The
Magars are an indigenous ethnic group of
NepalNepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
whose homeland extends from the western and southern edges of the
DhaulagiriDhaulagiri is Earth's seventh highest mountain at ; one of fourteen over eight thousand metres. Dhaulagiri was first climbed May 13, 1960 by a Swiss/Austrian expedition....
section of the high Himalayas range south to the prominent Mahabharat foothill range and eastward into the
GandakiGandaki may refer to:*Gandaki River, Nepal*Gandaki Zone, Nepal...
basin. In
NepalNepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
, there are a good number of people who identify themselves as Magar people. Representing 7.14% of
NepalNepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
’s population according to the 2001 census, this is the largest
indigenousIndigenous peoples are ethnic groups that are defined as indigenous according to one of the various definitions of the term, there is no universally accepted definition but most of which carry connotations of being the "original inhabitants" of a territory....
group in Nepal. According to the 2001 census, 74.60% of ethnic Magar were Hindus and 24.47% were
BuddhistsBuddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
.
The Magars are divided into 7 major groups as: Thapa, Ale, Rana, Budhathoki, Roka, Gharti, and Pun. All Magar clans intermarry one with the other and are officially of equal social standing. Because of the geographical position of their country, the Magars were amongst the first to receive immigrants from the plains of India. It follows, therefore, that a great number of their customs and ceremonies conform very closely to those of the Hindus of India. The Brahmans first found their way into Nepal amongst the multitudes of Indians, fleeing before the Muslim invasion in the twelfth century. They were the first to convert the local peoples to
HinduismHinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
. It is clear that the Brahmans found in their new mountain homes many willing converts; yet a large number refused to adopt the new faith. To the former the Brahmans granted the sacred thread, but to the latter they denied it; hence there sprang up such tribes as Rokas, Thapas, Budhathokis, Ranas, Ghartis, and so on, names which are today found amongst the clans of both the Chettris/Kshatriyas and Magars.
Nothing whatever is known of the early history of the Magars. The first mention of them is the fact that in AD 1100, the Magar King of Palpa and Butwal, Mukunda Sen, invaded and conquered the Nepal (Kathmandu) valley. It is always understood, however, that they have resided round about Palpa from time immemorial and that they were probably the earliest settlers from the north. This part of the country was formerly divided into twelve districts, each under its own ruler, being known as the
Barah, or twelve
Magarant or twelve
Thams, the members of each supposedly being of common extraction in the male line. Some records show these twelve areas as being
ArghaArgha is a town in Arghakhanchi District in the Lumbini Zone of southern Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 8,248 and had 1712 houses in the village....
, Gulmi, Isma, Musikot, Khanchi, Ghiring, Rising,
BhirkotBhirkot may refer to:*Bhirkot, Gorkha, Nepal*Bhirkot, Tanahu, Nepal*Bhirkot, Janakpur, Nepal...
, Payung, Garhung, Dhor and Satung, but it is probable that some of the latter places should have been excluded in favour of
Palpa-Village Development Committee :*Archale*Argali*Bahadurpur*Bakamalang*Baldengadhi*Bandi Pokhara*Barangdi old name archale barangdi name came from barandi khola on the bank of this river the famous rani mahal is situated*Bhairabsthan*Bhuwan...
, Galkot, Dhurkot, Char Hajar Parbat and even
Piuthan-External links:*...
and
SalyanSalyan is a raion of Azerbaijan. Its capital is Salyan. It lays adjacent to the Kura River. To the north are several productive oilfields operated by the Salyan Oil company. It also comprises most of the Shirvan National Park....
.
The Magars of middle and western Nepal lay claim to an exciting 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). Hamilton, during his research in Nepal in 1802, came to a conclusion that all the kings of 24 principalities including Sen King of Palpa in the Western Nepal were Magars. Magars believe that they have the same origins as the Thakuris and vice versa. It is believed that many of the aristocracy among Magars assumed and acquired the Thakuri caste and status. In recent years many scholars and historians claimed that Nepal's former ruling Shah kings were the descendants of Magar Kings of the Barah Magarath/Kali Gandaki Region. The 18th-century king,
Prithvi Narayan ShahPrithvi Narayan Shah, King of Nepal was the first king of the House of Shahs to rule Nepal. He is credited for starting the campaign for a unified Nepal, which had been divided and weakened under Malla confederacy. He was the ninth generation descendant of Dravya Shah , the founder of the ruling...
, the founder of the modern Kingdom of Nepal announced himself as a Magar king. According to Hamilton, Mincha and Khancha Khan, the forefathers of former Shah kings of Nepal, were of Magar descent.
Baburam AcharyaBaburam Acharya was a Nepalese historian and literary scholar who coined the name Sagarmatha , for the mountain better known as Mount Everest or Chomolungma or Quomolungma ....
, the most prominent historian of Nepal, also confirmed that Nepal's former Shah kings were the descendents of Magar Kings.
Many prominent historians of Nepal have claimed that Aramudi, 8th Century ruler of Kali Gandaki Region, was a Magar King. "Aramudi" is named after the
Magar languageNot to be confused with the Magyar language, known in English as HungarianMagar मगर भाषा Magar bhasa is a language spoken in parts of Nepal and Sikkim in India by Magar people. It is divided into two groups: Eastern and Western, and further dialect divisions give distinct tribal identity...
. 'Ari'-'Source of Water' + 'Modi'-'River'='Arimodi' or 'Aramudi', thus the literal meaning of Aramudi is 'source of river'.Jayapida [782-813 AD] whose other name was Vinayaditta, a king of
KashmirKashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range...
, invaded Kali Gandaki Region, a traditional homeland of the Magars of Nepal. Aramudi resisted the invasion and virtually defeated Jayapida. After capture by Aramudi, he was taken to the right banks of the Kali Gandaki river, in a strongly built fort, where Aramudi imprisoned him. Jayapida was a powerful king of Kashmir who ruled for 31 years and defeated the kings of Kanyakubja(Kannauj), and Prayag/
AllahabadAllahabad , or Settled by God in Persian, is a major city of India and is one of the main holy cities of Hinduism. It was renamed by the Mughals from the ancient name of Prayaga , and is by some accounts the second-oldest city in India. It is located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh,...
in Utter Pradesh,
IndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. He was in a conquering expedition to the valley of the Ganges.
