Nepali Society Research Articles

Madheshi Women’s Struggles against Discrimination in Nepal

Madheshi women experience various ways of discrimination in Nepali society. They suffer from race, caste, class and gender-based discrimination in society. In this context, this study explores the experiences and perceptions of Madheshi women about discrimination based on race, gender, class, caste/ethnicity, age and education through qualitative research. Eighteen participants were selected through purposive sampling. An in-depth interview was conducted with fourteen Madheshi women from various backgrounds and four Madheshi males were the key information participants. The Madheshi women from various backgrounds experienced discrimination and marginalization based on caste/ethnicity, class, race, gender, age and education. Madheshi women are not a homogeneous group, as they experience different kinds of exclusion in diverse settings. This study suggests enhancing the respect and recognition of Madheshi women in society. Furthermore, it suggests implementing and formulating relevant policies and legislation for Madheshi women, considering the prevalence of discrimination faced by Madheshi women in Nepal.

Writing and Rewriting the Pharmakon: The Use of Horse in Modern Nepali Fiction

First introduced by Jacques Derrida, the Greek usage of the concept ‘pharmakon’ refers to three things: either the poison, the remedy, or the scapegoat. In modern Nepali literature, the horse as pharmakon has appeared as the most self-contradictory image: it has referred to the loss, assertion, and reinforcement of honor. This paper takes BP Koirala’s “The Colonel’s Horse,” Madan Mani Dixit’s “Lattu Miyako Ghodi” [Lattu Miya’s Mare], Nayan Raj Pandey’s Ular [Imbalance] (1996), and Mandira Madhushree’s “Budhanko Ghodi” [Budhan’s Mare] (2017) to see how each of the authors makes use of a horse to discuss the modern values in Nepali society. To address this issue, the present study aims to explore the uses of horses in Nepali literature to explore the inner composition of self and the contents lying therein. On the one hand, such analysis contributes to animal studies in modern Nepali literature; on the other, it highlights the changing perceptions of horses in Nepali society. The creative artists use a particular symbol to discuss the unique contemporary phenomenon through it. The authors from Koirala to Madhushree have found the horse to be a point of departure to reflect on the modern world's inner and outer reality. On the whole, the selected Nepali literary texts treat the horse as a symbol to bring psychological and socio-economic reality into it, thus pondering on it as a modern pharmakon in modern Nepali fiction.

Balkrishna as a Hindu Reformist in Narayan Dhakal's Pretkalpa (The Age of the Dead): A Critique of New Traditionalism

This paper examines reformation in the Nepali society as represented in Narayan Dhakal's novel Pretkalpa (The Age of the Dead). The novel advocates social reform in the Hindu society as modernity in Nepal during the early decades of the twentieth century. The paper hinges on the following research questions: How are modernity and reformation connected? To what extent does social/religious reformation contribute to modernity? Under the influence of reformist ideas from Dayanand Saraswati's Satyārtha Prakāś (The Light of Truth), Balkrishna, the protagonist of Dhakal’s novel – a Kashi educated Brahmin pundit – leads a series of reformation initiatives to change discriminatory practices across the lines of caste, gender, and class. To examine his reformist initiatives based on the Vedic knowledge, this paper recontextualizes Subir Sinha et al.'s critique of the discourse of new traditionalism in relation to the politics of development and environmentalism in India. Threatened by the reformation efforts of Balkrishna, the state – under the leadership of Chandra Shamsher – does everything it can do to retain the orthodox Hinduism, casteism, and feudalism. Eventually, the feudal Rana system based on the practices like cākarī and caplusī (sycophancy and flattery) prevails, exposing the vulnerability of new traditionalism and thereby of the conservative modernity as well. Discussing modernity, reformation, and new traditionalism, and their connections between and among them to analyze the novel, the paper foregrounds new traditionalism as a significant concept to examine modernity in Nepal.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown: Stratified Livelihoods in Nepal a Sociological Analysis

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the government of Nepal to institute a series of lockdowns from March 24, 2020, significantly affecting the livelihoods of its citizens. This study explores stratified livelihoods during Pandemic lockdowns in Nepal and of these measures, uncovering nuanced and diverse experiences across different strata of Nepali society. Design/Methodology/Approach: Therefore, utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study employs primary and secondary data collection methods, such as observations and case studies, and analyses the data through content analysis techniques. Findings/Results: The findings reveal a spectrum of impacts, ranging from individuals finding solace and familial bonding during the lockdown—equating it to a period of celebration to those experiencing severe hardships. These hardships included undertaking long-distance travel on foot without adequate sustenance and facing limited access to medical care. The diverse experiences observed align, to some extent, with the theoretical frameworks of Marx and Weber, showcasing the varied socio-economic repercussions of the lockdown measures. Originality/Value: This research sheds light on the complex dynamics of pandemic interventions on livelihoods within the Nepali context. It provides valuable insights to understand and mitigate the multifaceted impacts of such measures on various societal layers.

