatalism and Development'' and ''People of Nep ...
. 1972. ''People of Nepal''. Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak Bhandar. p. 62. In the 16th century, Palpa ruler Mukunda Sen briefly invaded the Kathmandu valley. Dravya Shah captured Gorkhakot, the last Magarat area, from the Magar King, Mansingh Khadka Magar in BS 1616 Bhadra 25. In the kingdoms of Gorkha and Musikot, the Magars even seem to have taken part in their own initial defeat, revealing both the weakness of their ethnic solidarity at that time and the presence of clan rivalries.
As mentioned in the
Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal
The Asiatic Society is a government of India organisation founded during the Company rule in India to enhance and further the cause of "Oriental research", in this case, research into India and the surrounding regions. It was founded by the p ...
founded by
Sir William Jones
Sir William Jones (28 September 1746 – 27 April 1794) was a British philologist, a puisne judge on the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Bengal, and a scholar of ancient India. He is particularly known for his proposition of th ...
in 1784, the city of
Gorkha
The Gurkhas or Gorkhas (), with endonym Gorkhali ), are soldiers native to the Indian Subcontinent, chiefly residing within Nepal and some parts of Northeast India.
The Gurkha units are composed of Nepalis and Indian Gorkhas and are recruit ...
was originally the residence of Chitoria (Chitorey) Rana Magars, and the city was built by them. To this day, large numbers of Chitoria/Chitorey Rana Magars are found in the
Gorkha District
Gorkha District ( ne, गोरखा जिल्ला ), a part of Gandaki Province, is one of the 77 districts of Nepal, which is the fourth largest district (by area) of Nepal and connected historically with the creation of the modern Nep ...
.
Additionally, in the
Manakamana Temple
Manakamana Temple ( ne, मनकामना मन्दिर, IAST: ''Manakāmanā Mandira'', ) is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati and it is situated in the village of Manakamana in Gorkha District, G ...
located in
Gorkha
The Gurkhas or Gorkhas (), with endonym Gorkhali ), are soldiers native to the Indian Subcontinent, chiefly residing within Nepal and some parts of Northeast India.
The Gurkha units are composed of Nepalis and Indian Gorkhas and are recruit ...
, it is mandatory for a priest to be a Magar; specifically, the priest must be a descendant of Saint Lakhan Thapa Magar, who is described as a spiritual guide for
Ram Shah
Ram Shah ( ne, राम शाह; reign before 16061636) was the king of the Gorkha Kingdom (present-day Gorkha District, Nepal). He was the son of King of Gorkha Purna Shah and brother of Chatra Shah. He acceded in the throne in c. 1606 after ...
, and he had a very close relationship with the queen, who was considered an incarnation of the Goddess.
Interestingly, the main priests of Kalika, the goddess protecting the kingdoms of Lamjung and Gorkha, were also Bohara Magars; it is striking to note how the Magars have been in charge of the religious functions linked to the very source of Thakuri power.
The 18th-century king,
Prithvi Narayan Shah
Maharajadhiraj Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723–1775) ( ne, श्री ५ बडामहाराजाधिराज पृथ्वीनारायण शाह देव) was the last ruler of the Gorkha Kingdom and first monarch of the ...
, the founder of the modern Kingdom of Nepal announced and loved to call himself ' the King of
Magarat Magarat is considered to be the place settled and inhabited by Magars, one of the largest indigenous ethnic groups of Nepal. It is a geographical cluster of Federal Republic of Nepal which existed in the modern territory of Nepal before the Unificat ...
' or 'the King of Magar country'.
According to Marie Lecomte-Tilouine, a senior researcher in Social Anthropology at the French National Center for Scientific Research,
Prithvi Narayan Shah
Maharajadhiraj Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723–1775) ( ne, श्री ५ बडामहाराजाधिराज पृथ्वीनारायण शाह देव) was the last ruler of the Gorkha Kingdom and first monarch of the ...
narrated in his autobiography about praying to a goddess whom he described as 'the daughter of Rana
agar
Agar ( or ), or agar-agar, is a jelly-like substance consisting of polysaccharides obtained from the cell walls of some species of red algae, primarily from ogonori (''Gracilaria'') and "tengusa" (''Gelidiaceae''). As found in nature, agar is ...
During the time of King Prithvi Narayan, Rana Magars were one of the six-member courtiers (''Tharghar'').
Prithvi Narayan Shah
Maharajadhiraj Prithvi Narayan Shah (1723–1775) ( ne, श्री ५ बडामहाराजाधिराज पृथ्वीनारायण शाह देव) was the last ruler of the Gorkha Kingdom and first monarch of the ...
in his memories also recalls his Magar ''dada''—the man who looked after him during his childhood.
The Scottish contemporary writer,
Francis Buchanan-Hamilton
Francis Buchanan (15 February 1762 – 15 June 1829), later known as Francis Hamilton but often referred to as Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, was a Scottish physician who made significant contributions as a geographer, zoologist, and botanist whil ...
, contends in his journal that the Shah dynasty was derived from the
Magar tribe. He argues that:
He further contended on Shah family that:
Many prominent historians of Nepal have claimed that Aramudi, an eighth-century ruler of the Kali Gandaki region, was a Magar King. "Aramudi" derives from the word for 'river' in the
Magar language
Magar Dhut ( ne, मगर ढुट, ) is a Sino-Tibetan Language spoken mainly in Nepal, Southern Bhutan, and in Darjeeling and Sikkim, India, by the Magar people. It is divided into two groups (Eastern and Western) and further dialect divisi ...
. 'Ari' – 'Source of Water' + 'Modi'– 'River' = 'Arimodi' or 'Aramudi', thus the literal meaning of Aramudi is a ''source of river''. But due to the lack of historical evidence, there are some conflicting ideas among the historians.
Sen dynasty of Palpa were Magar Kings
as per the hand-written treatise 'Naradsmriti' and history books written in Sikkim. In a palm-leaf manuscript kept in the Kaiser Library, dated 1567 VS (1510), Mukunda Sen is described as a Magar king of Palpa who invaded the Kathmandu Valley in 1581 VS (1524).
Thus, in the 17th century, Malla kings of Kathmandu valley were united to fight back the invasion of Magars from Palpa. One of Mukunda Sen's wives was also the daughter of the Magar King of Parkogha: Mahadevi Suvarnamala, and she had four sons: Manishya Sen, Imbarsen, Kuvar and Lohang Sen.
Similarly, Gajalaxman Singh, Magar King of Makvanpur, whose daughter Kantivati was married to Abhaya Sen (Magar King) of Palpa.
From her was born the great king of kings Bhattarajadeva.
Around 1700, the ruler of Baldeng (near present-day Butwal) was overthrown by Palpa and other ''chaubisi'' states, and he was supposedly a Magar king.
