Tharu Community Research Articles

Labour migration: a socio-cultural factor for social transformation in Banke district, Nepal

This study deals with labour migration as a sociocultural factor to transform society and improve human livelihoods. It explores how social transformation is reshaping social systems, social identities, social patterns and practices. Labour migration has been a top choice and household strategy for improving living standards and social status. This study responds to how labour migration is affecting local ethnic communities, in particular, Tharu communities, and how the process of social transformation is restructuring social practices, social identities, social values and norms. This study primarily uses qualitative methods to gain a deeper understanding of the social transformation restructuring social, cultural and political aspects in the Tharu community. It approaches social transformation to examine the later social structures and human mobilities. The findings clearly show the processes of social transformation reforming the residents’ living standards through the receipts of remittances and technological goods and services. Social identities are also reformed with a realisation of social integration. The socioeconomic status of the migrants’ families has significantly improved. In addition, the existing social practices namely Kamaiyas (Bonded Labourers) and Sukumbasi (Slums) are removed from the Tharu communities. This study can contribute to the government and non-government-led development programs and projects as well as implement new policies and strategies to address migration-related issues in contemporary societies of Nepal and indeed in other regions of the world.

Caste and Construction of a Tharu Subjectivity in Resham Chaudhary's Selected Novels

This paper studies the role of caste, community, and culture in the formation of Tharu subjectivity in Resham Chaudhary's novels Chirphar (Breakdown), Bandhuwa Kamaiya, and Hidden Stories from Prison. Tharu subjectivity in Chaudhary's novels has been represented as the culturally distinguished, however, socio-politically oppressed body. Chaudhary's narratives mention his experiences of the time when Kamaiya system was in practice. Chaudhary discusses Kamaiya Tharus as the most acute representation of social status of Tharu community. The text primarily makes commentary on the shaping of Tharu subjectivity in his community. The author critically delves into the historical growth of the community, dividing it into Landlord Tharu and Kamaiya Tharu. Furthermore, the author becomes critical of his own community in terms of upbringing and social interaction. He expresses his dissatisfaction with the community's politically depraved conscience. He makes harsh and pitiful comments on the Tharu community's uncaring and self-observed behavior among themselves. The author begins his text by remembering his life-changing experience in America, where he was first advised to return to his own village home and start a movement for promoting the ethnic agency of his community. Chaudhary's autobiographical novels also assort memories of different periods of his exiled life in India. Hence, the paper assesses that the author has been the victim of his own community's naive and unwitting socio-political structure and the depraved Tharu subjectivity is formed by the depraved socio-political conscience of its community

Evaluating material characteristics of earthen material used in traditional construction in Nepal

About 50% of the construction industry is perceived to heavily rely on cement and concrete as primary building materials. However, this practice contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, thus exacerbating global warming and climate change. With approximately 30% of the world's population residing in mud or adobe homes, the current construction approach could have dire consequences when striving to meet future housing demands. While the concept of building with earth is not novel, it demands a fresh perspective. Clay, sand, and silt, when employed as construction materials, possess tremendous potential within the construction field. This potential can be fully realized if we revitalize this age-old technique through the application of modern scientific approaches and knowledge. Thus, it becomes imperative to scrutinize the relevance of traditional earth-based construction practices in addressing the housing crisis using sustainable and ecologically friendly building methodologies.In this study, lime, rice husk ash (RHA), and even unconventional materials like elephant dung (as fibers) have been employed as binding agents. Their impact has been evaluated on soil compositions (comprising 80.2% silt, 16.1% clay, and 3.7% sand), as practiced by the Tharu Community in Nepal. The findings from the tests reveal that soil blocks with a lime-to-RHA ratio of 2:1 exhibit a compressive strength of 0.44 MPa, while an RHA-to-lime ratio of 2:1 results in a compressive strength of 0.63 MPa after a 28-day curing period.[copyright information to be updated in production process]

Nutrition status between Tharu and Dalit children under 5 years at Rupandehi, Nepal

