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Rai (ethnic group)

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The Rai, also known as the Khambu (people of Khumbu region), is one of Nepal’s most ancient indigenous ethnolinguistic groups. The Rai belong to the Kiranti group or the Kirant confederation that includes the Limbu and the Sunuwar ethnic groups.

The traditional homeland of the Rai extends across the Solukhumbu, the Okhaldhunga (Wallo Kirant or Near Kirant), home of the Bahing,Wambule subgroups), Khotang, Bhojpur and the Udayapur districts (Majh Kirant or Central Kirant) in the northeastern hilly/mountainous region of Nepal, west of the Arun River in the Sun Koshi River watershed. Rais are also found in significant numbers in the Indian state of Sikkim and in the northern West Bengal towns of Kalimpong and Darjeeling.

Description

According to Nepal’s 2001 census, there are 635,751 Rai in Nepal which represents 2.79% of the total population. Of this number, 70.89% declared themseleves as practising the traditional (Kiranti/Kirant) religion and 25.00% declared themselves as Hindu. Yakkha were measured as a separate ethnic group of which 81.43% were Kirant and 14.17% were Hindu. The Rai are divided into many different sub-groups - Bantawa, Chamling, Sampang, Dumi, Jerung, Kulung, Khaling, Lohorung, Mewahang, Rakhali, Thulung, Tilung, Wambule, Yakkha, Yamphu, Sunuwar,Ambula , etc. Some groups number only a few hundred members. The languages together with the traditional religion of the Rai is known as Kirant.

More than 30 different Kiranti languages and dialects are recognized within the Tibeto-Burman languages family. The oral language is rich and ancient, as is Kiranti history, but there is no distinct written script.

The traditional Kiranti religion, predating Hinduism and Buddhism, is based on ancestor-worship and the placation of ancestor spirits through elaborate rituals governed by rules called Mundum. Sumnima and Paruhang are worshipped as primordial parents. A major Rai holiday is the harvest festival, Nwogi, when fresh harvested foods are shared by all. The Bijuwa (Dhami) or Priest plays an important role in Rai communities.

Because of the fiercely independent nature of the Rai community and its location at the eastern end of the consolidated Nepalese nation-state, the Rai were given exceptional rights of Kipat autonomy and land ownership in their homeland of Majh (middle) Kirant.

Subsistence agriculture of rice, millet, wheat, corn and even cotton is the main occupation of the Rai although many Rai have been recruited into military service with the Nepali army and police, and the Indian and British Gurkha regiments and Singapore Police Force.

Rai women decorate themselves lavishly with silver and gold coin jewellery. Marriage unions are usually monogamous and arranged by parents, although "love marriage"s,bride capture(in the past) and elopement are alternative methods. Music (traditional drums and string instruments: yele, dhol and jhyamta), dance (Sakela "Chandi" dance) and distilled spirits (alcohol) called aaraakha, ngashi, or waasim are central to Rai culture.

Sakela or Sakewa or Chandi dance is the greatest religious festival of Kirant Rai.

Despite lack of AFFIRMATIVE ACTION or RESERVATION in Nepal (it is being considered now for ethnic groups and other minorities!!), many Rais have reached high positions and contributed to National development.

By Nishan Rai of Californai school

Historical Background

THE KIRANT PERIOD

Nepal is a very ancient country, which was ruled by many dynasties in the past. Among them, the Kirant rule is taken as a very significant one, being the longest period that extended from pre-historic to historic period. In ancient Hindu scriptures, Nepal is referred as the "Kirant Desh" or "the Land of Kirants".

Kirants were indigenous people of Mongolian race with stout and short stature, high cheekbones, flat noses, narrow black eyes and thin moustaches and beards. They were brave and doughty warriors and very deft archers. Before the advent of the Kirants, there were Ahir and Abhir rule in the valley. Yalambar, the first Kirant King, overthrew the last king of Abhir dynasty Bhuban Shima. Thus, after defeating the last ruler of Abhir dynasty, Yalambar laid the foundation of the Kirat dynasty that lasted for about 1225 years. When Kirants occupied the valley, they made Matatirtha their capital. The Kirant kingdom during the rule of Yalambar had extended to Tista in the East and Trisidi in the West. It is said Yalambar had gone to witness the battle of Mahabharata between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He was so brave and powerful that Lord Krishna beheaded him prior to the battle suspecting he might fight for the Kauravas. The Kirants revere him as the God King.In the chronicle of Banasawali, William Kirk Patrick mentions that 'the Kirat rule existed from about 900 BC to 300 BC. During this long period, altogether 29 Kirat Kings ruled over the country'.

