Tharu Identity
by ashley nascimento
1. Tharu identity has developed in opposition to the activities of a modernizing, centralizing state and through interaction with other ethnic groups that have immigrated to the Tarai region where the Tharu live.
2. Tharu are redefining themselves as a single ethnic group in Nepal's multiethnic polity.
3. The Tharus are recognized as an official nationality by the Governments of Nepal and India.
4. Tharu people themselves say that they are people of the forest
4.1. They plant rice, mustard, corn and lentils. Collect forest products such as wild fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants and materials to build their houses; hunt deer, rabbit and wild boar, and go fishing in the rivers and oxbow lakes.
5. Tharu identity has been cultivated through the Tharu Welfare society for over 40 years
6. Tharus listed their language as Tharu
6.1. Radio Nepal began broadcasting in ‘ethnic languages’ but Tharu could not identify theirs so continued as Maithili for Tarai region
6.2. Not actually the main language, but many languages / dialects