Melody of the Malady: Musicking Subaltern Counterpublics Space in J. B. Tuhure’s Selected Songs

When the Panchayat regime emerged as a new governmental system in Nepal, it brought various developmental projects to elevate the socio-economic condition of the people. However, when it was practically implemented, instead of betterment, the public confronted hardship in celebrating their liberty and autonomy. The society was stratified into different domains, constricting the space for the commoners and limiting their horizon of understanding. In this context, J.B. Tuhure’s song played an important role to narrate the precise story of the folks and make them aware of their position, blasting revolutionary thoughts inwardly in their consciousness. As the songs are suggestive in nature, they are, in fact, counter-voices against the regime and underlying structure of Nepali society, which had to be changed for the emancipation of the subalterns. In this relevance, this research paper explores Tuhure’s three specific songs: Basai Hidne ko Taanti Le, Aama Didi Baini Ho, and Chhora Haru Ho, focusing on how the musicality of these songs create subaltern counterpublics space to construct anti-dominant narrations of the Panchayat regime and how these songs pave the way for the recognition of the marginalized category of people in the stratified societies, where layers of domination persist. Taking Nancy Fraser’s concept of ‘Subaltern Counterpublics Space’ and Christopher Small’s notion of ‘Musicking’ as a theoretical perspective, the paper argues Tuhure’s songs are the spaces where a cluster of subaltern narratives simultaneously occur, challenging the regime and vocalizing the rights for the subordinated. It unravels that Tuhure’s songs are the musicking of subaltern counterpublics spaces, making the public participatory and performative.

From Lahore to New York: Changing Identity of Lahure in Modern Nepali Literature

This article assesses the changing identity of lahure in modern Nepali literature. Beginning with the etymology ‘lahure’ that has its one-to-one correspondence with Lahore in the then British India, this article attempts to map the expansion of that particular identity right from Nepali youths’ entrance to Lahore to serve as a mercenary for Ranjit Singh, the Khalsa warrior king and interestingly not for the British colonials, as early as 1809, that is some time before the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816 that officially opened the gate for Nepali youths to the Company Army. Deriving impetus from Craig Calhoun’s discourse of identity in reading Tulachan Ale’s Manipurko Ladai ko Sawai as the early record of the formation of the lahure identity and Sirjana Sharma’s Golden Gate as the contemporary record of such identity, this article analyzes how the identity of a lahure has significantly changed from the early Nepali youths, that too exclusively males, who visited Lahore as the pioneer migrants to British India to the Nepalis who migrate to the United States after winning lottery via the Diversity Visa Program. This article scrutinizes the loose definition of lahure in Nepali society that not only transcends the etymological meaning of the term but also deconstructs the notion of stereotypical adherence to a specific gender, that is, male.

Comparison of Academic Performances of Students among Various Ethnic Groups in Godawari Municipality

Ethnic groups are fundamental unit of social system. Ethnicity is the source of the person’s self-actualization. This research is based on the perception of Nepali society that Brahmin/Chhetri and male students are higher education achievers. The study aimed to compare differences in academic performances of students among various ethnic groups (Brahmin/Chhetri vs non-Brahmin/Chhetri) and gender (male vs female). Data consisted examination result related with pre-board examination held in Jana Bhawana Campus since 2015 to 2022. Results of those students who have participated fully were considered. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20. Data are presented using descriptive statistics tools like percentage, mean and standard deviation. Academic performance results are presented by using percentage, t-tests and p-values. The finding showed that there are no differences in academic performance among Brahmin/Chhetri and non-Brahmin/Chhetri students whereas significance difference exists between male and female, where female students outperformed male. Awareness in education learning behavior and reducing in absenteeism can help in gaining academic success.