The twenty-nine Kings were : 1.Yalambar 2.Pari 3. Skandhar 4.Balamba 5.Hriti 6.Humati 7.Jitedasti 8.Galinja 9.Oysgja 10.Suyarma 11.Papa 12.Bunka 13.Swawnanda 14.Sthunko 15.Jinghri 16.nane 17.luka 18.Thor 19.Thoko 20.Verma 21.Guja 21.Guja 22.Pushkar 23.kKeshu 24.Suja 25.Sansa 26.Gunam 27.Khimbu 28.Patuka 29.Gasti

It was during the rule of Jitedasti, the 7th Kirant king, Lord Gautama Buddha visited the valley with his several disciples. He visited the holy places of Swayambhu, Suheswari, etc and preached his religious gospels. Kirants in the valley refused to follow his doctrine, but welcomed Lord Buddha and his disciples. It is also said that King Jitedasti had helped the Pandavas in the battle of Mahabharata. It shows, of course, a historical anachronism; because according to another legend, the battle Mahabharata had taken place during the regime of King Yalambar.

During the rule of the 4th Kirant King Sthunko about 2250 BC, the Indian Emperor Ashoka had his inspections engraved on rocks and a stone-pillar. The pillar known as Ashoka-pillar still stands in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. This historical monument was unknown to the world until Dr. Fuher discovered it in December 1985. Nepal Government has prepared a master-plan to protect and develop the Lumbini region as a religious tourism destination.

Emperor Ashoka also came to the Kathmandu Valley later. His daughter Princess Charumati accompanied him. During his stay in the valley, he built four stupas in four directions and one in the centre of Patan. These monuments speak of the historical fact of Ashoka's visit to the valley. Another fact is he arranged his daughter Charumati's marriage with a local young Prince named Devpal. Prince Devpal and his consort Charumati lived at Chabahil, near the Pashupatinath temple area. Later, Charumati built the touss of Devpatan after the death of her husband in his memory. Charumati who later on became a nun also got erected a convent where she resided and practiced Lord Buddha's doctrine.

Buddhism, thus entered Nepal and flourished during the liberal rule of the Kirant dynasty. Like Buddhism, another religious doctrine Jainism was being preached the same time by Mahavir Jain in India. In this regard, Bhadrabhau, a disciple of Mahavir Jain came to Nepal in about 300 BC when the 17th Kirant king Jinghri was ruling. But comparatively, Jainism could not gain popularity like Buddhism in Nepal.

When the 28th Kirant King Paruka was ruling in the valley, the Sombanshi ruler attacked his regime many times from the west. Although he successfully repelled their attacks, he was forced to move to Shankhamul from Gokarna. He had built a Royal Palace called "Patuka" there for himself. The Patuka Palace is no more to be seen, except its ruins in the form of mound. "Patuka" had changed Shankhamul into a beautiful town. The last King of the Kirant dynasty was Gasti. He proved to be a weak ruler and was overthrown by the Sombanshi ruler Nimisha. It brought to the end of the powerful Kirant dynasty that had lasted for about 1225 years.

After their defeat, Kirants moved to the eastern hills of Nepal and settled down divided into small principalities. Their settlements were divided into three regions; namely, "Wallo-Kirant" or "near Kirant" that lied to the East of Kathmandu, "Majh-Kirant" or "central Kirant" and "Pallo-Kirant" that lied to the far east of the Kathmandu valley. These regions are still heavily populated by Kirants.

CIVILISATION AND CULTURE DURING KIRAT PERIOD

The long rule of the Kirants manifests that they were strong and well organized people. Their society, administrative system and economy were well organized. Later, their successors Lichchhavis also gave due importance to their legacy. They exerted great influences not only in the valley, but also outside of it in the eastern region. We still find many places, hills and rivers that are named in Kirant languages.

Kirants enjoyed a free and open society. There was no gender discrimination. To facilitate justice system in the public, law courts were established at many places and effective laws were made to deal with crimes and offences. Nepal had trade link with India, Tibet (then a free country) and China. Nepalese businessmen carried out trade with these countries. Nepal chiefly exported wool, woollen goods, timber and herbs. Chanakya has mention in his famous book "Kautilya Arthasastra" that Nepalese blankets had a big market in Bihar, then called Magadh. As there was more financial prosperity in trade, more people were engaged in business than in agriculture. This factor also led to the migration of people of different racial origins with their own customs and cultures to Nepal. In course of time, these people merged into the main national system and formed part of a nation, thus helping to create and develop a healthy feeling of nationalism and brotherhood.

By religion, Kirants were originally nature worshippers. They worshipped the sun, the moon, rivers, trees, animals and stones. Their primeval deities are Paruhang and Sumnima. Hinduism was introduced to and imposed on the Kirants only after the conquest of Gorkhali rulers whose root was in India. Kirants were quite tolerant and liberal to other religions. That was why Buddhism flourished during the Kirant rule in Nepal. Buddhism had rekindled a new interest and attitude among the people. Kirants had also built many towns. Shankhamul, Matatirtha, Thankot, Khopse, Bhadgoan and Sanga were prosperous cities with dense population. Thus, it can be safely said that the Kirant period had paved the way for further development and progress of Nepal in all sectors in future.

Famous Rais

Lain Singh Bangdel (Rai) - Artist, Writer, Art Historian (Former Chancellor of the Royal Nepal Academy).

Ratna Kumar Bantawa- Revolutionary Leader & founder of Nepal communist party.

Gopal Khumbu Rai - Revolutionary Leader & founder of Khumbu Liberation Front(KLF), active Leader of Nepal Communist Party.

Ram Prasad Rai - "Jan Mukti Morcha" Revolutionary leader and Commander of 1950 AD/2007 BS revolution in east Nepal.

Narad Muni Thulung - Former Acting Prime minister and Cabinet minister,Revolutionary Commander and leader of 1950 AD(2007 BS)Revolution - "Jan Mukti Morcha".

Bal Bahadur Rai - Former 13 times acting Prime minister and Cabinet Minister,Nepal Govt,Central committee member, founder of Nepali Congress party.

Ashok Rai - Polit bureau member,CPN(UML),former Cabinet minister,Nepal Govt.

Hem Raj Rai - former Cabinet Minister,Nepal Government;Central Committee member,CPN(UML)

Gopal Rai - former Minister and Central Committee member,Nepali Congress party. Dhyan Bahadur Rai - former Minister,Nepal government,politician.

Karna Bahadur Rai - former minister Nepal Govt.,Poltician.

Pawan Kumar Chamling - Hon Ph D,Chief Minister of Sikkim,Poet.

Krishna Kumar Rai - former Minister, Politician.

Santa Bahadur Rai - former chairman ,National planning commission and Secretary,Ministry of Housing and physical planning.

Makkar Bahadur Bantawa - Tri sakti patta 1st class,Gorkha Dakshin Bahu,1st class,Former Zonal commissioner.

Chand Bahadur Rai - former Chief(Insp.General) of Nepal Guptachar Bibhag.

Bhim Prasad Rai - Brigadier General,Nepal Army.

Bijaya Chandra Rai - Brigadier General,Nepal Army.

Ram Kaji Bantawa - AIGP,Former Additional Inspector General,Nepal police Force.

Man Bahadur Rai - DIGP,Nepal Police Force.

Gyanendra Rai - DIGP,Nepal police Force.

Thule Rai - Deputy Superintendent of Police Officer, Nepal,became famous after Maoist abduction.

Durja kumar Rai - SSP, Nepal Armed Police.

Colonel Sidhiman RAI - MC, former Director-General(first non-British DG)of Assam Rifles.

Captain Agan Sing Rai - VC(Victoria Cross),British Indian Army.

Major Purne Rai - Sardar Bahadur,10th Gurkha Rifles.

Major Mani Prasad Rai(MBE) - 7th Gurkha Rifles.

Major Deo Kumar Rai (MVO,MBE) - 7th Gurkha Rifles.

Major Bal Krishna Rai (MVO,MBE) - British Queen's Gurkha Signals.

Captain Ran Dhoj Rai(MBE) (Member of British Empire) - QGO 10th British Gurkha education & honorary Officer, British Gurkha Commanding Officer, Afganisthan at time of Cold War.