The aims of this study was to find out and compare the nutritional status between Tharu and Dalit community of Butwal Sub-metropolitan city, ward no15 Rupandehi District, Nepal. Quantitative and comparative types of research designs were used to collect the first hand data. 150 (75/75) children were taken as sample for the study using random sampling method. The interview schedule was applied as research tools to collect the primary data and information from the mothers of the children. Likewise, weighting machine and Shaker measuring tape were used as measuring instruments. Gomez and Water-low classification was used to analyze the data. The raw data was treated by SPSS version 20 [Mean, Standard Deviation, 'Z' test]. In the study area, the Dalit community was found more backward in education in comparison to Tharu community. The practice of nutritional behaviors in colostrum’s feeding and immunization were found quite good among the respondents. The present study concludes that the level of nutrition status between Tharu and Dalit community children did not have any significant difference due to the low impact of socio-economic factors.

Ethnobotany of Medicinal Plants Used by Kathariya (Tharu) Community in Kailali District, Nepal

This study aims to document the traditional knowledge on medicinal use of plants by Kathariya (Tharu) community in Kailali district. Kathariya is one of the sub-group of the Tharu community whose culture and language is slightly different from other sub-groups. Traditional healers Guruwa of Kathariya community from five study sites viz. Sisaiya, Tappa, Udasipur, Pawera and Joshipur of Kailali were identified as key informants. Exploratory research design was adopted and interview method was used to collect the primary information through Semi-structured open-ended questionnaire. Altogether 70 species of plants used for medicinal purposes were documented. Sixteen species were found useful in cuts, wounds and swelling which is one of ten health issues categorized in the present study. Thirteen and Twelve species were recorded to be used in abdominal disorders and skin diseases respectively. The community usually mixes powder in measurement of two and half grains of each Barley and Black Pepper during preparations of medicine for oral route of consumption. Based on habit, highest number of plant species belongs to herbs (30 species). Among five study sites, highest number of species was recorded in Udasipur with 35 species. Regarding the parts of plant used, roots and leaves were found to be used often equally, which were represented by 24 species each. Achyranthes aspera, Euphorbia hirta, Azadirachta indica and Clerodendrom infortunatum were the most frequently used species. This study generated preliminary but crucial information which may open the avenue for utilization of biological resources. Further research leading to bio-prospecting is needed to utilize these resources.

Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants of Tharu Ethnic-community of Banke District, Mid-Western Nepal

The present study had been conducted in the Tharu community of Rapti-Sonari and Duduwa Rural Municipalities of Banke district, which is rich in tradition, culture and ethnobotanical knowledge. The main aim of this study was to document the native medicinal plants and their uses in the treatment of human ailments/problems among the Tharu community of Banke, District. This study was carried out in March, 2021. The ethnomedicinal data were collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaire interview with 20 key informants, older peoples, local healers, and Guruwas. Altogether 28 traditionally used medicinal plants species were recorded belonging to 27 genera and 21 families, among them Fabaceae was the most dominant family. The most frequently used plants parts were leaves and juice which is the most widely preferred mode of remedy. Older peoples, Guruwa and the traditional healers have high knowledge on the medicinal plants and their uses as compared to younger. Different parts of the same plant species were used for the treatment of more than one ailment using a different mode of remedies; it means single plant species was used in the treatment of multiple ailments. Further study should also be carried out on the documented plant species from study area to utilize them in drug development.