Origin
Genetically and physically, Magar people are Mongoloid/east Asian. They are believed to have migrated from Tibet like the
GurungThe Gurung people, also called Tamu, are an ethnic group that migrated from Mongolia in the 6th century to the central region of Nepal. Gurungs, like other east Asian featured peoples of Nepal such as Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Magar, Manaaggi, Mustaaggi, and Walunggi, are the indigenous people of...
s and other prominent ethnic groups, however, there is an interesting mythical story describing Magar’s origins and versions of three different language groups are presented.
The origin of the Magar of the Bara Magaranth (twelve Magar kingdoms east of the Kaligandaki River) is that in the land known as Seem there lived a tribe of people. There were two brothers named See Magar and Chintoo Magar who began to have differences. As a result, one stayed back and the other headed south and after a series of migrations reached the place called Kangwachen. This is in southern Sikkim on whose northern end lived the Bhutia people while at the bottom or southern end settled these Magar immigrants. As the years passed the Magars became very powerful and made the northern Bhutia their vassals. At this time the Magar king named Sintoo Sati Sheng (shang) ruled in a very despotic manner and the northern bhutia conspired and assassinated him. Later on the queen of this king took revenge and poisoned 1000 Bhutia people at a place called Tong Song Fong, meaning "where a thousand were murdered." But later on, the Bhutia won and so the Magar had to again migrate further south and from there they moved in all directions among which one group migrated to Simrongadh. They are believed to have moved towards the Bara Magarnth area of Palpa, Gulmi, Dhor, Gherung, etc. One group moved towards the Okhaldhunga region and another group seems to have returned to the east. No dates are given.
A second Magar federation called Ather Magarat (18 Magar Kingdoms) was situated west of the Kaligandaki River, inhabited by
Kham MagarKham Magar and Northern Magar are descriptive terms invented by academic linguists and anthropologists for a nationality in the Middle Hills of mid-western Nepal inhabiting highlands extending through eastern Rukum and northern Salyan, Rolpa and Pyuthan Districts in Rapti Zone as well as adjacent...
. They have a different origin legend. There were four brothers, so says the legend, and one day they went hunting but got lost. They camped at a place and distributed the chores to do. From these four brothers the various jats or tribes emanated. The first tribe was the Bahun Magar (the eldest brother’s tribe), then came the Thakuri Magar (the second eldest brother), then the Khas Magar (the third brother) and lastly the Kami Magar (the youngest brother). Thus the Khas Magar became the Kham Magar of today, it is said.
The Tarali Magar are said to have originated from the union of a male whose mother had fled the region of Jumla during a war of the Kalyal kings there. It is not known who her spouse was but she is said to have arrived at Tarakot in a very pregnant condition and given birth to this boy. One day the boy saw a strange phenomenon in the jungle lake where he went with his cattle. The lake was alleged to be filled with milk and surrounded by a large forest. The boy spotted seven shining creatures like fairies bathing in the waters of the lake. He was enthralled and came to observe them daily. One day he told his mother about this strange sight and she advised him to touch the youngest of these angels so that she would became human and thus he would be able to marry her. This happened and the boy brought the beautiful damsel to his mother, but when they asked her who she was she replied in a tongue, which was incomprehensible for them. The devi was offered some bread and she uttered the words "Tai khe nan." Slowly they began to learn the language of this woman and Kaike was spread among themselves. The language was called Kaike, meaning language of the Gods.
Bernard Pignede also collected other texts from various sources that tell the origin of Magar.
In Nepali
One of the texts which was in Nepali came from the east of Nepal where the Rais and Limbus live. It goes as follows: "The Kirati are the oldest inhabitants of Nepal. Soyenbumanu who lived in the land of Hemonta had several children. The second, Thoinua, went off towards Japan. The third went towards Thailand, Burma and Cochin-China. The eldest went towards Tibet and arrived at the northern frontier of India. His name was Munainua. He had ten children: Yoktumba, founder of the Limbus; Yakakowa, founder of the race of Rais; Lunpheba, founder of the Larus; Thanpheba, Suhacepa, founder of the Sunwars (Chepangs, Thamis); Gurupa, founder of the Gurungs; Mankapa, founder of the Magars; Toklokapa, founder of the Thakalis; Tamangs and Sherpas; Thandwas, founder of the Tharus; and of the Danwars. For thirty-three generations, the Kirati governed in Kathmandu."
Sept
It is generally known that in the structure of tribes there are the
septs followed by the
sub-septs; then the
gotra is discerned and so on. Among the Magar people it would be proper to first state that this tribe is not divided into straight clans or septs, but into sub-tribes. This differentiation commences first with the linguistic classification, which means that there are three languages among the Magar people.
Linguistically, these clans can be categorised as follows:
| Language |
Septs |
| Magarkura Not to be confused with the Magyar language, known in English as HungarianMagar मगर भाषा Magar bhasa is a language spoken in parts of Nepal and Sikkim in India by Magar people. It is divided into two groups: Eastern and Western, and further dialect divisions give distinct tribal identity...
speakers |
Ale, Thapa, Rana, singjali, most of magars |
| Khamkura Kham -- narrowly defined -- is a complex of Tibeto-Burman Magaric languages spoken natively in isolated highlands of Rolpa and Rukum districts of Rapti and the westernmost part of Baglung district in Dhaulagiri Zone by western clans of the Magar tribe, called collectively Kham Magar or Northern...
/Magar Pang speakers |
Budha, Gharti, Roka, Pun, Jhankri |
| Kaike speakers |
Tarali Magar of Dolpa/ Budha, Gharti, Rokaya, Jhankri |
Language
Of the 1,622,421 Magar people in
NepalNepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
, 770,116 speak a
Magar languageNot to be confused with the Magyar language, known in English as HungarianMagar मगर भाषा Magar bhasa is a language spoken in parts of Nepal and Sikkim in India by Magar people. It is divided into two groups: Eastern and Western, and further dialect divisions give distinct tribal identity...
as their mother tongue. The
Kham MagarKham Magar and Northern Magar are descriptive terms invented by academic linguists and anthropologists for a nationality in the Middle Hills of mid-western Nepal inhabiting highlands extending through eastern Rukum and northern Salyan, Rolpa and Pyuthan Districts in Rapti Zone as well as adjacent...
of Rapti Zone speak
Kham languageKham -- narrowly defined -- is a complex of Tibeto-Burman Magaric languages spoken natively in isolated highlands of Rolpa and Rukum districts of Rapti and the westernmost part of Baglung district in Dhaulagiri Zone by western clans of the Magar tribe, called collectively Kham Magar or Northern...
