Newari Caste List

Introduction:

The Newar community has a rich and vibrant history that is closely intertwined with the Kathmandu Valley and Nepal’s cultural fabric. As the original inhabitants of the valley, the Newars have made significant contributions to art, architecture, trade, and religious practices. This article explores the unique heritage of the Newars and their enduring legacy in Nepal.

Mythology and Early History:

According to ancient mythology, the Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake, which was drained by the Bodhisattva Manjusri. This mythical account explains the valley’s fertile soil and is supported by geological evidence.

The Gorkha Conquest and Newar Sovereignty:

In 1769, the Gorkha Kingdom, led by Prithvi Narayan Shah, conquered the Kathmandu Valley, bringing an end to Newar rule and sovereignty. This conquest marked a significant turning point in Nepal’s history and resulted in cultural and political changes for the Newar community.

Newar Contributions to Culture, Art, and Literature:

The Newars are widely recognized for their distinctive architectural style, which is evident in the magnificent temples, palaces, and monuments that grace the Kathmandu Valley. They have excelled in traditional crafts such as wood carving, metalwork, pottery, and painting. Furthermore, the Newar community has a rich literary tradition, with Nepal Bhasa serving as the language of expression.

Newar Influence in Trade, Agriculture, and Cuisine:

The Newars played a crucial role in facilitating trade between India and Tibet, serving as intermediaries along ancient trade routes. They also introduced innovative farming techniques and contributed to the agricultural development of the region. Newar cuisine, known for its diverse flavors and culinary techniques, continues to be highly regarded.

Economic and Social Advancement:

The Newar community has consistently ranked among the most economically and socially advanced in Nepal. Their focus on education, entrepreneurship, and skills development has contributed to their progress and development.

Newar Language:

Nepal Bhasa: Nepal Bhasa, also known as Newar Bhasa, serves as the common language among the Newars. It has a rich literary heritage and is written in the Pracalit script. The Newar language strengthens their sense of identity and cultural pride.

Newars and their Religious Practices:

The Newars practice both Hinduism and Buddhism, with unique local variations and traditions. Temples and shrines dedicated to various deities are scattered throughout the Kathmandu Valley, reflecting the religious diversity and syncretism within the Newar community. Festivals and rituals form an integral part of their spiritual practices, showcasing their devotion and religious fervor.

Preserving Nepal’s Religion and Culture:

The Newars take immense pride in being the custodians of Nepal’s religion, culture, and civilization. They have diligently preserved their age-old traditions, ensuring the continuity of their cultural heritage. Newar communities serve as cultural centers, passing down rituals, art forms, and traditional knowledge through generations.

Newari Cast System:

SN	Caste	Traditional Occupation	Clan Titles or Surnames	Notes
1	Brāhman	Hindu family purohit and Vedic temple priests	Rajopādhyāya, Sharmā, Achārya	Referred to as Dhya Bājyā or Déva Brāhman, temple priests and family priests of mostly Valley Hindu Srēṣṭhas
2	Chatharīya	Royal and aristocratic clans, astrologers	Malla, Pradhānanga, Pradhān, Rājbanshi, etc.	Referred to as Thako͞o/Thakuri, of Malla-Karnat descent, royalty/nobility
3	Pāñcthariya	Hindu traders and administrators	Karmāchārya, Sivachārya, Makaju, etc.	Tantric priests
4	Gubhāju	Buddhist family purohit	Vajrachārya	Referred to as Gubhāju or Guruju; family priests of Buddhist Newars; also temple priests
5	Urāy, Udās	Buddhist traders, artisans/craftsmen	Tulādhar	Merchants
6	Pengu Dah	Artisans/Craftsmen from Patan	Tāmrakar	Copper-smiths, locally called Tamo, Hindu, as opposed to Udas Tamrakars of Kathmandu
7	Jyāpu	Farmers	Maharjan, Dangol	Majority population in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bungamati, Kirtipur
8	Khusa	Palanquin bearers	Tandukār
9	Nāu	Barbers	Nāpit	Providers of purification rituals to Deva Brahman—Jyapu jats
10	Pű	Painters	Chitrakār	Painters of various deities, houses, and temples
11	Kau	Blacksmiths	Nakarmi	Iron equipment makers
12	Gathu/Māli	Gardeners	Banmala, Mali, Mālākar	Providers of flowers for worship
13	Tépé	Cultivators	Byanjankār, Tepe from Lalitpur
14	Duhim/Putuwar	Carriers	Putuwar, Dali
15	Sāyami	Oilpressers	Mānandhar, Sāyami	Also wine-makers
16	Balāmi	Farmers	Balāmi	Farmers from the western outskirts of the valley
17	Pahari	Farmers	Pahari, Nagarkoti, Nepali	Farmers from the outskirts of the valley
18	Pulu	Funeral torch bearers	Pulu
19	Chhipa	Dyers	Ranjitkar, Ranjit
20	Bhā	Ritual specialists for Hindu Newars	Karanjit	Also referred to as ‘Māhābrāhman’ or ‘Pretabrāhman’
21	Jugi/Kuslé	Musicians and death ritual specialists	Kapali, Gosain	Descendants of Kanphata Dashnami sect
22	Nāya/Kasaiñ	Butchers and musicians	Khadgi, Shahi	Provider of purification rituals for jats lower than Jyapu
23	Dhobi/Rajaka	Washermen and tailors	Sangat, Rajak, Kannaujiyā
24	Kulu/Dom	Drum-makers and leather workers	Kulu, Carmakār, Badyakār
25	Pwo/Podé	Fishermen, sweepers, traditional executioners	Podé, Deula, Pujāri, Deupālā
26	Cyāmakhala/Chamaha(r)	Sweepers	Chyame, Nepali, Jalari

Conclusion:

The Newars, as the historical inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, have left an indelible mark on Nepal’s history, culture, and civilization. Their contributions to art, literature, trade, and agriculture have shaped the region’s identity. The Newars’ ability to adapt and preserve their traditions while embracing progress exemplifies their resilience and enduring legacy in Nepal.