Off The Margin: Portrayal of Slavery in Guru Prasad Mainali’s Short Fictions

Guru Prasad Mainali’s literary accomplishment Naso [The Ward] portrays the issues of slavery in the late 1920s in Nepal. The collection of eleven stories has two specific stories that deal with the issue of the former slaves: “Papko parinam” [The results of misdeeds] (1927) and “Naso” [The ward] (1935) depict the life of the people who once lived the life as slaves. Mainali draws his characters from Nepali society after Chandra Shumsher abolished slavery in Nepal in 1924. Mainali presents them in the most humane form, struggling to settle themselves into an organized society after their emancipation from the bondage of slavery. “Papko parinam” (1927) builds the world around their quest placing the former slaves at the center stage, while “Naso” (1935) pictures former slave Nauli in a functional role to bring Devi Raman’s first wife Subhadra back to her house from Kathmandu. Both stories leave traces of slavery and the issues surrounding the era of fundamental change in the history of Nepal. Mainali sets the events in the background of the change in the 1920s and unfolds his story of Devi Raman and Shubhadra in "Naso" and Kanta Padhya in "Papko Parinam." This paper rereads Mainali’s two fiction in the historical backdrop to get into the world of slavery as depicted in them and conclude that Nepali fiction has dealt with the issue of slavery in the 1920s.

THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF STATE RESTRUCTURING IN NEPAL

This study delves into the effects of political reform in Nepal, particularly the shift from a centralized unitary system to a federal structure. While political parties initially didn't prioritize restructuring in their agendas, movements like a decade long Maoist war and the Madhesh uprising played a pivotal role in driving this change. The research aims to understand how these political shifts have influenced Nepali society, especially in remote villages with a strong history of political activism. Combining primary qualitative data from local communities with secondary information from existing literature, the study employs descriptive and analytical methods to explore the social consequences of state restructuring over time. By examining both historical context and present realities, the research sheds light on the complex relationship between political changes and societal behavior in Nepal. Ultimately, the findings offer valuable insights into the diverse impacts of political restructuring on Nepali society, enriching our understanding of its socio-political landscape.

Exploring Forms and Practices of Menstruation in the Changing Social System: A Study of Suryabinayak-05, Katunje, Bhaktapur

Menstruation forms and practices with restriction have a long history not only in a single culture and region but in various religions and cultures may vary according to the level of their cultural norms, values and superstitions. The aim of the study is to explore the forms of practices of menstruation in the changing Nepali society. The qualitative data were collected from the Suryabinayak-05, Katunje, Bhaktapur district. All total 10 potential research participants were selected for in-depth interview along with non-participant observation in the field. The study indicates that the women from Brahmin and Chhetri community affiliated to Hindu religion are practicing almost all forms of discrimination due to menstruation. Stay in a separate room, eating in a separate room, bathing in separate bathroom, be away from social activities and not participate in religious activities. This discrimination should be addressed through awareness programs in the community.

Administrative Role of Malla Kings of Later Medieval Period

In Nepali society, king used to be respected by people. Kings had role not only in political and administrative landscape but also in the cultural and social scenario. In Medieval Nepal, the king would enact law, enforce law and also impart justice. Justice was a well-established virtue in the polity of Nepal since the remote past. Nepal had been ruled by some royal dynasties, i.e., Gopalas, Mahispalas, Kirants, Lichhchavi, Malla and Shah. The medieval history of Nepal begins with the Malla dynasty. The first Malla king is Ari Malla (1207-1216). The later medieval period or the Malla dynasty of Kathmandu begins when King Jayasthiti Malla was in complete control in the valley. The study has aimed at to finding out how the kings of the later medieval period had played role in the administrative system of the then Nepal. So, this research article is designed to find out the role of king in the entire administrative system of Nepal under the later medieval period. It has been known about the administration system of Malla from the various sources, that are inscriptions, manuscripts, and other literary sources, beside the foreign accounts. On the basis of these sources, it has been described about the administrative system of Malla. Malla kings ruled under the monarchical system. Kings were all in all countries, and they had all the authority of supreme power and controlled their countries by being the commanders in -chief in justices and chiefs of the administration of the countries. The king himself handled the leadership of war and used to go in far places for it. Kings liked to possess different royal titles, such as 'Nepaleswor', 'Nepal Mandalesor ', Nepal Pundya Bhumesor', 'Rajrajendra, 'Sakala Sastra Sangitadi Vaidhya Parangat', 'Kabindra 'etc. Until arrival of the powerful Gurkhas from Gurkhas kingdom, the Malla kings ruled the valley which was cut into four kingdoms –Bhadgaon, Kathmandu ,Patan and Banepa. During the Malla period, the choice of who would be king rested with the tribes( Pradhans) who represented the nobility. Monarchy was limited and administration was decentralized. Public opinion played a vital in Malla administration. Nepal in that time remained politically disunited and weak because of the internal conflict between the Malla kings of the valley.