. In Dolpa District, the Magar speak Tarali or Kaike language. The Magar languages are rooted in the Bodic branch of the Tibetan family. Magarkura speakers are Ale, Thapa, Singjapati and Rana. Similarly Khamkura speakers are Budha, Gharti, Roka, Pun, Shrees, Jhankri, and Kaike speakers are Tarali Magar of Dolpa/ Budha, Gharti, Roka, Jhankri. Language expert Madhav Pokhrel says that there is 16% similarity between Magar Language and
HungaryHungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
's
Magyar LanguageHungarian is a Uralic language, part of the Ugric group. With some 14 million speakers, it is one of the most widely spoken non-Indo-European languages in Europe....
. The 1971 census put the total population of those who spoke the Magar language at 288,383, i.e. 2.49 percent of the total population of Nepal, of which more than half lived in the Western hills of Nepal.
Influence of Magar on Nepali
Nepali languageNepali or Nepalese is a language in the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family.It is the official language and de facto lingua franca of Nepal and is also spoken in Bhutan, parts of India and parts of Myanmar...
is said to be originated from Khas language that originated in
JumlaJumla can refer to a number of subjects*Mir Jumla, a prominent subahdar of Bengal*Jumla District, one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal*Jumla - a town in Nepal....
and the
Sinja ValleyThe Sinja Valley is located in the Jumla District, Karnali Zone, of Nepal.-Site description:The valley houses the ancient capital city of the Khasa Kingdom that ruled this area from the 12th to the 14th Century. Palaces, temples, and the ancient remains of a settlement were uncovered during...
which later incorporated many words from
SanskritSanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
and
Magar languageNot to be confused with the Magyar language, known in English as HungarianMagar मगर भाषा Magar bhasa is a language spoken in parts of Nepal and Sikkim in India by Magar people. It is divided into two groups: Eastern and Western, and further dialect divisions give distinct tribal identity...
. Many Magar words are used even today, espectially names of rivers, places, mountain peaks. Some are:
- Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri is Earth's seventh highest mountain at ; one of fourteen over eight thousand metres. Dhaulagiri was first climbed May 13, 1960 by a Swiss/Austrian expedition....
(Dhaula-difficult, gi-following down, ri-water)
- Chomolungma (cracked peak)
- Lhotse
Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain on Earth and is connected to Everest via the South Col. In addition to the main summit at 8,516 metres above sea level, Lhotse Middle is and Lhotse Shar is...
(a cone-shaped container made of corn-cob cover)
- Sisne Himal (a fallen head)
- Kanchanjunga (clear peak)
- Koshi (deep), Kali Gandaki/Kali Gandi (dirty water)
- Bheri/Bhiri (river rolling down from a cliff)
- Karnali
The word Karnali can refer to these places in Nepal:*Karnali River*Karnali Zone...
(curved), {(di = water Cf. Sanskrit nadi (na+di)= river}
- Budhi Gandaki/Budi Gan + di (Having a lot of water)
- Bagmati
The Bagmati River is a river of Nepal and India. It flows through the Kathmandu valley and is the river separating Kathmandu from Lalitpur. It is considered a holy river both by Hindus and Buddhists...
/Bangmadi (Bang-meadow suitable for human settlement; madi-river)
- Marsyangdi (serpentine river)
- Kot/Koi (place where government administration is conducted)
- Patan (meadow filled with short grass and small bushes)
- Dhorpatan
Dhorpatan is a village in Baglung District of Nepal, nestled in a large east-west valley south of the Dhaulagiri Himalaya. It is the headquarters of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve...
(Dhor-extended and wide)
- Sinja (sin-wood; ja-pot)
- Galkot/Galkoi (Gal-brave)
- Musikot (musi-a place in the shadow)
- Gorkha
Gurkha are people from Nepal who take their name from the 8th century Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath.Gurkha, Ghurkha, or Gorkha may also refer to:-People:...
/Garkhakoi (a small village)
- Gaam (a big village)
- Ligligkot (a high Kot)
- Rupandehi/Rupadihi (rupa-silver; dihi-field)
- Lumbini
Lumbinī is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. It is the place where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who as the Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist tradition. The Buddha lived between roughly 563 and 483 BCE...
/Lungbingi (lung-stone; bingi-without)
- Chitwan/Chidvan (chid-dense; van-jungle)
- Dang (long)
- Salyan
Salyan is a raion of Azerbaijan. Its capital is Salyan. It lays adjacent to the Kura River. To the north are several productive oilfields operated by the Salyan Oil company. It also comprises most of the Shirvan National Park....
(paved platform for rest)
- Sindhuli/Singdhuli (a heap of ashes)
- Tilaurakot
Tilaurakot was the cardinal point of the ancient Shakyan city of Kapilavastu. It is situated west to Lumbini Grove, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It is a village development committee in Kapilvastu District in the Lumbini Zone of southern Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a...
/Tilawakoi (place selling sesame seed)
- Jhapa (a land full of soil)
- Tansen
Mia Tansen is considered among the greatest composer-musicians in Hindustani classical music. He was an extraordinarily gifted vocalist, known for a large number of compositions, and also an instrumentalist who popularized and improved the rabab .He was among the Navaratnas at the court of the...
/Tansing (Tan-straight; sing-wood/timber)
- Baglung
Baglung, is a town in western Nepal, 275 km west of Kathmandu. It is the administrative headquarters of Baglung District and Dhawalagiri Zone. Baglung is a major business, financial, educational, and healthcare center for the people of Kali Gandaki valley....
/banglung (lung-a - stony)
- Kushma
Kusma is the headquarter of Parbat District, one of a district among 75 districts in Nepal, which lies in the western part of Nepal just about 57 Km away from one of a famous city of Nepal, Pokhara. Kusma falls under Western Development Region and Dhaoolagiri Zone of Nepal.It is located at...
(a confluence)
- Dhankuta
Dhankuta is a hill town of Nepal located along the geographical coordinates- 26° 59' 0" N / 87° 20' 0" E, with about 20,000 inhabitants, located in the Dhankuta District in the eastern part of Nepal. Until about 1963 Dhankuta Bazaar was the administrative headquarters for the whole of...
(place above a cliff)
- Hile (a place that comes immediately after you climb an uphill path)
- Mechi (low flat land)
Some scholars opine that these Magar words are evidence that
Magarat (historic Magar lands) were larger than generally believed, extending from Dhading to
DotiFarwestern region of Nepal is also known as Doti or Doti region. The name Dotigarh has been used in the Jagar . This region is situated between River Kali boarding to the Uttarakhand in the west and Karnali river on the east...