According to the earliest copper plate inscription from Nepal found in 1977, Sohab Rana Magar was a ruler in Dullu Dailekh, Magwar Bisaya, western Nepal in 1100.
Geographical distribution
At the time of the
2011 Nepal census
Nepal conducted a widespread national census in 2011 by the Nepal Central Bureau of Statistics. Working with the 58 municipalities and the 3915 Village Development Committees at a district level, they recorded data from all the municipalities an ...
, 1,887,733 people (7.1% of the population of Nepal) identified as Magar. The frequency of Magar people was higher than national average in the following districts:
*
Palpa (52.3%)
*
Rolpa (43.2%)
*
Myagdi
Myagdi District ( ne, :ne:म्याग्दी जिल्ला, म्याग्दी जिल्ला ), a part of Gandaki Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Beni, Dhawalagiri, Beni as its dis ...
(39.5%)
*
Pyuthan
Pyuthan (also known as Pyuthan Khalanga) is a municipality in the Pyuthan District in the Lumbini Province of Nepal. It is also the District Headquarter and the administrative center of district. The municipality was established on 18 May 2014 by m ...
(32.6%)
*
Baglung
Baglung is a municipality in western Nepal, west of Kathmandu. It is the administrative headquarters of Baglung District and Dhaulagiri Zone. Baglung serves as the major center for business, finance, education, service and healthcare for the peo ...
(28.0%)
*
Tanahun (26.9%)
*
Rukum
Rukum District ( ne, रुकुम जिल्ला) was a "hill" and "mountain" district some west of Kathmandu partially belonging to Lumbini Province and partially to Karnali Province before split into two districts Western Rukum and E ...
(23.8%)
*
Syangja
Syangja District ( ne, स्याङ्जा जिल्ला; ), a part of Gandaki Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Syangja bazaar (a small town) as its district headquarters, covers an area of ...
(21.5%)
*
Gulmi
Gulmi District ( ne, :ne:गुल्मी जिल्ला, गुल्मी जिल्ला), a part of Lumbini Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Tamghas as its headquarters, covers an area of ...
(20.7%)
*
Surkhet
Surkhet District ( ne, सुर्खेत जिल्ला, ) is a district in Karnali Province of mid-western Nepal. Surkhet is the one of the ten districts of Karnali located about west of the national capital Kathmandu. The district's are ...
(18.9%)
*
Arghakhanchi
Arghakhanchi ( ne, अर्घाखाँची जिल्ला ) is one of the districts of Lumbini Province in Nepal. The district headquarter is Sandhikharka. The district covers an area of and has a population (2011) of 197,632. Its ne ...
(18.0%)
*
Nawalparasi
Nawalparasi District ( ne, नवलपरासी जिल्ला, ), part of which belongs to Gandaki Province and part to Lumbini Province, was one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal before being divided into Nawalparasi (West of Ba ...
(17.5%)
*
Salyan (15.1%)
*
Sindhuli
Sindhuli District ( ne, :ne:सिन्धुली जिल्ला, सिन्धुली जिल्ला), a part of the Bagmati Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal, a landlocked country of South Asia. The district ...
(14.9%)
*
Udayapur (13.9%)
*
Dang (13.6%)
*
Dolpa
Dolpa District ( ne, डोल्पा जिल्ला), is a district, located in Karnali Province of Nepal, It is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal and one of ten district of Karnali. The district, with Dunai as its district h ...
(12.5%)
*
Gorkha
The Gurkhas or Gorkhas (), with endonym Gorkhali ), are soldiers native to the Indian Subcontinent, chiefly residing within Nepal and some parts of Northeast India.
The Gurkha units are composed of Nepalis and Indian Gorkhas and are recruit ...
(11.6%)
*
Okhaldhunga
Okhaldhunga is the headquarters of the Okhaldhunga District in the Sagarmatha Zone of Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 3761 living in 790 individual households.
Background
The name Okhaldhunga originates from " ...
(11.2%)
*
Ramechhap
Ramechhap Municipality is a municipality in Ramechhap District in Bagmati Province of Nepal. It was established on 2 December 2014 by merging the former village development committees Old-Ramechhap, Okhreni and Sukajor. At the time of the 2011 ...
(11.1%)
*
Parbat
Parbat District ( ne, पर्वत जिल्ला , is a hilly area of Nepal. It is a part of Gandaki Province and one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Kusma as its district headquarters, covers an area of and ...
(11.0%)
*
Rupandehi
Rupandehi District ( ne, रुपन्देही जिल्ला; ), a part of Lumbini Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal and covers an area of . The district headquarter is Bhairahawa. As per the national census 2011, ...
(10.7%)
*
Dhankuta
Dhankuta ( ne, धनकुटा ) is a hill town and the headquarter of Koshi Zone located in Dhankuta District of Eastern Nepal. According to 2011 Nepal census, it has population of 26,440 inhabitants.
History
Until about 1963 Dhankuta Ba ...
(9.7%)
*
Dailekh
Dailekh ( ne, दैलेख), locally known as Dailekh Bazar. Narayan is a town and the headquarters of Dailekh District located in Karnali Province of Nepal. It was Incorporated to Narayan Municipality
Narayan ( ne, नारायण) is a m ...
(9.2%)
*
Jajarkot
Jajarkot District ( ne, जाजरकोट जिल्ला) a part of Karnali Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Khalanga as its district headquarters, covers an area of and has a population of ...
(9.0%)
*
Kaski (8.6%)
*
Dhading
Dhading Besi ( ne, धादिङ्ग बेसी) is a town (neighborhood) and the district headquarter of the Dhading District of Nepal. The town is located within Nilkantha Municipality. It is also administrative centre of Nilkantha Munic ...
(8.5%)
*
Mustang
The mustang is a free-roaming horse of the Western United States, descended from horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish. Mustangs are often referred to as wild horses, but because they are descended from once-domesticated animals, they ...
(8.3%)
Subdivisions
Magars are divided into the following seven tribes ''(clans)'' listed here in an alphabetical order: Ale, Budha/Budhathoki, Gharti, Pun, Rana, Roka, Thapa. These tribes all intermarry with each other, have the same customs, and are in every way equal as regards to social standing. Each tribe is subdivided into many sub-clans.
Ale Magars
Arghali, Durungchung, Hiski, Hungchen, Limel, Pade, Rakhal, Suyal, Sirpali.
Budhathoki / Budha Magars:
Gamal, Jugjali, Pahari, Thami, Arkali, Ulange, Karmani, Kosila, Gamal, Chini, Jiyali, Thami, Janjali, Darlasi, Deowal, Namjali, Pare, Pahare, Pojange, Barkabiri, Balkoti, Ramjali, Romkhami, Sinjali/Singjali, Jujali, Lamichhane, Khame, Doyal.