Dr. Swami Prapannacharya(Ph.D.) - in Vedas, Puran, Saskirt, Hindu religion, prominent sholar in Vedas and Hinduism.

Indra Bahadur Rai - Famous Writer,Honorary Ph D,Winner of Madan puraskar and first winner of Indian Academy Prize in Nepali literature.

Prof Dr. Nobel Kishor Rai - former Ambassodor to Germany ,Professor and Linguist.

Prof Dr. Indra Jit Rai - Military science expert,Professor.

Prof Dr. Kanti Giri Rai - former Professor Gynaecology and Obstetrics,Institute of Medicine,KTM.

Dr. Nabin Kumar Rai - Anthropologist and World Bank Consultant.

Dr. Nabin Chandra Rai - famous ophthalmologist.

Dr. Shankar man Rai - AMA(Americal MedicalAssociation)prize winner plastic surgeon.

Dr. Shanta man Rai (Ph.D) - Head of Geology Dept.,Trichandra college,Kathmandu,Nepal,Winner of RONAST prize.First class first in M Sc(Tribhuvan University).

Mr Sambhu Rai - famous Nepali singer and social-political Activist during years B.S. 2036, 2037 & 2038.

Mr Sabin Rai - popular singer "Nepalese Brian Adams".

Mr Dhiraj Rai - The most popular pop singer, The best Vocalist and the Best performer.

Mr Rajesh Payal Rai - popular singer & vocalist.

Mrs Sumaya Rai - Lecturer in Psychology,Tribhuvan University,President Kirat Rai Yayokkha, Nepal.

Mr Bhim Rai - Chairman Kirat Rai Yayokkha,UK.

Mr Narhang Rai - Chairman Kirat Rai Yayokkha, Hong Kong.

Major Bhalaman Rai(MVO) - The Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment.

Mr Pradip Kumar Rai (Byakul Maila) - Nepali National Anthem Writer & Poet.

Mr Indra Bahadur Rai - First Rai to scale Mt Everest,famous mountaineer.

Mr Nakul Das Rai - MP(Member of Parliament),Indian Parliament,representing Sikkim.

Late Subba Kriparam Rai - Maal ko Hakim,Famous Community leader in East Nepal.

Mr Yogendra Rai - CEO of Nauleni Group.

Raj Kumar Rai - best Taekwondo player of Nepal who made Taekwondo popular in Nepal and British Gurkha Regiments.

Naba Raj Rai "Bartman" - book writer and Author.

Thaneswor Rai - very first President, Chief Instructor and Founder of Nepal Shitoriyo Karate and Nepal Karate Association.

Shrawan Mukarung Rai - popular and the best modern poet.

Dr. Dina Bangdel (Rai) - famous Art critic ,Art Historian & author.

Naren Rai (Entrepreneur) - General Secretary of Nauleni Group, Multi millionaire, MBA From University of Boston

Kul Bahadur Rai(MBE) - former Head Teacher,Hong Kong, former president of Kirata Rai Yayokkha, Nepal.

Dr. Krishna Kumar Rai(Medical doctor) - received Distinguished Community Medical Service Awards 2002 from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Kuber Rai - Best singer and vocalist, song writer of Nepali songs.

Prof. Dr. Shiba Kumar Rai - Microbiologist,Nepal Medical College.

Dr.Rai Nishan (Ph.d) - actor, writer. Hong Kong

Dr. Kalyani Rai(Ph.D) - Center for Urban Community Development, School of Continuing Education, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, USA.

Parbati Rai - Singer, Sagarmatha Yuba Samaj, Diktelbata Samman(2056), "Nepalai Jane Nepali Daju..." (Radio Nepal, 2053)

Prabin Puma(Parashuram Rai) - stage actor, writer,Utkristha Nabapratibha Samman(2059), Subhakamana(Kabita,Dharan Sahitik Patrika, 2054). Lots of recording in Nepali songs.

Madan Rai,M.Sc(UK)- Former UN Officer,International Ashoka Award winner

Dr. Ash Kumar Rai,Ph.D, RONAST(Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology) Prize winner

References

External links

  • Kirat-Rai Society of America.
  • Kirat-Rai Society of America Blog.
  • Online kirat community.
  • Kirat Rai yayokkha UK.

  • http://www.kirat.us
  • http://www.kryuk.com
  • http://www.unitedkiratrai.org



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