., that the place suffix
Kot indicates a place from which Magar kings formerly ruled.
Religion
The original religions or beliefs of Magar people are
ShamanismShamanism is an anthropological term referencing a range of beliefs and practices regarding communication with the spiritual world. To quote Eliade: "A first definition of this complex phenomenon, and perhaps the least hazardous, will be: shamanism = technique of ecstasy." Shamanism encompasses the...
and
TengriismTengriism is a Central Asian religion that incorporates elements of shamanism, animism, totemism and ancestor worship. Despite still being active in some minorities, it was, in old times, the major belief of Turkic peoples , Bulgars, Hungarians and Mongols...
. In addition to
shamanisticShamanism is an anthropological term referencing a range of beliefs and practices regarding communication with the spiritual world. To quote Eliade: "A first definition of this complex phenomenon, and perhaps the least hazardous, will be: shamanism = technique of ecstasy." Shamanism encompasses the...
and
tengriisticTengriism is a Central Asian religion that incorporates elements of shamanism, animism, totemism and ancestor worship. Despite still being active in some minorities, it was, in old times, the major belief of Turkic peoples , Bulgars, Hungarians and Mongols...
, practices possibly brought from Siberia, is the northern Magar practice
Tibetan BuddhismTibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and India . It is the state religion of Bhutan...
in which their priest is known as Bhusal. The social process of Sanskritization has drawn southern Magar populations to develop a syncretic form of
HinduismHinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
that combines animist and Buddhist rituals. Hindu Magar villagers recognize three classes of priests- Rama, Jaisi and Dhami.
Generally speaking, Buddhist and Hindu practices are practiced among Magars living in contact with Tibetan Buddhists and Indo-Aryan Hindus respectively. They are less evident in Kham hinterlands particularly in rugged 3,000-4,000 meter ranges along the boundary between Rukum and Pyuthan-Rolpa districts. These hinterlands are geographically and therefore culturally isolated from the beaten tracks of transhimalayan trade routes and from rice-growing lowlands colonized by Hindu Indo-Aryans.
Even though a majority of Magars accepted Hindusm as a result of contact with the
KhasOriginally the Khas / Khasas or Khasiyas are the mountain dwellers living in the southern shadow of the Himalayan range from Kashmir to Bhutan, but mostly in Nepal, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, North Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan,...
people, some still worship Buddhist gods and their dead ancestors. They have adopted their own practice of worship. They bury their dead and they have their own belief system regarding life after death (Hitchcock, 1966:25-34). From the perspective of their faith system, they appear as worshippers of nature or as animists. They believe in shamanism and their dhami (the faithhealer or a kind of shaman) is called Dangar and their jhankri (another kind of faithhealer or shaman) is called Rama. The traditional spiritual and social leader of Magars was called Bhusal who was very influential in the early days (Bista, 1996:66). Magars have an informal cultural institution, called Bheja. Bheja 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 (Dhakal, 1996).
Dress and ornaments
The Magar of the low hills wear the ordinary kachhad or wrap-on-loincloth, a bhoto or a shirt of vest and the usual Nepali topi. The women wear the pariya or sari or lunghi, chaubandhi cholo or a closed blouse and the heavy patuka or waistband and the mujetro or shawl like garment on head. The higher altitude Magars wear an additional bhangra and the ones living in Tarakot area even wear the Tibetans chhuba. The ornaments are the madwari on the ears, bulaki on the nose and the phuli on the left nostril, the silver coin necklace and the pote (green beads) with the tilhari gold cylinder and kuntha. Magar males do not wear ornaments but some are seen to have silver or gold 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 imbedded in them and kantha. The bangles of gold 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.
Occupations
Magars traditionally engage in agriculture and in the military. Magars are renowned for their honesty, discipline, motivation and good humour, which account for their military success. Magars constitute the largest number of
Gurkha soldiers outside Nepal. The famous Prime Minister
Bhimsen ThapaBhimsen Thapa was the Prime Minister of Nepal from 1806 to 1837. After his initial rise to become the prime minister of Nepal during the reign of Rana Bahadur, the successive minority of Girvan Yuddha Shah and Rajendra Bikram Shah, along with the support from Maharani Tripurasundari helped him to...
was the descendant of a Magar Thapa, as was also General
Amar Singh ThapaAmar Singh Thapa, also known as "Living lion of Nepal", was the General of the Nepalese forces of western front in the Anglo–Nepalese War. He is regarded as one of the National heroes of Nepal....
. Sarbajit Rana Magar became the head of government for a while in 1776 during the regency of Queen Rajendra Laxmi. Biraj Thapa, General Abhiman Singh Rana Magar and Sarbajit Rana Magar had become Nepal Army chiefs in the past. Biraj Thapa Magar was the very first army chief in Nepal Army's history. Magars are famous as gallant warriors wherever they served in the past. The Magars are prominently represented in Nepal’s military, as well as in the Singapore Police Force, the
BritishThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and
IndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n
GurkhaGurkha are people from Nepal who take their name from the Gorkha District. Gurkhas are best known for their history in the Indian Army's Gorkha regiments, the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas and the Nepalese Army. Gurkha units are closely associated with the kukri, a forward-curving Nepalese knife...
regiments, and they are also employed as professionals in the fields of medicine, education, government service, law, journalism, development, aviation and in business. They can be found doing well in many fields in East Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.
Dor Bahadur Bista's observation of Magar's occupation during 1960s was, "Some of the northernmost Magars have become quite prosperous by engaging in long-range trading that takes them from near the northern border to the Terai, and even beyond to Darjeeling and Calcutta. Were it not for their role in the Gurkha regiments of the Indian and British armies, their self-sufficiency might be endangered." There is no doubt that those great Magars who served in different armies as brave Gurkhas sacrificing their own family life have great contribution for the betterment of Magar community. Toni Hagen, who did his field research of Nepal during the 1950s, has observed about Magars' occupation and race, "Magars possess considerable skill as craftsmen: they are the bridge builders and blacksmiths among the Nepalese, and the primitive mining is largely in their hands. On the lower courses of the Bheri & Karnali rivers, a great number of Magars annually migrate to the Terai & there manufacture bamboo panniers, baskets, and mats for sale in the bazaars along the borders. In their most northerly settlement, on the other hand, the important trading centre of Tarakot on the Barbung river, they have largely adopted their way of life, their clothes, and their religion to that of the Tibetans; like the latter, they also live by the salt trade. As regard race, the Magars have almond-shaped eyes or even open eyes, whereas Mongoloid eyes are very rare." Lt Gen (Retd) Y. M. Bammi (PhD), Indian Army, who served with Gurkhas for many years observes about Magars, "Magars resemble Mongols, and are considered more handsome. However, being the first to have come into contact with immigrants from India, some of their sub-clans have lost their Mongoloid looks."