Gharti Magars:
Dagami, Galami, Kalikotey, Masrangi, Pahari or Panre, Phagami, Rangu, Rawal, Rajali, Sawangi, Sene, Surai, Sinjapati, Sijapati, Talaji, Tirukia, Wale, Thini, Bhujel.
Pun Magars:
Balali, Birkali, Baijali, Burduja, Batha, Dut, Garbuja, Ramjali, Phungali, Purja, sherpunja, Sain, Sanangi, Sothi, Sut, Ramjali, Tilija, Khame, Thane, Tirke, Sabangi, Pahare, Gaura, Phagami/Fagami, Paija, Armaja, Saureni, Sherpunja.
Rana Magars:
Aachhami, Aslami, Bangling, Chumi, Chitorey/Chitaurey, Gyangmi/Gyami, Kharka/Khadka, Kyapchaki/Kepchaki, Lungeli, Makkim, Maski, Marchu, Palli, Ruchal, Shrees, Surjabansi/Suryabangsi, Limel, Deuka, Jung, Fewali.
Roka Magars:
Jelbangi, Dununge, Ramjali, Bajhangi, Baijali.
Thapa Magars
To name a few – Āthaghare, Bagale, Bakabal, Bakheti, Baraghare, Birkatta, Kala, Kammu, Khapangi, Palunge, Puwar/Punwar, Sunari, Sāthighare, Sinjali/Singjali, Saplangi, Midun, Mugmi, Pulami, Darlami, Salami, Jarga, Dhenga, Taramu, Tarami, Tarangi, Byangnasi
Gaha Thapa consists of Bucha, Gora, khangaha/khanga.
Reshmi Thapa consists of Dangal.
Saru Thapa consists of Jhapurluk, Jhendi/Jhedi, Kala. Besides these, Gurbachan, Purbachhaney, Phounja, Chauhan, Pachabhaiya, Khamcha, Khandaluk, Ghale, Baral, Somai, Pithakote, Jhakote, Rakaskoti/Raskoti, Uchai, Samal.
In former days, any Thapa who had lost three generations of ancestors in battle became a Rana, but with the prefix of his Thapa clan. Thus, a Reshmi Thapa would become a Reshmi Rana.
An instance of this is to be found in the 5th Gurkhas, where a ''havildar,'' Lachman Thapa, and a naik, Shamsher Rana, descended from the two Thapa
agarsbrothers; but three generations of descendants from one of these brothers having been killed in the battle, Shamsher Rana's ancestors assumed the title of Rana while Lachman Thapa's ancestors not having been killed in battle for three generations remained a Thapa. From this custom many Rana sub clans are said to have sprung up, and this would lead one to believe that the Rana-Magar clan was looked up to amongst the Magars.
The Rana clan of Magar tribes come from the same stock of Thapa, but when they were separated from their original group and lost for three generations, they settled in a place called lamjung and called themselves by the name of ''Rana'' which means chief in khas tradition and language. Thus, the inhabitants of Rana Magar became the lamjung village. The Matwala Khas are generally the progeny of a
Khas
Khas people (; ne, खस) popularly known as Khas Arya are an Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic group native to the Himalayan region of South Asia, what is now present-day Nepal, Indian states of Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Sikkim. Historical ...
of Western Nepal and karnali with a Magar woman of Western Nepal. If the woman happens to belong to the khas mixed Rana clan of the Magar tribe, progeny is then called a Bhat Rana.
The ''Matwala Khas'' doesn't wear the sacred thread. They eats pork and drinks alcohol, and in every way assimilates himself with the Magars. He invariably claims to be a matwali khas or pawai khas.
Linguistically, the Magars are divided into three groups. Baraha Magaratis speak Dhut dialect, whereas Athara Magaratis speak Pang and Kaike dialects.
Magar Dhut speakers: Rana, Ale, Thapa
Magar Kham speakers: Budhathoki, Pun, Roka, Gharti
Magar Kaike speakers: Tarali Magar of Dolpa; Budha, Gharti, Roka/Rokaya, Kayat, Jhakri all Magar clans residing in Dolpa and Karnali districts.
Language and script
Of the 1,887,733 Magar population in
Nepal
Nepal (; ne, नेपाल ), formerly the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal ( ne,
सङ्घीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल ), is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mai ...
, about 788,530 speak
Magar language
Magar Dhut ( ne, मगर ढुट, ) is a Sino-Tibetan Language spoken mainly in Nepal, Southern Bhutan, and in Darjeeling and Sikkim, India, by the Magar people. It is divided into two groups (Eastern and Western) and further dialect divisi ...
as their mother tongue while the rest speak
Nepali as their mother tongue. The western inhabitants of Nepal did not speak the language in the past. But recently, almost everyone has started learning the language. The Magar languages are rooted in the
Bodic branch of the Tibetan family.
The Magar language, ''Magar Kura'', is spoken in two major dialects and a number of sub dialects reflecting the geographic distribution of the group. The Western Magars of
Rapti Zone
Rapti Zone ( ne, राप्ती अञ्चल ) was one of the fourteen zones, located in the Mid-Western Development Region of Nepal. It was named after the West Rapti River which drains Rolpa, Pyuthan and part of Dang districts. The r ...
speak
Magar Kham language. In Dolpa District, Magars speak
Magar Kaike language. Magar Dhut language speakers are all Magar clans residing in
Twelve Magarat. Similarly Magar Kham language speakers are all Magar clans from
Eighteen Magarat. Magar Kaike language speakers are all Magar clans in
Karnali zone
Karnali Zone ( ne, खसान अञ्चल) was one of the fourteen zones located in the Mid-Western Development Region of Nepal. The headquarters of Karnali Zone was Jumla.
Karnali Zone was one of the poorest and most remote regions of ...
.
Magar Akkha or scripts are used in
Sikkim
Sikkim (; ) is a state in Northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Province No. 1 of Nepal in the west and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also close to the Siligur ...
as a Magar language script. Many scholars including MS Thapa have been in forefront to implement the Akkha script to write Magar language in Nepal. New generations have been learning it. Akkha script is said to be closely associated with
Brahmi script
Brahmi (; ; ISO: ''Brāhmī'') is a writing system of ancient South Asia. "Until the late nineteenth century, the script of the Aśokan (non-Kharosthi) inscriptions and its immediate derivatives was referred to by various names such as 'lath' o ...
.
Magar words in use
Many Magar words are used even today, especially as location names. Magar
toponym
Toponymy, toponymics, or toponomastics is the study of '' toponyms'' (proper names of places, also known as place names and geographic names), including their origins, meanings, usage and types. Toponym is the general term for a proper name of ...
s in Nepali include: ''
tilaurakot
Tilaurakot is a neighborhood in Kapilvastu Municipality in Kapilvastu District, in the Lumbini Province of southern Nepal. Previously it was a Village development committee. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 5684 people ...