Factors Associated with Utilization of Modern Family Planning Methods among Married Women of Tharu Community of Madhuwan Municipality in Bardiya District of Nepal

INTRODUCTION: The use of modern family planning methods varies by province in Nepal from a low of 37% in Province 4 to a high of 49% in Province 3 There is no previous study has documented on the factors associated with utilization of modern family planning methods among married women of Tharu community in Bardiya district of Nepal, so this study is expected to provide information on influencing factors and hindering factors for utilization of family planning methods and its prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Community based cross-sectional to find out factors associated with utilization of modern family planning method among married women of Tharu community of Madhuwan Municipality in Bardiya district of Nepal. Multistage cluster sampling was adopted. Sample size was calculated as 383. Face-to-face interview technique was adopted to collect data. Chi-square test was applied. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among all respondents (n=383), the current users of modern family planning methods were 72.3%. More than one fourth (28.7%) of the respondents were currently using sterilization family planning method. DMPA, OCP, Implant, Condom and IUCD current users were 17%, 10.7%, 8.6%, 4.4% and 2.9% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Finding showed that most of the respondents were using female sterilization FP method which was only available at hospital or camp setting. So, the government should manage such an environment for family planning so that it is easily accessible to every desired couple.

Women’s autonomy and its effect on antenatal care visits among Tharu women of reproductive age (15-49) of Khairahani Municipality, Nepal

Women's autonomy in health care decision-making is enormously essential for improved maternal and child health outcomes and women's empowerment. This study examines women's autonomy and its effect on antenatal care (ANC) visits among the women of the Tharu community of Khairahani municipality, Chitwan. The probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling technique was adapted for sample estimation in each selected ward. A list of all the Tharu households in the community was prepared from which 294 women were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Univariate, bivariate (Chisquare test), and multivariate analyses (binary logistic regression) were performed. One-fifth of women were youths aged 15-24 (mean 27.8 years). One out of ten women was illiterate, and about two-thirds (65%) were involved in agriculture. More than two in five women (42%) did not have autonomy. Women's autonomy, age group, educational status, occupational status, and husband's occupational status were significantly associated with antenatal care visits. A significantly high number of women (p<0.001) who had high autonomy (89%), compared with those who had no autonomy (65%), used ANC services for their last birth. Women with low autonomy and high autonomy were three times (OR=3.05; 95% CI=1.01-8.5) and 4.5 times (OR=4.5; 95% CI 2.3-8.6) more likely to utilize ANC visits than those who had no autonomy. Women's autonomy in healthcare decision-making, household purchases, and money expenditure were significantly associated with the use of antenatal care visits. Women's participation in the decision-making process regarding health care and household matters should be focused on and increased for better utilization of antenatal care services.

Knowledge and DdeI Based Confirmation of Sickle Cell Anemia Among the Tharu Community.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder caused due to a point mutation at the sixth codon of the ?-globin gene of both alleles. Sickle cell traits occur when the mutation is in one of the two alleles of the ?-globin genes. This study was carried out in the Tharu community, which is an indigenous and minority group mostly residing in the Terai region of Nepal. They are also considered as the most vulnerable group for inheriting Sickle cell anemia. Purposive sampling, which included 130 Tharu individuals of Kanchanpur district of Nepal, was considered for the study. The survey was conducted using a descriptive questionnaire that contained relevant information including the family history of Sickle cell anemia. This was followed by the analysis of blood samples to determine the prevalence of Sickle cell anemia and Sickle cell traits. Primer-mediated enzymatic amplification of target sequences in genomic DNA followed by restriction endonuclease assay with an enzyme DdeI was carried out for the confirmation. Among 130 individuals, only 55.4% had basic knowledge about Sickle cell anemia. After screening for sickle cell anemia from 60 participants, 27 (45%) of them were found to be in the heterozygous state (carrier, Hb AS) and 28 (46.7%) were in the homozygous (normal, AA Hb) state with 5 (8.3%) having the diseased hemoglobin (Hb SS) variant of Sickle cell anemia. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of Sickle cell anemia and Sickle cell traits in the Tharu community. This study may be beneficial for concerned personnel policymakers to reduce sickle cell cases by improving genetic literacy among the Tharu community.

