Nationalism and Ethnicity in a Hindu Kingdom: The Politics and Culture of Contemporary Nepal

by D. Gellner (Editor), J. Pfaff-Czarnecka (Editor), J. Whelpton (Editor)

Overview

With its systematic coverage of different groups, this book demonstrates how similar trends of ethnic formation are affecting all parts of Nepal. Yet, within the boundaries of a single culturally diverse state, very different forms of ethnicity have emerged.
" This is a truly thematic collection with a well-defined focus on the important contemporary topics of ethnic identity and nationalism. The importance of the theme is self-evident in a world attempting to come to grips with such problems in virtually all modern states. Anyone with an interest in contemporary Nepal should study this volume."
Nepal is the only officially Hindu kingdom in the world and remains so in spite of a revolution, or people's movement, in 1990 which overthrew the partyless Panchayat regime and instituted a multiparty constitutional monarchy. Since November 1994, it has also had an elected Communist government, the first of its kind in South Asia.
This volume takes a long-term view of the various processes of ethnic and national development that have been displayed, both before and after 1990. It brings together twelve carefully chosen ethnographic and historical chapters covering all of the major ethnic groups and regions of Nepal.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781136649561
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/06/2012
Series:	Studies in Anthropology and History
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	648
File size:	27 MB
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About the Author

D. Gellner, J. Pfaff-Czarnecka, J. Whelpton

Table of Contents

1. Political Identity in Nepal: State, Nation and Community 2. Identity and Change Among the Gurungs (Tamu-Mai) of Central Nepal 3. Defining Maithil Identity: Who is in Charge? 4. Hinduization: The Experience of the Thulung Rai 5. Being Nepali without Nepal: Reflections on a South Asian Diaspora 6. Changing Concepts and Metaphors of Ethnic Identity Among the Mewahang Rai 7. Vestiges and Visions: Cultural Change in the Process of Nation-Building in Nepal

Editorial Reviews

"A historically and ethnographically rich analysis....Offers a lucid, balanced and informative account of the historical antecedents of national identification, and discusses the prospects for forging a more inclusive national identity in Nepal."

" This is a truly thematic collection with a well-defined focus on the important contemporary topics of ethnic identity and nationalism. The importance of the theme is self-evident in a world attempting to come to grips with such problems in virtually all modern states. Anyone with an interest in contemporary Nepal should study this volume."

From the Publisher