'' (''place selling sesame seed''), ''
kanchanjunga
Kangchenjunga, also spelled Kanchenjunga, Kanchanjanghā (), and Khangchendzonga, is the third highest mountain in the world. Its summit lies at in a section of the Himalayas, the ''Kangchenjunga Himal'', which is bounded in the west by the T ...
'' (''clear peak''), and * ''
Tansen
Tansen ( – 26 April 1589), also referred to and commonly known as Sangeet Samrat () , was a Hindustani classical musician. Born in a Hindu Gaur Brahmin family, he learnt and perfected his art in the northwest region of modern Madhya Pra ...
'' (''straight wood'') Some scholars opine that the amount of Magar words in Nepali indicates that ''Magarat'' (historic Magar lands) were larger than generally believed, extending from
Dhading
Dhading Besi ( ne, धादिङ्ग बेसी) is a town (neighborhood) and the district headquarter of the Dhading District of Nepal. The town is located within Nilkantha Municipality. It is also administrative centre of Nilkantha Munic ...
to
Doti
Doti ( ne, डोटी), also known as Doti region, Dotigarh (डोटीगढ़) as used in the Jagar (folk tales; जागर), in the Farwestern region of Nepal (Sudurpashchim Province), is a region situated between River Kali bordering ...
. They note that the place suffix ''-Kot'' indicates a place from which Magar kings formerly ruled. Kali Gandaki (Gandi), Rapti, Bheri, Marsyangdi, Modi all the river names with ''di'' or ''ti'' suffix are named after Magar language. Similarly, places like Thabang, Libang, Bobang, Baglung (Banglung) etc. are also named after the Magar language. Magar historian Ms Bom Kumari Budha mentions that
Ridi
Ruru Kshetra ( ne, रूरू क्षेत्र), also known as Ridi (रिडी), is a religious and cultural place situated on the confluence of ''Ridi Khola'' and Kaligandaki river in Nepal. It is also tri-junction of Gulmi, Palpa an ...
was the border between ''Athara'' and ''Barah'' Magarat in ancient time. This can be attested by the different places' names in Kham Magar language in the west and Magar Dhut language in the east of Ridi.
Religion
Magars follow
Buddhism
Buddhism ( , ), also known as Buddha Dharma and Dharmavinaya (), is an Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It originated in northern India as a -movement in the 5th century BCE, and gra ...
,
Bon
''Bon'', also spelled Bön () and also known as Yungdrung Bon (, "eternal Bon"), is a Tibetan religious tradition with many similarities to Tibetan Buddhism and also many unique features.Samuel 2012, pp. 220-221. Bon initially developed in t ...
and Hinduism. The original religions or beliefs of Magar people are
Shamanism
Shamanism is a religious practice that involves a practitioner (shaman) interacting with what they believe to be a Spirit world (Spiritualism), spirit world through Altered state of consciousness, altered states of consciousness, such as tranc ...
,
Animism
Animism (from Latin: ' meaning 'breath, Soul, spirit, life') is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct Spirituality, spiritual essence. Potentially, animism perceives all things—Animal, animals, Plant, plants, Ro ...
,
Ancestor worship
The veneration of the dead, including one's ancestors, is based on love and respect for the deceased. In some cultures, it is related to beliefs that the dead have a continued existence, and may possess the ability to influence the fortune of t ...
and northern Nepal's Magar follow Shamanism (
Bon
''Bon'', also spelled Bön () and also known as Yungdrung Bon (, "eternal Bon"), is a Tibetan religious tradition with many similarities to Tibetan Buddhism and also many unique features.Samuel 2012, pp. 220-221. Bon initially developed in t ...
).
![Shamanism in Nepal](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Shamanism_in_Nepal.JPG)
Magars are the main priests of the famous
Manakamana Temple
Manakamana Temple ( ne, मनकामना मन्दिर, IAST: ''Manakāmanā Mandira'', ) is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati and it is situated in the village of Manakamana in Gorkha District, G ...
in Gorkha District,
Budha Subba Temple
Introduction of Budhasubba Temple
Budha Subba Temple is a well known religious temple of the eastern Nepal people. It is situated in Bijayapur of Dharan, Nepal. It is believed to fulfill the wishes and bring good luck to the people visiting th ...
in
Dharan
Dharan ( ne, धरान) a sub-metropolitan city in Sunsari District of Province No. 1, Nepal, which was established as a fourth municipality in the Kingdom in 1958. It is the third most populous city in Eastern Nepal after Biratnagar and It ...
and
Alamdevi
Alamdevi is a village development committee in Syangja District in the Gandaki Zone of central Nepal
Nepal (; ne, :ne:नेपाल, नेपाल ), formerly the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal ( ne,
सङ्घीय ल ...
temple (Nepal's former Shah Kings' mother Goddess or family deity) in Syangja District. In Manakamana Temple, specially, the priest must be a descendant of Saint Lakhan Thapa Magar, who is described as a spiritual guide for
Ram Shah
Ram Shah ( ne, राम शाह; reign before 16061636) was the king of the Gorkha Kingdom (present-day Gorkha District, Nepal). He was the son of King of Gorkha Purna Shah and brother of Chatra Shah. He acceded in the throne in c. 1606 after ...
, and he had a very close relationship with the queen, who was considered an incarnation of the Goddess Durga Bhawani, an incarnation of Parvati.
Similarly, Bhirkot, Gahraukot, Khilung, Nuwakot, Satahukot, Sarankot, Dhor, Lamjung, Gorkha Kalika, Salyankot Dhading also have Magar priests from Saru, Baral, Saru, Saru, Pulami, Chumi, Darlami, DudhrRana, Bhusal/Maski, Saru/Rana Magar clan respectively.
Interestingly, the main priests of Kalika, the goddess protecting the kingdoms of Lamjung and Gorkha, were also Bohara Magars; it is striking to note how the Magars have been in charge of the religious functions linked to the very source of Thakuri power.
Most Magars also follow a form of
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (also referred to as Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Lamaism, Lamaistic Buddhism, Himalayan Buddhism, and Northern Buddhism) is the form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet and Bhutan, where it is the dominant religion. It is also in majo ...
, with priests known as Lama Guru, forming the religious hierarchy. Buddhism is an important part of the culture even in the southern districts, where the Magars have developed a syncretic form of religion that combines earlier shamanistic and Buddhist rituals with Hindu traditions.