Household Vulnerability to Flood Disasters among Tharu Community, Western Nepal

Monsoon floods are frequent in the Tarai region of Nepal and claim thousands of lives and substantial numbers of properties every year. Certain human activities are more affected than others in the case of the same hazard. This study analyzes vulnerability to flooding among Tharu households. Data were collected by employing household surveys, group discussions, and key informant interviews in the Thapapur Village Development Committee (VDC) of Kailali district, western Tarai, Nepal. The analysis presented in this study is based on the theory that underpins the pressure and release (PAR) and access models. The results show that Tharu people are the major inhabitants in the study area and they prefer to live within their community; many ex-bonded laborers (marginalized people) choose this location for residence. Human causalities have been reduced in recent years due to easy access to cell phones, which has facilitated effective flood warnings with suitable lead times, but agriculture production loss and other losses are still high. Agricultural land is not only an important natural asset but is also considered a financial asset due to its high price and private ownership. The study concludes that subsistence agriculture-based households with small landholding sizes and less income diversification are highly vulnerable to flooding. Improper resettlement of ex-bonded laborers and land fragmentation due to separation of family members are the most prominent factors resulting in small landholdings. The results can guide government authorities to develop proper flood management strategies for the people living in the lowlands (particularly the Tarai region) of Nepal.

Life Cycle Rituals among the Rana Tharus of Far Western Nepal

This article focuses on the life cycle rituals of the Rana Tharu community of Far Western Terai. The Rana Tharus are one of the significant ethnic groups mostly concentrated in Kailali and Kanchanpur district of Far West region of Nepal. The objective of this study was to explore the life cycle rituals of the Rana Tharus. For this purpose, the Rana Tharu community of Kalagaudhi and Kalwapur village in Shukalaphanta Municipality, Kanchanpur district was selected as a study area. The research tools of this phenomenological qualitative research design include semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, informal discussion, observation and oral histories in data collection. This study narrates the life cycle rituals performed by the Rana Tharus elucidating peculiar type of death ritual Ghada (Sharaddha) performed only by the Rana Tharus. This death ritual is organized only after the death of the family member. In this ritual, a dummy prepared for the deceased person and the relatives of the deceased mourns for the night assuming dummy as the corpse of deceased person. The various social-cultural institution, traditions and practices followed by the Rana Tharus have developed social solidarity and cooperation among the Rana Tharus and have functioned properly for the maintenance of the livelihood of the Rana Tharus. The performance of life cycle rituals among the Rana Tharus has become a structure and system among them and is becoming an instrument of identity construction.

The Performance of Jhumra as the Tharu Folk Ballad: A Study in Angst and Eco-Romance

This paper critically unravels the themes of Jhumra folk dance-songs of Dangaura Tharu of Nepal. On its interpretation, it discusses the imaginative representation of nature and human relationship in Jhumra songs appropriating the notions of the folklore performance of Richard Schechner and Alan Dundes. The paper appropriates Tharu Jhumra dance songs: Chhaila To, Jone Panah Gaili, Baigam Ture and Karam Lage Aag voiced by Mani Ram Tharu. The songs reflect the romantic fantasy and the suffering of the folks. Jhumra serves as the distinct dance repeatedly performed by the community throughout the year. Along with this, the brief reference of Robert Burns has also been fetched to spell out the modern revival and revisualization of folklores by the medium of YouTube and other commercial online platforms. Jhumra songs comprise the lyrics that romanticize and de-romanticize nature with the human–nature union. I have used Schechner's idea of performance as the way of life to signify the eco-centric romance of Tharu community. Schechner believes that performance is embedded in everydayness of each activity that a folk performs. This research will help to assimilate the eco-friendly nature of Tharu ethnicity and other different ethnicities of Nepal urging us to be more eco-conscious individuals.

