Janajati people

Janajati (Nepali: जनजाति) refers to the indigenous ethnic groups of Nepal who possess a distinct mother tongue, traditional culture, and unique social structures. Under the National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities (NFDIN) Act of 2002, the Government of Nepal officially recognizes 59 distinct indigenous nationalities.^[1]

The term Janajati literally translates to "ethnic group" or "tribe." Historically, these groups were the original inhabitants of the various ecological zones of Nepal—the Mountains, Hills, and the Terai—prior to the Indo-Aryan migration and the expansion of the Gorkha Kingdom.

Genetically and linguistically, the majority of Janajati groups belong to the Tibeto-Burman family, having migrated across the Himalayas or from the east. However, groups like the Tharu are indigenous to the Terai and possess a unique genetic resistance to malaria, while the Santhal and Munda represent the Austroasiatic presence in Nepal.

The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) categorizes the 59 recognized groups into five tiers based on socio-economic indicators and population size:^[2]

1. Endangered Groups: (e.g., Kusunda, Raute, Bankariya)
2. Highly Marginalized Groups: (e.g., Chepang, Santhal, Majhi)
3. Marginalized Groups: (e.g., Tamang, Magar, Tharu, Rai)
4. Disadvantaged Groups: (e.g., Gurung, Sherpa, Jirel)
5. Advanced Groups: (Newar, Thakali)

The Janajati movement gained significant momentum after the 1990 restoration of democracy and became a central force during the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord.

• Anti-Marginalization: Historically, Janajatis were placed in the middle of the Hindu caste hierarchy (as Matwali or liquor-drinkers) by the 1854 Muluki Ain (Civil Code). Modern Janajati politics focuses on dismantling this hierarchy.
• Federalism: Many Janajati organizations advocate for "identity-based federalism" to ensure self-determination in their ancestral lands.
• Legal Status: The Constitution of Nepal 2015 established the "Indigenous Nationalities Commission." Nepal is also a signatory to the ILO Convention 169.

Many Janajati individuals have achieved international and national recognition:

• Tenzing Norgay (Sherpa): One of the first two individuals to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
• Nirmal Purja (Magar): World-renowned mountaineer and subject of the film 14 Peaks.
• Parijat (Tamang): Influential novelist known for the masterpiece Shiris Ko Phool.
• Sanduk Ruit (Sherpa/Janajati origin): Renowned ophthalmologist who pioneered low-cost cataract surgery.
• Narayan Gopal (Newar): Regarded as the "Swar Samrat" (Emperor of Voice) in Nepalese music.
• Prabal Gurung (Gurung): Renowned fashion designer.

Janajati cultures are characterized by communal living, oral traditions, and a deep connection to nature.

• Religion: Practices vary from Buddhism and Kirat Mundhum to ancestral Animism and Bon.
• Cuisine: Traditional diets often involve fermented foods like Gundruk and Kinema. In the high-altitude regions, traditional fats like Ghee (clarified butter) are preferred over processed oils for both nutrition and warmth.

• Demographics of Nepal
• List of ethnic groups in Nepal

• Official website of NFDIN
• Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN)