The Rajopadhyayas speak Newari language and were historically the raj-purohitas and gurus of the Licchavi and Malla kings. They claim descent from Kanyakubja Brahmins, one of the five Pancha-Gauda North Indian Brahmin groupings, and history shows their presence in the Kathmandu valley as early as 4th CE.

Is Newar lower caste?

The Newar caste system includes its own priestly Brahmin caste. However, according to a 2005 ADB paper, in the Parbatiya worldview all Newars are ranked lower than the Parbatiya Brahmin Page 7 and Chhetri castes, and are classified along with other indigenous groups as matwali (Bhattarai, S.

How many caste are there in Newar?

Most of the Newar are Hindus, but some practice an Indian form of Buddhism. There are about 70 castes, Buddhist as well as Hindu, covering approximately the same spectrum as the caste system of India. The Newar have a wide range of occupations.

What race are Newars?

Newars are generally seen as a Tibeto-Burman race or of Mongoloid origin, but what the social scientists and general non-Newar population always fail to see is the obvious presence of Indic, Indo-Aryan admixture.

Are Newar Hindu?

According to the 2011 Nepal Census, 87.38% of the Newars were Hindu and 10.74% were Buddhist. A minority are Christian. Out of the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley which are historically Newar, the city of Patan is the most Buddhist containing the four stupas built by Indian emperor Ashoka.

THE NEWARS

21 related questions found

What caste is Shrestha?

Shrestha is one of the eponym surnames used by those belonging to the caste of Shresthas who prior to the unification of modern Nepal formed the ruling and administrative Kshatriya castes in the court of the Malla kings of Nepal.

Where did Newar people come from?

INTRODUCTION. The Newar are the indigenous population found in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The name Newar has no ethnic implications, but refers to the mixed peoples of both Mongoloid and Mediterranean stock who have settled the region over a period of more than 2,000 years.

Is Newar a Buddhist?

Newar Buddhism is the form of Vajrayana Buddhism practiced by the Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. It has developed unique socio-religious elements, which include a non-monastic Buddhist society based on the Newar caste system and patrilineality.

Is Newar a kirat?

Newar are also said to be the descendent of Kirat people who inhibited the land in the past. Newar speak their own mother tongue which belongs to Tibeto-Burman language family, with rich ancient and modern literatures going back to the 14^th century.

Is Shrestha high-caste?

' "Shrestha" itself was later adopted as the specific family surname by members of this high-caste Hindu group, although there are over 50 other recognized surnames of Srēṣṭhas.

Which language does Newar speak?

Newar (English: /niːˈwɑːr/), known officially in Nepal as Nepal Bhasa, is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the Newar people, the indigenous inhabitants of Nepal Mandala, which consists of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding regions in Nepal. Referal of the language as Newari may be seen as derogatory.

Is Joshi a Newar?

Joshi (Devanagari: जोशी) is a surname used by the Brahmins (caste) in India and Nepal. ... In Kathmandu valley, the surname Joshi is used by Newar Srēṣṭhas.

Is Prajapati A OBC?

Kumhars are listed among the Other Backward Classes of Gujarat, where they are listed with the following communities: Prajapati (Gujjar Prajapati, Varia Prajapati, Sorthia Prajapati), Sorathiya Prajapati.

Is baniya a Newar?

Bania (Devanagari: बनिया) is a Nepalese caste from the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. ... Banias belong to the Urāy group which includes Tuladhar, Kansakar, Tamrakar, Sthapit, Sindurakar, Selalik and other castes. They speak Nepal Bhasa as a mother tongue and follow Newar Buddhism.

What is the main festival of Newar?

The Punhi is celebrated only by the Newar community. It is the festival of Newars that marks the end of the rice harvesting season. It takes place in November/December during the full moon day of Thinla, the second month in the lunar in Nepal Era calendar.

Who is Kumari Devi?

Kumari, or Kumari Devi, or Living Durga – Nepal, is the tradition of worshiping young prepubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or devi in Asian religious traditions. ... It is believed to be the incarnation of Taleju, a manifestation of the goddess Durga.

What is Nepal's religion?

Nepal occupies a special place in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Nepali is the official language and Hinduism is the dominant religion. Given that Nepal was the birthplace of Buddha, as well as the world's only Hindu Kingdom, Nepal is an important place for many Hindus and Buddhists.

Who is the God of Newari?

Akash Bhairab or the god of sky is also known as Sava Bhakku Deva or Wanga Dya in Newari language. Bhairab is considered as one of the most important deity in Newar community, hence, every Newari settlement has at least one temple of Bhairab.

Is Brahmin a caste?

A Brahmin is a member of the highest caste or varna in Hinduism. The Brahmins are the caste from which Hindu priests are drawn, and are responsible for teaching and maintaining sacred knowledge.

How many caste are there in Nepal?

Peoples: There are 126 caste/ethnic groups reported in the census 2011.

Who are Pathak Brahmins?

Pathak (Devanagari: पाठक) is a surname native to India. Pathak is mainly used by Hindu Brahmin communities of Northern and Western India. Notable people with the surname Pathak include: ... Arun Pathak (born 1975), Indian politician and social activist.

What is the caste of Prajapati?

Prajapatis are from the Kumhar caste and make clay pots and idols.

What caste is Bhadra?

The Bhadra dynasty (Bengali: ভদ্র রাজবংশ) was a South Asian royal house which had reigned over the kingdom of Samatata, located in what is present-day Bangladesh. Of Brahmin origin, their rule flourished during the first half of the 7th century, though little is known about their history.

What is the meaning of Shrestha in Kannada?

Shrestha is Kannada Girl name and meaning of this name is "Full of Praise, Best, Responsible".