Ethnobotanical importance of Asteraceae plants among Tharu tribe in Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India

Background: Uttarakhand, a hilly state of northern India is gifted with unique natural beauty, rich biodiversity and great ethnic diversity. Asteraceae is the largest dicot family in the state and its several species are utilized by Tharu tribes for their livelihood. The present study was aimed to explore and document the ethnobotanical importance of Asteraceae plants used by Tharu community. Methods: The study area was visited frequently and a total of 104 Tharu informants from 11 villages were interviewed with the help of a semi structured questionnaire. Collected plant specimens were identified and processed for herbarium in the laboratory. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using Use value (UV) and Factor informant consensus (Fic). Results: A total of 51 plants belonging to 38 genera under 12 tribes of Asteraceae family were found to be useful among Tharu people. Most of the species (50.98%) were noted to be used for curing various diseases. They use several plants for fodder (33.33%), ornament (27.45%), veterinary medicines (9.80%), social ceremonies (5.88%), and other purposes (13.72%) too. Quantitative analysis of data shows that Tagetes erecta has the highest use value (0.9423) followed by Ageratum houstonianum (0.4615) and Eclipta prostrata (0.3653). Maximum homogeneity was recorded in constipation, earache, eye disorders, heat stroke, infertility, paralysis, fuel and food. Conclusions: The present study concludes that several Asteraceae plants have high use value and play an important role in Tharu’s daily life. The recorded precious ethnobotanical data with UV and Fic analysis will be useful to the future researchers for further phytochemical, pharmacological, conservation and other studies. Keywords: Asteraceae, Tharu, Ethnobotany, Udham Singh Nagar.

Status of Sickle Cell Disease Among Tharu Population In Banke District of Nepal.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is prevalent in malaria-endemic areas because the gene for sickle cell provides its carrier with resistance against malaria. In Nepal, malaria is prevalent in Terai, hence the susceptibility of SCD is high in this region. Being indigenous to the Terai, thousands of people in the Tharu communities of the Banke districting Nepal are believed to have suffered from sickle cell disease. The objective of this study was to find out the status of sickle cell disease among the Tharu population of Banke district, Nepal. A cross-sectional, experimental study was performed among systematically randomly selected 275 samples from 3 Village Development Committee (VDCs). All the samples were first screened for the presence of sickle hemoglobin using the sickle solubility test method in Bheri Zonal Hospital. Then all sickle solubility positive samples were further processed for alkaline hemoglobin electrophoresis by using Interlab GenioS electrophoresis instrument. Out of a total 275 samples, 33 (12.0%) samples were confirmed as sickle solubility test positive. Among which, sickle cell trait was the most common disorder found grossing to 81.8%, followed by homozygous sickle cell disease; (15.2 %). One case (3.0%) of compound heterozygous sickle beta-thalassemia was also found.The Males were found to be more affected than females with ratio of 1.4:1.1. The highest frequency of SCD was found to be in 11-20 age groups comprising about 36.4%. Dangaura Tharu (51.5%) was the most common ethnic group with this disorder. The findings of this study indicate SCD is prevalent among the Tharu population in Banke district of Province-5, Nepal.

Agricultural Biodiversity and its Contribution to Food Security: A Case Study in Tharu Community, Chitwan, Nepal

Agricultural Biodiversity and its Contribution to Food Security: A Case Study in Tharu Community, Chitwan, Nepal

Prevalence of anemia among reproductive-age females in the Tharu tribe of the Indo-Nepal border region.

ABSTRACTBackground:India shares the largest number of anemia patients globally. Anemia in reproductive-age female, affects not only the maternal mortality and morbidity but inversely affect the pregnancy outcome also. Tribals in India are geographically isolated and most of them belong to very low socio-economic status. Regarding Tharu tribes, to date, there is no study to find the prevalence of anemia in this community.Aim:We aim to find the prevalence of anemia in the reproductive-age female of the Tharu community. Additionally, we also accessed the severity and possible causes of anemia.Materials and Methods:A total of 440 reproductive age females from the Tharu community were recruited in this study from Tharu predominant Tulsipur tehsil of Balrampur district on 8 December 2019. CBC of each sample was performed by a 3-part basic hematology analyzer.Results:The mean (SD) hemoglobin level of the study group observed was 11.11 (±1.96) gm/dl with a median value of 11.3 gm/dl. Prevalence of anemia was noted in 283 (64.32%) participants. Amongst the anemic subjects, mild, moderate, and severe anemia was noted in 33.57%, 57.24%, and 9.19%, respectively. Microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemia was noted in 53.00%, 44.88%, and 2.12%, respectively.Conclusion:The high prevalence of mild and moderate anemia in reproductive-age women is a matter of concern and should be dealt with priority. Community-based screening for hemoglobinopathies is also needed to evaluate the actual cause of anemia.