Animists and shamanism form part of the local belief system; their dhami (the faith healer or a kind of shaman) is called Dangar and their jhankri (another kind of faith healer or shaman) was the traditional spiritual and social leader of the Magars. Magars have an informal cultural institution, called ''Bhujel'', who performs religious activities, organizes social and agriculture-related festivities, brings about reforms in traditions and customs, strengthens social and production system, manages resources, settles cases and disputes and systematizes activities for recreation and social solidarity.
Dress and ornaments
Men wear or wrap-on-loincloth, a ''bhangra, a bhoto'' or a shirt of vest, and the usual Nepali topi. Women wear the ''phariya'' or ''lunghi'', ''chaubandhi cholo'' or a closed blouse and the heavy ''patuka'' or waistband, and the or shawl-like garment on the head.
The ornaments are the ''madwari'' on the ears, ''bulaki'' on the nose and the ''phuli'' on the left nostril, the silver coin necklace"
aari Aari or AARI may refer to:
* Aari (actor) (born 1985), Indian Tamil film actor
* Aari language, an Omotic language
*Aari people, an ethnic group from Ethiopia
* Aari work, a type of Embroidery of India#Aari, embroidery from India / Pakistan
* Arcti ...
and the ''
pote'' (yellow and Green beads) with the ''tilhari'' gold cylinder,
antar
Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) is an independent, national non-government, not-for-profit, community-based organisation founded in 1997 which advocates for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Au ...
hungri augedi hul
In the Book of Genesis, Hul ( ''Ḥūl'') is the son of Aram, son of Shem, who is mentioned twice in the Tanakh, both times in genealogical tables. According to the 1st century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, he founded Armenia. Because his fath ...
''kuntha, and'' also ''raiya'' in the hand. Magar males do not wear many ornaments, but some are seen to have silver earrings, hanging from their earlobes, called ''"gokkul"''. The magar girls wear the amulet or locket necklace, and women of the lower hills and the high-altitude ones wear these made of silver with muga stones embedded in them and ''kantha''. The bangles of silver and glass are also worn on their hands along with the ''sirbandhi'', ''sirphuli'' and ''chandra'' on their heads. These are large pieces of gold beaten in elongated and circular shapes.
Festivals
Maghe Sankranti
Maghe Sankranti (, , Nepal Bhasa: ) is a Nepali festival observed on the first of Magh in the Vikram Sambat (B.S) or Yele calendar bringing an end to the winter solstice containing month of Poush. Tharu people celebrate this particular day as ...
is considered to be one of the most important annual festivals of the indigenous Magar community. In fact, Maghe Sankranti is the government declared national festival of the Magar community as well as the Tharu community (2009 AD). It is celebrated on the first day of Magh (tenth month of the Nepali calendar, in mid-January), a time that marks the transition from winter to spring. According to the Magar terminology, Maghe Sakranti commemorates the end of ''udheli'' (literally 'down'), which is a period that lasts for six months starting from mid-July, and the initiation of ''ubheli'' ('up'), the period lasting for another six months starting from the mid-January. The down and up periods probably correspond to the annual cycle of herding livestock up and down from high pastures, a historically important economic activity of the Magars. The occasion is celebrated with a host of gatherings and special invitations to ''chelibetis'', one's daughters and other female members of the family. Traditional Magar songs and dances are also performed. One of the most prominent food items prepared on this day (or any other celebratory occasion) is known as ''batuk'' (commonly known as 'bara'). It is considered to be a traditional food of the Magar people. Shaped like western doughnuts, it is made from black lentils that have been soaked for over twenty-four hours and are grounded to form a thick paste. It is then mixed with salt, pepper and turmeric and fried in oil. A perfect round shape is formed with the help of the palm, and a small distinct hole is made in the center.
Other major festivals of the Magar community are
Bhume Puja, Chandi Purnima, Baisakhe Purnima, Mangsir Purnima, Jestha Purnima.
Bhume Puja (worshipping the nature) is immensely celebrated in the
Athara Magarat regions (Confederation of eighteen Magar Kingdoms), especially in Rukum, Rolpa and
Pyuthan
Pyuthan (also known as Pyuthan Khalanga) is a municipality in the Pyuthan District in the Lumbini Province of Nepal. It is also the District Headquarter and the administrative center of district. The municipality was established on 18 May 2014 by m ...
districts.
Magar people celebrates major festival like "Chhaigo" as Lhosar which is considered as the New Year for Magar community according to the Naagchi Sambat. Magar people also observe festivals like Chaiti, Rungma, Keja, Yacha etc. These festivals are based on the Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon culture.
Folk songs and dances
Magars have contributed phenomenally in Nepali folk songs and dances. Both men and women take part in folk songs and dances.
One of the most well-known Magar folk-dances is the ''Maruni'' dance during Tihar festival. In this dance, the main dancer wears a woman's dress, has someone to mimic her dance and one person to beat a ''Madal'' or ''Rani Madal.'' This dance is believed to be of divine origin and is directly linked with mythology. The role of the person beating the ''Madal'' is considered to be the most important, and even the one who mimics the main dancer is actually considered to be the protectors of the dancer. He wears a mask, entertains the crowd by his own gestures etc. The wearing of the dress by the dance is given a ritualistic position, as the dancer's dress, are elaborately laid along with flowers, rice etc. on a brass plate or a winnower. The dance begins with the worship of ''Madal'', the dress, and other ornaments to be used by the dancer, followed by obeisance to all gods and goddesses like Saraswati, Ram, Sita. The dance ends with blessings to the family that has offered alms to the dancing group and brings the end to the dance ritualistically.
The other Major dances and songs originated from Magar Community are Kauda/Chudka/Kanraha, Ghatu, Jhorra, Yanimaya, Sunimaya, Salaijo, Rung, Hurra, Bon Lama Nach and many more
Occupations
![Biraj Thapa Magar](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Biraj_Thapa_Magar.jpg)
Agriculture and the military are the primary sources of income. Magars constitute the largest number of ''Gurkha'' soldiers outside Nepal. Sarbajit Rana Magar became the head of government during the regency of Queen Rajendra Laxmi.
Biraj Thapa Magar
Kaji Biraj Thapa Magar (died 1721) played an important role in the Gorkha Kingdom. His leadership, prudence and courage all exhibit he was one of the important Gorkha Bhardars (गोरखाली भारदार) that helped Narbaupal Shah ...
winner of limbuwan, General Abhiman Singh Rana Magar and Sarbajit Rana Magar headed the Nepal army. Biraj Thapa Magar was the very first army chief in Nepal Army's history.
Dor Bahadur Bista
Dor Bahadur Bista (born ca. 1924-1928) is a Nepalese anthropologist, social scientist and activist. Bista is considered the Father of Nepalese anthropology, and has published popular books such as '' Fatalism and Development'' and ''People of Nep ...