Samrat Upadhyay’s “During the Festival”: A Psychoanalytic-Feminist Exploration of Desire

This research delves into Samrat Upadhyay’s short story “During the Festival,” collected in Arresting God in Kathmandu, examines the innate impulses shared by humans and animals within the modern Nepali society. Through a psychoanalytic-feminist theoretical framework, the study critically uncovers the subconscious projections of characters like Ganesh, revealing the complex dynamics of jealousy, sexuality, and familial relationships. Ganesh’s jealousy towards his wife’s emotional relationship with a young man in the neighbourhood reflects deeper insecurities about sexuality and societal norms and values in Nepal, while the neighbour’s displacement of his wife with his mother exposes the unresolved and conflicting issues stemming from the childhood experiences. Drawing on psychoanalytic principles, the analysis explores the themes of infantile fears and psychical metamorphosis, shedding light on the intricate interplay between individual psyche and societal constructs. By dissecting the text’s intrinsic characters and unconscious desires, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of human nature and societal complexities in Nepali literature.

Socioeconomic Dynamics in Kathmandu Valley: A World-System Perspective

The socioeconomic dynamics of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, are analyzed through the lens of World-System Theory, providing insights into its position within the global economic hierarchy. This theoretical framework, pioneered by Immanuel Wallenstein, categorizes nations into core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral regions based on their economic and structural positions in the global system. The Kathmandu Valley's spatial distribution of economic resources illustrates core-periphery dynamics, with urban centers like Kathmandu emerging as core areas boasting robust economic activities, while peripheral regions face marginalization and limited access to economic opportunities. Disparities in infrastructure development further highlight these dynamics, as core areas benefit from superior infrastructure, while peripheral regions contend with limited development, exacerbating urban-rural inequalities. Migration patterns within the Kathmandu Valley reflect responses to economic imbalances perpetuated by the global capitalist system, with rural residents migrating to urban centers in search of opportunities, straining urban infrastructure and widening disparities. Additionally, globalization's impact on cultural dynamics contributes to the homogenization of cultures, eroding traditional practices and identities in favor of Western consumer culture. Social stratification within Nepali society is reinforced by the hierarchical structure of the world-system, perpetuating cycles of privilege and disadvantage. Understanding these dynamics through World-System Theory highlights the interconnectedness of global and local processes, emphasizing the need for systemic change to address disparities and foster equitable development in the Kathmandu Valley.

Decoding Deconstruction: Unveiling the Layers in Mahakavi Devkota’s Poetic Works

“Decoding Deconstruction: Unveiling the Layers in Mahakavi Devkota’s Poetic Works” explores the intricate tapestry of Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota’s poetry, using a deconstructionist point of view. The paper reveals unimagined Deconstructionist features within Devkota’s works, akin to the ideas developed by Jacques Derrida during the 1960s. Devkota has questioned all the so-called hierarchies that were prevalent in Nepali society then. He has questioned human-centric discourses. Thus, his poems exemplify a deconstructive mindset. They invite readers to embrace ambiguity, explore new perspectives and transcend traditional modes of interpretation. This study illuminates how some of the poems by Mahakavi Devkota are so very close to the deconstructionist view developed by Derrida and so e other theorists in the 1970s.

Sexism and Misogyny in Nepali Proverbs: A Psychoanalytic Feminist Approach

People use many Nepali-gendered proverbs in formal and informal talks. They discriminate and abuse women consciously or unconsciously in gender contexts. Gender inequality has been a challenging social problem. This study investigates the representations of the sexist, abusive and ingrained prejudices and hatred against women in Nepali Proverbs. It analyses the perceptions and psyche of patriarchy towards Nepali women. This study adopted psychoanalytic feminist theory to analyse sexism and misogyny in Nepali proverbs. Nepali proverbs related to gender discrimination were selected from different written sources. The collected proverbs were presented from the birth of a girl to young, widowhood and old age. The discussed proverbs vividly illustrate prevalent prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, hatred and contempt against women in Nepali society. These gendered proverbs disclose the discrimination and prejudice on gender issues from birth onwards. The proverbs expose the men’s negative and aversive attitude, assumptionsand psyche towards women. Patriarchal ideology determines ‘good women’ or ‘bad women’; men and patriarchal women expect women should follow the traditional gender roles. Through the gendered proverbs, the patriarchal psyche is palpable as it seeks to subjugate women. This research will aware people, especially the new generation, about the misconceptions of gender in Nepali society, and motivate them not to use those gender discriminatory proverbs for the gender equality and reverence of women.

