Religious Competition and Political Change in Nepal (original) (raw)
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Entangled Religions, 2019
One of the most relevant aspects of contemporary political life of Nepal is the rise of ethnic minorities. From the early 1990s, the movement for democracy started campaigning against Hindu Monarchic autocracy for the lifting of the ban on political parties, the recognition of multiculturalism and freedom of religion. Many things have changed since then: a Maoist-led insurgency and a new people's movement have managed to topple the monarchy and to transform the Himalayan country into a republic. As a reaction to the state-enforced Hinduization of the people, supporting the caste system and maintaining the power into the grips of High caste Hindus, many groups are now campaigning to revive their local cultures and traditions. Religion is one of the key area for confrontation, and the struggle for secularism has created space for the revival of the religious traditions of the marginalized groups. Keywords: Nepal; Religion; Secularism; Indigeneity; Marginalized Groups; Identity; Shamanism; Buddhism.
Hinduism in the Secular Republic of Nepal by David N. Gellner & Chiara Letizia
The Oxford History of Hinduism: Modern Hinduism, 2019
Nepal, which formerly prided itself on being ‘the world’s only Hindu Kingdom’, is now officially secular. Secularism was adopted by the interim assembly as part of the removal of the monarchy in the semi-revolutionary situation following the end of the Maoist insurgency. Many of the MPs who voted for it then had regrets later. Religion, and specifically Hindu forms of religion, remain a powerful force both in everyday life and in politics. Even communist leaders who may have spoken against it in opposition find themselves participating in religious rituals once in office. Yet, despite this, many Hindus feel a sense of existential threat and fear proselytization by Christians and Muslims.
Religious and Cultural Syncretism in Nepal Based on the Nation's Laws
Despite geographically being a small country with multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural people, Nepal is known to the world as a land blessed with religious and cultural syncretism. Embracing the principle of harmony, people of Nepal have been living together contributing equally to the birth of the nation as well as assimilating into the national strategy. Giving continuity to this very feature has become the cornerstone of the Nepalese people. Like the people living in any parts of the world, with their own faith in religion, sect or beliefs, people of Nepal are no exception. But, throughout its history, Nepal has never witnessed any forms of conflicts in the name of religion or culture. From the country's rulers to its people, this syncretism has been acknowledged as the country's core identity which nevertheless has remained the basis of the country's main laws.Context: Prior to the Popular Movement of 2062/63 BS, during its greater, divided and unification periods, Nepal has remained a monarchial kingdom for a much longer period of time. During these periods, the kings or the rulers who followed Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions have been ruling this country. Since that time, religious harmony has been respectfully maintained here. Whatever sects or religions the kings belonged to, they always paid homage and intermingled with the religions practiced by the people without expressing any kinds of reluctance. People also paid reverence to the kings by providing special space to maintain harmony as per their religious beliefs and practices. The very basis of syncretism has been reflected and expressed in the present time after Nepal has become a Republic State. In the present modern age, the practitioners of different religions of the world who have also embraced and adopted this harmony consider Nepal a model state. 1
Religion and Secularism in Contemporary Nepal
Routledge Handbook of South Asian Religions, 2021
Between 2006 and 2017 Nepal transitioned from being an officially Hindu kingdom to an officially secular federal republican state. Although some Nepalis have upheld a model of secularism that would imply no connection between the state and religion, for most it implies that the state should support all religions equally. Through case studies (1) of conversion and the relation of Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity to the state and to Hinduism, (2) of diverse Hindu responses to secularism, and (3) of the controversy over animal sacrifices at the Gadhimai festival, the chapter examines the effects of the new concepts, propagated by the state especially since 2015, of secularism and of distinct religions and ethnic groups.
International Research Journal of MMC
Religion is one of the identities markers of the nation. In republic Nepal, the issue of religion appears as political and cultural agenda for both political and religious leaders. In this context, the paper examines focuses on the historical landmarks of debate on religions in Nepal and how different constitutions address the religious issues and why they are becoming emerging issues in Nepal. Qualitative research designwas used and only secondary sources of data were applied for this study. Conclusion of the studyis based on data interpretation and analysis. In the past, religion was used as atool to gain political powerthat has still being continuedbecause some of the political party 'leaders still use religion as a tool of collecting votes from the public.
SocioEconomic Challenges
Nepal is certainly one of the more romanticized places on earth, with its towering Himalayas, its abominable snowmen, and its musically named capital, Kathmandu, a symbol of all those faraway places the imperial imagination dreamt about. And the Sherpa people ... are perhaps one of the more romanticized people of the world, renowned for their mountaineering feats, and found congeal by Westerners tour their warm, friendly, strong, self-confident style" (Sherry Ortner, 1978: 10). "All Nepalese, whether they realize it or not, are immensely sophisticated in their knowledge and appreciation cultural differences. It is a rare Nepalese indeed who knows how to speak only one language" (James Fisher 1987:33).
Religion, Secularism and Ethnicity in Contemporary Nepal
2016
Gellner, DN; Letizia, C; Zharkevich, I; Toffin, G; Ghimire, P; Michaels, A; Adhikari, KP; Zotter, A; Holmberg, D; Gaenszle, M; Steinmann, B; Campbell, B; Bhargava, R
Hinduism: India, Nepal, and Beyond
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics, 2019
With over one billion adherents worldwide and 15% of the world’s population, Hinduism is the fourth largest, and among the oldest, of the major world religions, with important political aspects that reverberate well beyond South Asia. Yet it is perhaps the least studied of the major world religions. Hinduism is also one of the most geographically concentrated religions of the world. The majority of Hindus are concentrated in two South Asian countries, Nepal and India, where Hindus constitute 80% or more of the population. Small but politically influential diasporic communities of Hindus are found throughout Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada. Key characteristics of Hinduism that set it apart from Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), especially politically, include its polytheistic nature and lack of one single authoritative text; the tremendous variation in its practice across locality and caste; and its frequently informal practice beyon...