's observation of Magar's occupation during the 1960s was:
Toni Hagen
Toni Hagen (17 August 1917 in Luzern – 18 April 2003 in Lenzerheide) was a Swiss geologist and a pioneer of Swiss development assistance.
Education
After taking a diploma in engineering and geology from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technol ...
, who did his field research in Nepal during the 1950s, observed:
Military service
![Lakhan Thapa Magar](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Lakhan_Thapa_Magar.jpg)
A number of Magars have distinguished themselves in military service under Nepali, British and Indian military. During
Anglo-Nepalese War
The Anglo-Nepalese War (1 November 1814 – 4 March 1816), also known as the Gorkha War, was fought between the Gorkhali army of the Kingdom of Nepal (present-day Nepal) and the British forces of the East India Company (EIC, present-day Indi ...
(1814–16), the Magar Unit/Paltan of
Nepali Army
The Nepali Army ( ne, नेपाली सेना, translit=Nēpālī Sēnā), technically the Gorkhali Army ( ne, गोरखाली सेना, translit=Gōrakhālī Sēnā, label=none; see ''Gorkhas''), is the land service branch ...
, Purano Gorakh Battalion, valiantly fought the
Battle of Nalapani
The Battle of Nalapani was the first battle of the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814–1816, fought between the forces of the British East India Company and Nepal, then ruled by the Gorkha Kingdom, House of Gorkha. The battle took place around the Nala ...
. Brigadier General
Sher Jung Thapa
Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa Maha Vir Chakra, MVC (15 April 1907 – 25 February 1999) was a military officer of the Jammu and Kashmir State Forces and later the Indian Army. Revered as ''the Hero of Skardu'', he was a recipient of the Indian Army ...
received
Mahavir Chakra
The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) () is the second highest military decoration in India, after the Param Vir Chakra, and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. It replaced the Br ...
and Lieutenant Colonel
Dhan Singh Thapa won
Paramvir Chakra
The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime. Param Vir Chakra translates as the "Wheel of the Ultimate Brave", and the award is granted for "most conspicu ...
, the highest gallantry award, while serving Indian Army. Similarly,
Dipprasad Pun
Dipprasad Pun, CGC ( ne, दिपप्रसाद पुन) is a Nepalese sergeant of the Royal Gurkha Rifles who was decorated with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for an act of bravery during the War in Afghanistan on the night of 17 Se ...
, a Nepalese Sergeant of the Royal Gurkha Rifles (British Army), was the first Nepali winner of the
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) is a second level military decoration of the British Armed Forces. Created in 1993 and first awarded in 1995, it was instituted after a review of the British honours system to remove distinctions of rank in ...
in Afghanistan in 2010. In the two world wars, a total of five Victoria Cross (out of 13 VCs awarded to Gurkhas) were awarded to the Magars:
* First World War:
** Rifleman
Kulbir Thapa
Kulbir Thapa Magar VC (15 December 1888 – 3 October 1956) was the first Nepalese Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Common ...
was the first Gurkha to win VC in recognition of his valor and bravery. He was from
Gulmi
Gulmi District ( ne, :ne:गुल्मी जिल्ला, गुल्मी जिल्ला), a part of Lumbini Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Tamghas as its headquarters, covers an area of ...
, Bharse. He served in 2/3 Gurkha Regiment (GR). He received VC in France in 1915.
** Rifleman
Karanbahadur Rana
Karanbahadur Rana Magar VC (21 December 1898 – 25 July 1973) was a Nepalese Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to members of British and Co ...
,
Gulmi
Gulmi District ( ne, :ne:गुल्मी जिल्ला, गुल्मी जिल्ला), a part of Lumbini Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Tamghas as its headquarters, covers an area of ...
was from 2/3 GR. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for valour on 10 Apr 1917 at El Kafr in Palestine.
* Second World War:
** Subedar
Lalbahadur Thapa
Lalbahadur Thapa Magar VC ( Nepali: लालबहादुर थापामगर; February 1906 – 19 October 1968) was a Nepali Gorkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face o ...
,
Nepal Tara was from 2nd GR. He received VC in Tunisia in 1943.
** Honorary Lieutenant
Tul Bahadur Pun
Tul Bahadur Pun VC ( Nepali: तुल बहादुर पुन; 23 March 192320 April 2011) was a Nepalese Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and ...
was from 6th GR. He received VC in Burma in 1944.
** Subedar
Netrabahadur Thapa
Netrabahadur Thapa Magar VC ( ne, नेत्रबहादुर थापामगर 8 January 1916 – 26 June 1944) was a Nepalese Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the fac ...
was from 5th GR. He received VC in Burma in 1944.
Politics
Magars since the formation of Nepali state had been in a very influential role in the Nepali government until the
Kot Massacre
The Kot massacre ( ne, कोत पर्व) took place on 14 September 1846 when then Kaji Jang Bahadur Kunwar and his brothers killed about 30-40 civil, military officers and palace guards of the Nepalese palace court including the Prime Mi ...
. During the time of King Prithvi Narayan Shah and thereafter, Magars were one of the six courtiers of Kings. Nepali military historian Brigadier General (retired) Dr Prem Singh Basnyat also confirm the high government positions held by the Magars notably Biraj Thapa,
Kaji Bandhu Rana, Sarbajeet Rana and Abhiman Singh Rana. During the
Rana Dynasty
Rana dynasty ( ne, राणा वंश, IAST=Rāṇā vaṃśa , ) is a Chhetri dynasty that imposed totalitarianism in the Kingdom of Nepal from 1846 until 1951, reducing the Shah monarch to a figurehead and making Prime Minister and other ...
, Magars almost had nil representation in any government positions, which can be considered the darkest time.
Under the leadership of minister
Giri Prasad Burathoki
Major General Giri Prasad Burathoki was a Gurkha officer and Nepalese politician. He was born in 1898 at Bharse, Gulmi District, Nepal. He left his village at a young age to join the British army in India and was involved in World War I and Wor ...
, a first ever Magar Convention was held in Bharse of
Gulmi District
Gulmi District ( ne, गुल्मी जिल्ला), a part of Lumbini Province, is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal. The district, with Tamghas as its headquarters, covers an area of , had a population of 296,654 in 2001, 2 ...
, one of the 12 Magarats in 1957. The objective of the conference was to sensitize the Magars to come forward in the national spectrum. Later Magar political and social organisations included
Nepal Langhali Pariwar (1972),
Nepal Langhali Pariwar Sang, and
Langhali Pariwar Sangh.
Nepal Magar Association is an un-biased and non-profit organization of Magar indigenous people. It is a common representative organization of all the Magar indigenous people of Nepal and is committed to the preservation and promotion of Magar language and culture; the upliftment of the social-economic and the overall educational condition of the Magar people.
