Abstract
Abstract With the rise of ethnic politics in Nepal, the Limbu (or: Yakthumba) have made increasing use of the Limbu script, also known as Srijanga or Kiranti. Whereas in the past this script was suppressed by the state and known only to a minority, since the return of democracy to Nepal in the 1990s a new literature using this script has come into being. Here, religious books play a prominent role. This essay deals with the emerging importance of the script as a marker of ethnicity since its first general propagation by Iman Singh Chemjong and Phalgunanda Lingden in the early twentieth century. It focuses on the early production of printed books, in particular books published by followers of the Satyahangma movement, which promotes reforms of Kiranti religion and society.
Highlights
The specific pre-eminence of the written word over images is stoutly maintained
In the context of ethnic politics in Nepal, the Limbu script has received increasing value in the process of the creation of Limbu traditions. This gives the impression that grapholatry is of similar importance in eastern Nepal to that ascribed by Ekvall to Tibet
This article deals with the early history of the production in Nepal of religious books printed in Limbu script
Summary
The specific pre-eminence of the written word over images is stoutly maintained. As one Tibetan scholar stated it, “One letter formed is of greater value than a likeness of Buddha formed, for the letter aids knowledge.” This statement, and the attitudes and behavior pattern of which it is the expression, suggests that, among the Tibetans, grapholatry is more real than idolatry. This article deals with the early history of the production in Nepal of religious books printed in Limbu script.
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