Mountaineering expeditions
Magars, serving in the British Indian Army in 19th century, were famous in scaling different mountain peaks in India and Alps. Subedar Karbir Budhathoki from 5th Gorkha Rifles (GR) scaled Mount Trishul (23,400 feet) in the Garhwal Hills, Uttarakhand, India. Parbir Thapa, Amarsingh Thapa, Karbir Budhathoki and Harkabir Thapa all from 5th GR accompanied mountaineering expeditions in the Alps on three occasions between 1891 and 1899. Dr Harka Gurung confirmed that Karbir Budhathoki and Amarsingh Thapa were the pioneers of mountaineering expeditions in Nepal's history. They climbed 39 high altitude passes and 21 mountain peaks in 86 days in
KarakoramThe Karakoram, or Karakorum , is a large mountain range spanning the borders between Pakistan, India and China, located in the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan , Ladakh , and Xinjiang region,...
mountain range. Corporal Tejbir Budha from 3rd Gorkha Rifles stayed at Chomolongma/Mt Everest at the height of 7772 metres for two nights in 1922. He was awarded Olympic Medal by French president for his courage in 1927.
Sergeant Till Bikram Budhathoki (Gulmi) from 1/1 GR scaled Mt Everest on 23 May 2001 as a team member of Indian Army Everest Expedition 2001. On the historic occasion of Mt. Everest Golden Jubilee Celebration, three Magars from Nepalese Army scaled Mt. Everest as team members of Indo Nepal Army Everest Massif Expedition. Sergeant Lok Bahadur Magar from Okhaldhunga and Corporal Dutta Bahadur Budha from Gulmi scaled Mt Everest on 22 May 2003 and Gunner Kul Bahadur Ale Magar from Lamjung scaled on 26 May 2003.
Magar Victoria Cross (VC) winners
The Gurkha soldiers showed outstanding courage in all theatres of the two World Wars by winning many decorations, including VCs. Hence, Nepal became famous for her Gurkha soldiers, as much as for Mt Everest. On total, 5 Victoria Crosses (out of 13 VCs awarded to Gurkhas) were awarded to the Magars, who are:
- First World War:
- Rifleman Kulbir Thapa
Kulbir Thapa VC was a first Nepalese recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military award given to British and Commonwealth forces for gallantry in the face of the enemy.He was a Rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Gurkha Rifles, British-Indian Army during the First World War when the...
, the very first Gurkha to win VC in recognition of his valor and bravery. He was from Palpa-Village Development Committee :*Archale*Argali*Bahadurpur*Bakamalang*Baldengadhi*Bandi Pokhara*Barangdi old name archale barangdi name came from barandi khola on the bank of this river the famous rani mahal is situated*Bhairabsthan*Bhuwan...
. He served in 2/3 Gurkha Regiment (GR). He received VC in France in 1915.
- Rifleman Karanbahadur Rana
Karanbahadur Rana VC was a Nepalese 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 Commonwealth forces.-Details:...
, Gulmi, was from 2/3 GR. He received VC in Egypt in 1918.
- Second World War:
- Subedar Lalbahadur Thapa
Lalbahadur Thapa VC was an Nepalese 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 Commonwealth forces....
, Nepal Tara was from 2nd GR. He received VC in Tunisia in 1943.
- Rifleman Tul Bahadur Pun,(born 23 March 1923) was from Myagdi. He served 6 GR. He received VC in Burma in 1944. He is a living recipient of the VC. He later achieved the rank of Honorary Lieutenant. In addition to the VC, Pun has been awarded 10 other medals, including the Burma Star
The Burma Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II.The medal was awarded for service in the Burma Campaign between 11 December 1941 and 2 September 1945...
.
- Subedar Netrabahadur Thapa
Netrabahadur Thapa VC was a Nepalese 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 Commonwealth forces.-Details:...
, was from 5th GR. He received VC in Burma in 1944.
Magar Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) Winner(s)
Sgt Deep Prasad Pun Magar,31, has been decorated with
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross(CGC), Britain's 2nd highest Medal for Bravery. He had joined British Gurkha Army in January 2000.He was born in Bima Village Development Committee, Myagdi district, West Nepal. ( More to follow soon).
Magar kings
- Shintoo Sati Sheng/Sen- King of Kangwachan, Sikkim
Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayan mountains...
/NepalNepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
, before Lichhabi Rule in Nepal.
- Aramudi- Nepaladesyasya Raja/King of Kali Gandaki Region, 8th century.King Aramudi and Other Magar Rulers of Kaligandaki region/Magarat, 8th century, defeated Kashmiri king Jayapida in Kali Gandaki Region."काश्मिरेतिहास " पृष्ठ ९९ " अथ अरमुदी एति प्रसिद्वो मायाबी नेपालदेश्यस्य राजा जयपीदम अभिसंधातुमैच्छ्त,
- Jeetu Magar- king of Chha-Bisa Kot, Rolpa, donated present day Dang district to his son-in-law.
- Bali Hang Rana Magar- king of Baldeng Gadhi extended from Pokhara to Gorakhpur, 12th century, west of Palpa.
- Mukunda Sen- king of Tansen
Mia Tansen is considered among the greatest composer-musicians in Hindustani classical music. He was an extraordinarily gifted vocalist, known for a large number of compositions, and also an instrumentalist who popularized and improved the rabab .He was among the Navaratnas at the court of the...
/Palpa-Village Development Committee :*Archale*Argali*Bahadurpur*Bakamalang*Baldengadhi*Bandi Pokhara*Barangdi old name archale barangdi name came from barandi khola on the bank of this river the famous rani mahal is situated*Bhairabsthan*Bhuwan...
& ButwalButwal is a large town in southern Nepal in Rupandehi District, in Lumbini Zone -- of which Butwal is the administrative center. It is located 240 kilometres west of Kathmandu and 22 kilometers north of Bhairahawa, at the northern edge of the Terai plain below the Siwalik Hills...
, 11th century. It is said that during his time TansenMia Tansen is considered among the greatest composer-musicians in Hindustani classical music. He was an extraordinarily gifted vocalist, known for a large number of compositions, and also an instrumentalist who popularized and improved the rabab .He was among the Navaratnas at the court of the...
was extended up to Gorakhpur.
- Gajalaxman Singh, king of Makawanpur Gadhi.
- Micha Khan, king of Nuwakot/Syangja
Syangja is the headquarters of Syangja District in the Gandaki Zone of Nepal. It is located at 28°4'60N 83°52'0E with an altitude of 1088 metres .At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 8914 people residing in 1884 individual households. -External links:**...
, first converted Magar king to Hinduism, latter Shah kings of Nepal were direct descendants from him.
- Khancha Khan, king of Dhor etc.
- Dalsur Ghale Magar, King of Lig Lig Kot (Gorkha
Gurkha are people from Nepal who take their name from the 8th century Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath.Gurkha, Ghurkha, or Gorkha may also refer to:-People:...
) from 1548 to 1559 AD.
- Mansingh Khadka Magar- king of Gorkha
Gurkha are people from Nepal who take their name from the 8th century Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath.Gurkha, Ghurkha, or Gorkha may also refer to:-People:...
, till 27 Sept 1559 AD.
Notable Magars
- Late Professor Jagat Bahadur Singh Burathokey. Head of the Geography Department(Tribhvan University). Father of Geography in Nepal. Scholar.
- Subarnakar Rana (1000 AD) writer of 'Treatise on Buddhism'.
- Ganga Rana from Lamjung, Nepal, wrote Asta Saahasrika Pragya Paarmita in 1070 and Treatise on Buddhism in 1069.
- Shohab Rana (शोहब राना):, Panchali Pradhan of Magwar Bisaya,(Magar Kingdom - present Dullu-Dailekha area) 1100 AD." शुभमस्तु,सम्बत २२१ मार्गशुक्ल दशाम्य . राजाधिराज परमेश्वोर : श्रीमत शिवदेव महाराजै श्री रामदीन समन्त विजयराजै . "मन्ग्वर्बिशय" झानतेशोवर भात्तरकस तदे गेथी पंचालिकेना :च्छेपरम ग्व्न्द ओपलेम . श्री इद भावो नायक. श्री धनप नायक श्री सोहब राने. येत पध्याना वर्तनीय."
- Gangaram Rana, of Gorkha who helped Drabya Shah, the founder of the Shah Dynasty. to found Gorkha Kingdom in 1559. (He receives little attention among the Magars today as he helped uproot Magar Dynasty from Gorkha although his name is mentioned with high appreciation in the Gorkha Vansavali( गोरखा वंसावली - written in between 1837–42) - The Genealogy of Shah King's of Gorkha)
- Kaji Jayanta Rana, Army Chief during King Nara Bhupal Shah's rule, later chief/Umrao of Nuwakot
Nuwakot is a village in Nuwakot district of central Nepal. It is the most central settlement in the entire country. Located just 75 km from Kathmandu, this historic town was once the capital of the Valley in the days before the unification of Nepal....
force, 18th century.
- Kaji Ramkrishna Thapa, Army Chief during King Nara Bhupal Shah's rule.
- Kaji Biraj Thapa, the very first Chief of Nepalese Army, 1743 - 1744.
- Kaji Sarbajit Rana, Moolkaji, Army Chief of Nepal (for 4 months) 1785. Upon relinquishing Army Chief, The Chief Administrator i.e. Prime Minister.
- Bandu Rana, Moolkaji.
- Prabal Rana, Moolkaji.
- General Abhimansingh Rana Magar, Nepalese Army Chief, 1845 - 1846.
- General Puran Singh Ale magar, commander of Gorkhali unification war against Limbuwan and Sikkim in the rule of Pratap Singh Shah. However he could not succeed to annex those areas even after repeated campaign. Later he became adjutant to Damodar pandey, Kehar Singh Basnyat, Abhiman Singh Basnyat and Shivram Singh Khatri to win those areas.
- Lakhan Thapa
Lakhan Thapa Magar was a Nepali revolutionary known as "the first martyr of Nepal" He has been labeled such by the Nepali Magar ethnic group as he was the one who first resisted to the government in Nepal namely: the rule of the Rana dynasty 1846 -1950. He rebelled against the rule of Jang...
(1835–1877): The first martyr of Nepal.
- Hobir Ale (1907–1990) freedom fighter, then government had declared bounty on head for his political conviction.
- Dal Bahadur Thapa (1907–1945): joined the Indian National Army
The Indian National Army or Azad Hind Fauj was an armed force formed by Indian nationalists in 1942 in Southeast Asia during World War II. The aim of the army was to overthrow the British Raj in colonial India, with Japanese assistance...
, supporting the Japanese against the British in World War II, for which he was executed at Delhi.
- Ek Dev Ale (1924–1969) freedom fighter, fought during Indian independence movement by joining Aajad Hind Army (1941–1947), was a social reformer.
- Dilip Singh Ale (1926–2003) freedom fighter. Took part in Janamukti Sena, Birat Nagar Camp Quarter Master, to topple autocracy and bring democracy in 1950.
- Buddha Singh Rana (1934–1962). Ancestral home, Barbhanjyang, Tanahu District, Nepal. Born under some compelling circumstances in Lucknow, India, Buddha Singh Rana actively took part in Indian Independence Movement. Obtaining, Intermediate Degree from India, he came to Nepal in 1954 and began teachig in school. He also worked as the secretary of Nepali Congress Party, Tanahu District Committee. He was appointed secretary to minister Dilip Kumar Shahi. Mr. Shahi was Industry and Commerce minister in B. P. Koirala's cabinet formed on June 30, 1959. Later in 1962, leading Nepali Congress's Liberation Army planned to attack Bharatpur, but failed. This freedom fighter received martyrdom on February 11, 1962. The government force took his life and his dead body could never be found.
- Suresh Ale - A scholar, professor of English and the founding Secretary General (executive chief) of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (नेपाल जनजाति महासंघ), the umbrella organization of indigenous peoples of Nepal who form 37.38% of total population of Nepal. He was one of the founder General Secretary of Nepal Langhali Pariwar Sangh (नेपाल लांघाली परिवार संघ) a social organization for the preservation of Magar language and culture) which has now been renamed Nepal Magar Association (नेपाल मगर संघ). He is now a Constituent Assembly member from the United Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).
- Dr Harsha Bahadur Budha Magar, first PhD degree holder from Magar community, famous social worker and scholar of Nepal.
- M. S. Thapa: Political thinker, first Magar Attorney of Nepal, President of Rastriya Janamukti Party (राष्ट्रिय जनमुक्ति पार्टी )- a political party for the liberation of Nepalese people on the basis of proportionate representation.
- Gore Bahadur Khapangi, (b. August 10, 1946) Minister and the charismatic leader, whose contribution to the social change in Nepal is exceptional.
- Bam Kumari Budha, First Magar woman, to become member of then Nepal's parliament ( Rastriya Panchyat). She was born in Rolpa district.
- Ram Bahadur Thapa / Badal, Former Defence Minister, General Secretary, Communist Party of Nepal (United Maoist).
- Major General Bhagwan Singh Thapa, Rai Bahadur Sahib, Commander Kashmir State Forces, I.O.M (Indian Order of Merit), Resident of Srinagar, Kashmir State (India).
- Colonel Lacchman Singh Thapa, Adjutant Quarter Master General, Kashmir State Forces, Resident of Srinagar, Kashmir State (India).
- Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, Mahavir Chakra (MVC), Indian Army, resident of Dharmasala, Himachal Pradesh, (India).
- Master Mitrasen Thapa
Master Mitrasen Thapa was a famous Nepali folk singer, lyrics writer, dramatist, social worker etc. He left army in early age for the upliftment of Nepalese music and society. His contributions to different fields to Nepalese society is remarkable....
, famous Napali folk singer, social worker, resident of Bhagsu/Dharmasala, (India).
- DIG Parbati Thapa, First Magar woman, to hold a distinguished position as the Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police.
- Sangini Rana, was born in Palpa, west Nepal. A sociologist by training, she is one of the leading figures of Women's Rights Movement in Nepal. Currently, she is the President of National Indigenous Women's Forum (राष्ट्रिय आदिवासी महिला मंच), Executive Director of Nepal Indigenous Women's Federation (नेपाल जनजाति महिला महासंघ) and Founding President of Nepalese Indigenous Women's Federation in America, a recently founded organization in New York, USA.
- Dal Bahadur Rana: One of the famous boxers of Nepal.
- Raj Pal Thapa was one of the famous radio comedians of Nepal. His comedies used to be very subtle and of distinguished quality and were aired by Nepal's national radio service: Radio Nepal. He worked with his friend Mr. Hada.
- Bal Ram Thapa: (also known as बराथा ) One of the prominent political cartoonists of Nepal. His cartoons have come out in Gorkhapatra (गोरखापत्र), a government owned, oldest broadsheet daily news paper (in vernacular Nepali) from Kathmandu.
- Hemata Thapa: First Magar entrepreneur in Canada. He is the owner and CEO of Everest Craft Inc in Toronto. He was born in Syanja district, west Nepal. He is the founding President of Magar Association Canada (MAC) also.
- Kabita Ale: A renowned folk singer of Nepal. She is an actress also. She is the president of Nepal Magar Culture Association
- Major Dhan Singh Thapa, later Liutenant Colonel Paramvir Chakra (PVC), Indian Army, resident of Simla, Himaachal Pradesh (India).
- Shyam Thapa Famous Football player of India, Resident of Bhagsu/Dharmasala, (India).
- Brigadier Sanjeev Kumar Thapa, Presently serving the Indian Army as a Brigade Commander.
- Mr Pyar Singh Thapa, IITian and well known Architect originally from Bhagsu/Dharamsala (India). Now residing in Italy.
- Mr J.P. Thapa, IITian, Retired Mech Engr.B.Tech (Hons) IIT/Kh 1961. M.Tech IIT/B 1963. Well-known engineer from Dehradun (India).
- Arun Thapa
Arun Thapa was a popular singer of Nepal. His songs like Ritu haruma timi hariyali basanta hau; रितुहरुमा तिमी हरियाली बसन्त हौ , bhulu bhulu lagyo malai; भुलु भुलु लाग्यो मलाई have touched the heart of millions Nepali music lovers. His contributions in the Nepali music is remarkable and inspires...
, popular Nepali singer, singer of ritu haruma timi hariyali basanta hau. etc.
- Khadga Jeet Baral Magar
Khadga Jeet Baral Magar is a Nepalese politician and diplomat. He is a retired Inspector General of Police); he served as ambassador from Nepal to Burma, as a member of the U.N., and is a former Member of Parliament.-Early life:...
, former IGP of Nepal Police, ambassador of Nepal to Burma/Myanmar etc.
- Giri Prashad Budhathoki, only Magar Badahakim, Defence Minister, Honarary Major General of Nepalese Army.
- Nar Bahadur Budhathoki, first Magar Maj General of Nepalese Army after the fall of Rana autocracy.
- Lt Colonel Lal Bahadur Pun, first Nepalese citizen to pick up the rank of Lt Col in two century old service to the British Army.
- Ram Bahadur Thapa, former DIG.
- Top Bahadur Magar, Justice of Supreme Court, Nepal.
- Govinda Prasad Thapa, former AIGP, PhD, Magar scholar of Nepal.
- Barshaman Pun, Minister, Nepal Government, one of the most influencing young political leaders.
- Prof Dr Trilok Pati Thapa, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu.
- Dr Kesharjung Baral, PhD, Professor, Vice Chancellor, Pokhara University, Nepal.
- 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 years in the past. He is a Central Committee Member,...
, former Cabinet minister, 11 times minister, and a famous politician.
- Mahabir Pun
Mahabir Pun is a Nepalese teacher known for his extensive work in applying wireless technologies to develop remote areas of the Himalayas, also known as the Nepal Wireless Networking Project....
, recipient of Magsaysay Award, considered Asia's Nobel prize.
- Som Ale, PhD, Famous Wildlife Biologist, the Snow Leopard Conservency's Regional Conservation Director, USA.
- Khagendra Thapa Magar
Khagendra Thapa Magar , son of Rup Bahadur and Dhana Maya Thapa Magar, was the shortest man in the world, measuring . Formerly the shortest teenager in the world, Magar took the title of shortest man from Edward Nino Hernandez when he turned 18 on October 14, 2010. Magar is a primordial dwarf...
, the shortest man of the world.
- Pramila Thapa, Nepal's female black belt champion and world black belt Tae kwon do sparring champion and 10-board breaking champion. She represented Nepal in Taekwondo in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
- Khadga Garbuja Magar- most popular folk singer.
- Narayan Singh Pun- Nepal Army Lt Col (helicopter pilot), owner of Karnali Air (helicopter), social mobilizer, former minister, mediator of Maoist-Government talk, Founder President of Nepal Samata Party.
First Magar Convention - 1957
Under the leadership of minister Giri Prasad Budhathoki, a first ever Magar Convention was held in Bharse of Gulmi District, one of the 12 Magarats in 1957.
- The objective of the conference was to sensitize the Magars to come forward in the national spectrum.
Nepal Langhali Pariwar - 1972
- Organization:
- Keeping their chin up and to move forward in the national context, some promising Magar youths decided to found a voluntary social organization of The Magars in Kathmandu in 1972. They named the organization as Langhali Pariwar. It was the landmark entity, founded so far, in the present day history of the Magars.
- Objectives:
- to preserve Magar language and culture;
- to get involved in research and documentation of important historical facts;
- to sensitize Magars by organizing different porgrammes;
- to publish the glorious history of the forefathers. Langhali was the quarterly newsletter of the organization.
- The founders and the executive committee of Langhali Pariwar:
- Khildhoj Thapa - founder president,
- Maya Rana (Thapa) - founder vice-president,
- K. B. Rana Magrati - founder general secretary,
- Top Bahadur Thapa - founder secretary,
- Prabha Budhathoki - founder treasurer,
Nepal Langhali Pariwar Sangh
Langhali Pariwar was undoutedly and unequivocally the base for the founding of the of Nepal Langhali Pariwar Sangh. The founders of Nepal Langhali Pariwar Sangh (Then after Nepal Langhali Sangh and presently Nepal Magar Sangh) are as listed below:
- Hem Bahadur Pun Magar (Kaski) - Founder President,
- Ran Bahadur Ale Magar (Gorkha)- Founder Vice-President,
- Suresh Ale Magar (Tanahun) - Founder General Secretary,
- Jaya Bahadur Hitan Magar (Rupandehi)- Founder Secretary,
- Manbir Garbuja Magar (Rupandehi)- Founder Treasurer,
Langhali Pariwar Sangh, Central Ad Hoc Committee
Another national organization of the Magars - Langhalee Pariwar Sangh Ad Hoc Committee was also founded in 1978. This Ad Hoc committee could not function as it was generally perceived. However, this organization also could provide a base for the founding of the Nepal Magar Sangh of today. The Ad Hoc Committee was formed under the leadership of Dr. Harsh Bahadur Budha Magar:
- Dr. Harsha Bahadur Budha Magar - President,
- Suresh Ale Magar -Secretary,
- Top B.Thapa Magar- Member,
- Dr. KesharJung Baral Magar- Member,
- Note: Langhali in Magar language means "of the village" or "langha" > village suffixed with "ali" > "of" and "pariwar" > "family"
Gorkha, 'Aayo Gorkhali' and War of Nalapani 1814
- "Aayo Gorkhali (आयो गोर्खाली)": Literally - 'Gorkhali Came', or here come the Gokhalis, is a world famous phrase of two words: 'Aayo'(आयो) and Gorkhali (गोर्खाली). The residents of Gorkha, west Nepal, are known as Gorkhalis in a strict geographical sense. But today, the word 'Gorkhali' refers to the people of entire Nepal and Nepali speakers around the world for their honesty, dedication, indomitable courage and bravery.
- Gorkhali King Prithivi Narayan Shah
Prithvi Narayan Shah, King of Nepal was the first king of the House of Shahs to rule Nepal. He is credited for starting the campaign for a unified Nepal, which had been divided and weakened under Malla confederacy. He was the ninth generation descendant of Dravya Shah , the founder of the ruling...
(1723–1775; Nepali: पृथ्वी नारायण शाह) had his 'divine counsel' which was called "Divyaopadesh (दिव्योपदेश)' for his progeny. The later kings, after him followed the counselling. Even the last king of Nepal, Gyanendra Shah also followed it until 2006.
- In the 'Divyaopadesh (दिव्योपदेश)' Prithivi Narayan Shah has also said " only Khas, Magar, Gurung and Thakuri" should be recruited in the Gorkhali Army as they can make brave soldiers who can even conquer 'Sworga' (स्वर्ग - heaven) Indra's seat in the heaven (इन्द्रको राज्य स्वर्ग) also.
- Nepal fought against the East India Company
The East India Company was an early English joint-stock company that was formed initially for pursuing trade with the East Indies, but that ended up trading mainly with the Indian subcontinent and China...
at the fort of Nalapani (near Dehradun, India) on November 1, 1814. Kaji Balabhadra Kunwar had led his troops from "Purano Gorakh Battalion" (पुरानो गोरख गण = meaning 'old battalion of the Gorkhas). Only Magars used to be recruited in the "Purano Gorakh Battalion". This national guideline persisted until the overthrow of monarchy of Nepal in 2006.
- There were 600 Gorkha soldiers with women, and some toddlers in the fort during the battle. They fought the battle for 30 days, (not to mention, without drinking any water for 3 days as the British force had cut the pipeline down below the fort). The Gorkhali force fought with great courage and valour. On November 30, 1814 they left the fort. There were only 70 soldiers surviving including Balbhadra. Later some troops of Purano Gorakh Battalion fought against Colonel Ochterlony's troops at the Battle of Deuthal in the leadership of Sardar Bhakti Thapa
Bhakti Thapa is a National hero of Nepal.He was a patriot involved in the Anglo-Nepalese War. His most important contribution in the war was at the western front of Deothal...
.
- Impressed with the valour of the Gorkhalis, the British India erected stone pillar engraving sincere praise - the courage and valour of the Gorkhalis. After the war a treaty was signed following which, the British India would form 3 Battalions of Gorkhalis. Later those Battalions were renamed 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gorkha Rifles/GR.
- From these 3 Battalions, Gorkhali soldiers fought far and wide: the War at Pindari (1817), War of Marahatta (1817), War of Bharatpur (1825–26), War with Sikhs (1845–56) and Indian Sepoy Mutiny (1857), War with Afghanistan (1878), War of Wajirastan (1878), War at Cyprus (1878) War with Burma (1885) and War with China (1900). In all these wars, the Gorkhali Troops stood victorious. Wherever the Gorkhalis could reach in the battlefield, they would shout 'Aayo Gorkhali', the enemies would get frightened and subdued eventually.
External links