Women under the Panchayat Regime: Parijat’s Under the Sleepless Mountain as a Feminist Project

The representation of the female in Nepali fiction has been a fascinating subject for critics. This paper examines the representational position of the women as projected in Parijat’s Under the Sleepless Mountain. In this novel, the novelist critiques the patriarchal society’s treatment to women in a different social structure. Parijat’s female characters are projected as suffering and marginalized people of the Nepali society around the student’s revolution of the early 1980s. Other issues raised in this paper focus on students and subaltern characters who are treated badly as they raise voice against the oppressive Panchayat system and other kinds of dominance. She writes against social wrongs and ill intended human activities. She exposes the character’s desire for freedom, individuality and equal rights. Thus, the objective of this study is to find out the answers to whether the suffering of women, laborers and students are concretely represented in her novel or not. In this paper, this researcher explores the issues around the plight of the female, which are interpreted from the feminist perspective. The relevant feminist notions developed by the feminist critics such as Sidonie Smith, Julia Watson, Catherine Belsey and Susan Bassnett have been adopted for textual analysis as a methodological tool. This paper concludes that the gender discrimination and political disharmony are the major obstacles to women upliftment.

SCENARIO OF FEMALE TRAFFICKING IN NEPAL

Nepal is poor country situated between two large countries. Emoloyment opportunity is highly challenging in Nepal. All the goods and commodities are brought from foreign land. Urbanization and privatization is slow in Nepal. In this context, the Nepali society is highly dependent. On the other hand foreign employment, urban stay, better life are main ambiguous of Nepali society. Illegal brokers trapped rural female by saying to manage all above things and fake documents. Female trafficking in Nepal due to their own relatives in periphery of Kathmandu. The main cause of female trafficking are poverty, unemployment, high ambiguous, better life, search of job opportunity, dwell in town. Copy other faction, unawareness, easily trust in other, family careless and weak state. The government does not initiate or lead efforts for rescue and rehabilitation. Nearly all of the interviewees said that people had a bad impression of them when they returned to society. Weak state means weak policy implementation. In Nepal, there is a lot of girl trafficking.

A Brief Study on Abortion in Adolescent Girl-Students in Kathmandu Valley

Nepali girl-students of the adolescent age group adopt abortion services in justifiable as well as in unethical ways in the verge of career-making in their study and jobs. There are many responsible factors for abortion deed in Nepali society like the negative impact of social media-internet services, globalization, migration, poverty, legal facility for abortion, and so on. This act has adverse effects on their physical health and performance those who adopt this. This research work objectifies the perception and the attitude of such adolescent girl-students in Kathmandu Valley. To ascertain the study accurate, this research work mentions particular data from Kathmandu Valley as primary sources and also some secondary sources from Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) and others. It further consults Karl Marx's views as well as the psychoanalytic perspective of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Sigmund Freud as the theoretical tools, and the ideas of David Pavon-Cuellar on Marxist-psychoanalytic theory in the relevant context of the data used in this article suitably in the Nepalese context. It follows sharply the quasi-experimental method of writing from the library's text to the internet and also the field work. Historically, the Nepali adolescent girl-students mostly are aware of abortion than the previous time; they have a legal idea about it, its facilities, and its process now. This research shows that there are majority of such Nepali adolescent girl-students in an urban area, even in Kathmandu city, who use abortion knowingly or unknowingly causing their health poor with poor performance and ruining their career so, it is helpful for the stakeholders to work on the issue raised here.

Social Practices (Reform) Act, 2033 (1976) of Nepal in light of Jurisprudence

The paper delves and critically analyze the concept of Volksgeist in Nepali society concerning the Social Practices (Reform) Act, 2033 (1976) and conducts a comparative analysis with the proposed draft bill, tracing the evolving Volksgeist. Ultimately, the paper concludes that jurisprudentially, laws can be categorized as either obeyed or transgressed, with Savigny’s Volksgeist doctrines providing insight into the reasons for transgressions. It advocates for a self-realization approach in addressing social matters, aligning with Volksgeists perspective of law as a biological and evolutionary phenomenon.

Son Preference and Socialization in Nepali Society

Son Preference and Socialization in Nepali Society