Home Institution

University of New Hampshire

Publication Date

Fall 2015

Program Name

Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples

Abstract

Nepal's new constitution was received with both jubilation and violence. Protests swept across the plains of Terai leading to a blockade with India and a deadly fuel crisis. One’s opinions on the situation depend heavily on one’s own ethnicity, caste, and regional location. This research takes a deeper look into one ethnic minority, Tharu, to better understand Nepal’s complex political situation. Through many conversations in Chitwan, with both high and low castes, one can piece together a most intriguing analysis of Nepal’s politics. The political divide in the nation is severe and shows no willingness of compromise. The constant struggle between nationalism and ethnic identity may have reached its pinnacle in Nepal. The future of Nepal awaits the answer.

Disciplines

Civic and Community Engagement | Political Science | Politics and Social Change

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