Notable Magars
*
Mansingh Khadka Magar, King of Gorkhakot
* Saint Lakhan Thapa (17th century), a spiritually famed associate and adviser to King
Ram Shah
Ram Shah ( ne, राम शाह; reign before 16061636) was the king of the Gorkha Kingdom (present-day Gorkha District, Nepal). He was the son of King of Gorkha Purna Shah and brother of Chatra Shah. He acceded in the throne in c. 1606 after ...
and the very first Priest of
Manakamana Temple
Manakamana Temple ( ne, मनकामना मन्दिर, IAST: ''Manakāmanā Mandira'', ) is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati and it is situated in the village of Manakamana in Gorkha District, G ...
.
*
Kaji Biraj Thapa Magar of Gorkha
Kaji Biraj Thapa Magar (died 1721) played an important role in the Gorkha Kingdom. His leadership, prudence and courage all exhibit he was one of the important Gorkha Bhardars (गोरखाली भारदार) that helped Narbaupal Shah ...
, the 'King Maker'. From the list of people with title Kaji,
Kaji (Nepal)
''Kaji'' ( ne, काजी) was a title and position used by nobility of Gorkha Kingdom (1559–1768) and Kingdom of Nepal between 1768 and 1846. Many other contemporary kingdoms used the same title for their ministers.
Etymology
Historian Mahe ...
.
* Kaji
Biraj Thapa Magar
Kaji Biraj Thapa Magar (died 1721) played an important role in the Gorkha Kingdom. His leadership, prudence and courage all exhibit he was one of the important Gorkha Bhardars (गोरखाली भारदार) that helped Narbaupal Shah ...
, the very first Chief of Gorkhali Army, 18th century.
* Kaji
Sarbajit Rana Magar
Kaji Sarbajit Rana Magar ( ne, सर्वजीत राना मगर) or simply Sarbajit Rana was a Nepalese politician, minister and courtier in the Kingdom of Nepal. He became a prominent minister during the regency of Queen Rajendra Laxm ...
, Nepalese Army Chief and prominent politician, 18th century.
* Martyr
Lakhan Thapa Magar
Lakhan Thapa Magar (1835–1877) was a Nepali revolutionary whom the Nepalese government has declared "The First Martyr of Nepal". He was the first recorded Nepali political dissident and resisted the rule of the Rana dynasty. As a king of Bung ...
(19th century), the very first martyr of Nepal.
* Kaji
Abhiman Singh Rana Magar
Kaji Abhiman Singh Rana Magar ( ne, अभिमान सिंह राना मगर) was an army general and Minister of Nepal until September 15, 1846, and the first victim of the Kot massacre of 1846. According to a government letter to th ...
, Nepalese Army Chief, 19th century. He was the first victim of
Kot massacre
The Kot massacre ( ne, कोत पर्व) took place on 14 September 1846 when then Kaji Jang Bahadur Kunwar and his brothers killed about 30-40 civil, military officers and palace guards of the Nepalese palace court including the Prime Mi ...
.
*
Master Mitrasen Thapa, famous Nepali folk singer, social worker, resident of
Bhagsu
Bhagsu/Bhaksu (also known as Bhagsunag or Bhagsunath) is a village near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The village is the site of Bhagsunag waterfall and the ancient Bhagsunag Temple.
In early 18th c ...
/Dharmasala, (India).
*
Giri Prasad Burathoki
Major General Giri Prasad Burathoki was a Gurkha officer and Nepalese politician. He was born in 1898 at Bharse, Gulmi District, Nepal. He left his village at a young age to join the British army in India and was involved in World War I and Wor ...
, only Bada Hakim from Magars, Defense Minister, Honorary Major General of Nepalese Army.
* Late Professor Jagat Bahadur Singh Burathokey, Father of Geography of Nepal.
*
Narayan Singh Pun, a former minister in Nepal, pilot and lieutenant colonel in the Royal Nepal Army. Also founding president of
Nepal Samata Party
Nepal Samata Party is a political party in Nepal. The party is registered with the Election Commission of Nepal ahead of the 2008 Constituent Assembly election. It was led by Narayan Singh Pun, but after Pun's death the chairmanship has been tak ...
.
*
Balaram Gharti Magar
Balaram Gharti Magar is a political leader of Nepal. He became minister 11 times in the past, during Panchayat System, and after the declaration of multi-party system. Roughly, he remained in different governments as a minister for about 30 yea ...
, held different ministries for 11 times including Defense Minister of Nepal Government.
*
Dr Harsha Bahadur Budha Magar, Magar historian.
*
Gore Bahadur Khapangi, former minister and founding leader of
Prajatantrik Janamukti Party.
*
Rom Bahadur Thapa, First Inspector General of Nepal Police from Magar ethnic group.
*
Onsari Gharti Magar
Onsari Gharti Magar (Nepali: ओनसरी घर्तिमगर) is a Nepali communist politician and current parliamentarian. She was the first female Speaker of the Parliament of Nepal. She was elected unopposed as Speaker on October 16, ...
, the first female speaker of Parliament of Nepal.
*
Ram Bahadur Thapa
Ram Bahadur Thapa ( ne, राम बहादुर थापा), also widely known by his nom de guerre Badal, is a Nepali politician and former Minister for Home Affairs. He is the vice president of CPN (UML).
Political life
Before the ...
Badal, Home minister of Nepal, leader Nepal Communist Party.
*
Barsaman Pun
Barsaman Pun, also known by his nom de guerre Ananta, is a Nepali communist politician and former Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. He is also a member of the Standing Committee in Nepal Communist Party (NCP). He has previousl ...
, first finance minister of Nepal from Magar community. He is from Rolpa district.
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Nanda Bahadur Pun, first vice president of federal republic Nepal.
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Tham Maya Thapa
Tham Maya Thapa is a Nepalese politician and the former Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizen of Nepal
Nepal (; ne, :ne:नेपाल, नेपाल ), formerly the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal ( ne,
सङ् ...
, Women and Children Minister.
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Ram Kumari Jhakri
Ram Kumari Jhakri ( ne, रामकुमारी झाँक्री) is a Nepalese politician and secretary of Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist), CPN (Unified Socialist). She is also the former Ministry of Urban Development (Nepa ...
, a Nepalese politician, member of parliament and former president of All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU).
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Kuber Singh Rana
Kuber Singh Rana ( ne, कुवेर सिंह राना) was the Inspector General of the Nepal Police. He was promoted to the Inspector General of Police by the government of Nepal after succeeding Rabindra Pratap Shah as the police c ...
, Ex IGP Chief of Nepal Police from Palpa.
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Mahabir Pun
Mahabir Pun ( ne, महावीर पुन, ) is a Nepali researcher, teacher, social entrepreneur and an activist known for his work in applying wireless technologies to develop remote areas of the Himalayas, also known as the Nepal Wireles ...