Awareness on mental illness among adults of Tharu community in Nepal: evidence from a cross-sectional study

Awareness on mental illness among adults of Tharu community in Nepal: evidence from a cross-sectional study

Assessment of Factors Associated with Indoor Air Pollution using Multinomial Logistic Regression: A Case Study of Barbardiya Municipality

Background: Indoor air pollution (IAP) is a major risk factor of acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Most of the households in rural Nepal still depend upon biomass fuel. Associations between socio-economic variables and IAP can be captured using different statistical models.
 Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine association between IAP condition with socio-economic and demographic factors across the households of Barbardiya municipality, Bardiya, Nepal.
 Material and Methods: Based upon the primary data of 370 households, association between IAP condition (high, moderate, low) with socio-economic and demographic variables (Ethnicity, education level, income, family size, land size etc.) were established using multinomial logistic regression model. 
 Results: Descriptive analysis revealed that almost 21% of the households were exposed to high (sever) IAP, 41% to low and rest (38%) were moderate. Fitted model predicted that the odds ratio of socio-economic variables like Ethnicity: Tharu community relative to Bhramin/Chhetri community was 2.5 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.08 -5.78), household head’s education level: illiterate relative to literate was 8.21 (95% CI: 3.30-59.54), family’s monthly income: ≤ NRs 30000 relative to > NRs 30000 was 2.38 (95% CI: 1.10-5.16) considering high with respect to low IAP.
 Conclusion: Households of Tharu community have significant proportion of high and moderate levels of IAP (or household air pollution) compared to other ethnic groups. Literacy status of household head also have an association with IAP along with several other factors. Various methods can be adopted to reduce IAP which was recommended to concerned authorities.

Relation of Financial Literacy with Financial Attitude and Financial Behavior among Tharu Woman Small Borrowers

Tharu are an ethnic group indigenous to the Terai region of Nepal stretching from east to west low-land of Nepal. The Tharu communities are normally residing in most of the districts of the Terai belt of Nepal. The paper tries to find out the relationship between financial literacy with financial attitude and financial behavior among the Tharu community women of Nepal. Hence, the paper has conducted a survey among the Tharu women living at Nawlapur District of Gandaki Province of Nepal. The paper found that Tharu women who are in a saving group, mainly focused on income saving and looking for an opportunity cost. Similarly, Tharu women associated with a saving group, are mainly concerned with the utilization of the credit, they had taken and worked for the repayment of the credit in time. The study also found that financial literacy has highly influenced financial behavior among Tharu women of Nepal. At the same time, the level of financial literacy is not seen as highly influencing the financial attitude among the Tharu women of Nepal.

Practice of Dramatic Performance in Barka Dance

Barka dance is one of the greatest dramatic performances of Tharu Culture. This traditional Tharu dance is performed to keep locals safe from danger and diseases. Barka, which literally translates to ‘big’ in the Tharu language is based on the tales of the Mahabharata and TharuLokMahabharat, Barkimar. The dance, which is carried out from the day of Krishna Janmasthami to Tihar is performed after a long cultural and religious procedure. Condensed versions of this dance are frequently performed during different festivals and fairs. The complete dance requires worshipping different gods and goddesses. They need more than 3o artists to perform the Barka dance. Every character performs a different role according to the story of Mahabharata. They tell the whole story through songs and performance of the characters. It is very important to perform drama in Barka dance for the Tharu community. They learn the message of the story easily watching the performance rather than telling the story. So it is a very traditional practice in the Tharu community. This dance is at risk of extinction because of its time, cost and lack of artists.