,
Magsaysay Award
The Ramon Magsaysay Award (Filipino: ''Gawad Ramon Magsaysay'') is an annual award established to perpetuate former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay's example of integrity in governance, courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealis ...
winner for extending wireless technologies in rural parts of Nepal.
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Dipprasad Pun
Dipprasad Pun, CGC ( ne, दिपप्रसाद पुन) is a Nepalese sergeant of the Royal Gurkha Rifles who was decorated with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for an act of bravery during the War in Afghanistan on the night of 17 Se ...
, Conspicuous Gallantry Cross Winner During
War in Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan, Afghan war, or Afghan civil war may refer to:
*Conquest of Afghanistan by Alexander the Great (330 BC – 327 BC)
*Muslim conquests of Afghanistan (637–709)
*Conquest of Afghanistan by the Mongol Empire (13th century), see als ...
.
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Tul Bahadur Pun
Tul Bahadur Pun VC ( Nepali: तुल बहादुर पुन; 23 March 192320 April 2011) was a Nepalese Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and ...
,
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It was previously ...
Winner. Grandfather Of
Dipprasad Pun
Dipprasad Pun, CGC ( ne, दिपप्रसाद पुन) is a Nepalese sergeant of the Royal Gurkha Rifles who was decorated with the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for an act of bravery during the War in Afghanistan on the night of 17 Se ...
.
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Arun Thapa
Arun Thapa Magar (born January 1952– 22 July 1999) was a Nepali singer and songwriter. In 2003, according to an international poll conducted by BBC, more than half-a million people from 165 countries voted his composition ''Reetu haruma timi h ...
, popular Nepali singer.
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Teriya Magar
Teriya Phounja Magar is a Nepalese dancer based on Mumbai, India. She came into the public spotlight during her performances on the dance competition television series ''Dance India Dance Li'l Masters'' which she won on 21 June 2014. She is als ...
, Nepali dancer, winner of Dance India Dance Little Masters 2014
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Nirmal Purja
Nirmal Purja (known as Nims or Nimsdai) ( ne, निर्मल पुर्जा; born 25 July 1983) is a Nepal-born naturalised British mountaineer and a holder of multiple mountaineering world records. Prior to taking on a career in mount ...
, famous mountaineer and Ex-British Gurkha soldier, numerous Guinness World Records holder in mountaineering.
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Ashish Rana
Ashish Rana (born 25 June 1989) known professionally as "Laure" is a Nepalese rapper and Television personality. He presented his rapping through a rap battle on YouTube which gained him popularity. He was the most searched Nepalese celebrity on ...
, a Nepalese rapper, actor and Television personality popularly known by his stage name – "Laure".
Pramila Thapa Taekwondo competitor in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, black belt world champion and 10th degree black belt.
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Prem Bahadur Ale,ex-minister of Forest and Environment. Minister of Culture,Tourism and Civil Aviation
Notes
References
Bibliography
* Acharya, Baburam, ''Nepalako Samkshipta Itihasa'' (A short history of Nepal), edited by Devi Prasad Bhandari, Purnima No. 48, Chaitra 2037 (March–April 1981), Chapter VII: ''Pachhillo Licchavi Rajya, (I. Sam. 642–880 Am.)
* Aryal, Jibnarayan. (2058BS). ''Dr Harsha Bahadur Buda Magar: Bigat ra Bartaman. ''Lalitpur: Dr Harsha Bahadur Budha Magar.
* Bajracharya, Dhanabajra. (2064 BS). ''Gopalraj Vanshawali Aitihasik Vivechana''. Kirtipur: T.U.
* Bammi, Y.M. (2009). ''Gurkhas of the Indian Army''. New Delhi: Life Span Publishers & Distributors.
*
Bamzai, P. N. K. (1994). ''Culture and Political History of Kashmir. Vol 1. Ancient Kashmir''. New Delhi: MD Publications Pvt Ltd.
* Bista, Dor Bahadur. (1972). ''People of Nepal''. Kathmandu:
Ratna Pustak Bhandar
Ratna Pustak Bhandar is a privately owned distributor, publisher and retailer of books in Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu, and is the oldest bookstore in Nepal. .
* Budha Magar, Harsha Bahadur. (1992)''Kirat Vansha ra Magar haru''. Kathmandu: Unnati Bohora.
* Cross, J.P. (1986). ''In Gurkhas Company''. London: Arms & Armour Press Ltd.
* Gharti Magar, Balaram. (1999). ''Roots''. Taranath Sharma (Tr.). Lalitpur: Balaram Gharti Magar.
* Hagen, Tony. (1970). ''Nepal the Kingdom in the Himalayas''. New Delhi: Oxford & IBH Publishing Co.
* Ministry of Defence. (1965). ''Nepal and the Gurkhas''. London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
* Nepal, Gyanmani. (2040BS). ''Nepal Nirukta''. Kathmandu: Nepal Rajakiya Pragyapratisthan.
* Northey, W. Brook & C. J. Morris. (1927). ''The Gurkhas Their Manners, Customs and Country''. Delhi : Cosmo Publications.
* Palsokar, R.D. (1991). ''History of the 5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)'', Vol III. 1858 to 1991. Shillong: The Commandant, 58 Gorkha Training Centre.
* Rana, B. K. (2003). ''Sanchhipta Magar Itihas'' (A Concise Hiostroy of Magars)
* Shaha, Rishikesh. (1975). ''An Introduction of Nepal''. Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak Bhandar.
* Stein, M.A. (2007). ''Kalhana's Rajatarangini: A Chronicles of Kings of Kashmir''. Vol I, II, & III (Reprint). Srinagar: Gulshan Books.
* Sufi, G.M.D. (1974). ''Kashir a History of Kashmir. Vol 1''. New Delhi: Light & Life Publishers.
* Thapa Magar, Pradeep. (2000). ''Bir Haruka pani Bir Mahavir''. Kathmandu: Bhaktabir Thapa Magar.
* Vansittart, Eden. (1993)(reprint). ''The Gurkhas''. New Delhi: Anmol Publications.
* Pramod Thapa (Chief engineer at Dell international Services)
* An account Kingdom of Nepal Frances Hamilton, Rishikesh Shah,
External links
Nepal Magar Association, Central Committee, Kathmandu Nepal.Magar Studies CenterMagar Academic GroupThe Magar language – Linguistics research – Folktales in Magar (Western) – Nepal
{{DEFAULTSORT:Magar People
Ethnic groups in Nepal
Ethnic groups in Northeast India
Ethnic groups in South Asia
Gurkhas
Indigenous peoples of Nepal
Nepalese people
Social groups of Nepal