The Persistence of Nepal's Caste System
Nepal's recent youth uprising, demanding jobs, dignity, and an end to corruption, has brought attention to the country's centuries-old social hierarchy: caste.
In Kathmandu, tens of thousands of youth took to the streets, seeking a "new Nepal". However, beneath this movement lies a rigid and unalterable social order that continues to shape the country's politics, society, and economy.
The Caste System in Nepal
The Muluki Ain, or the National Code of 1854, codified a strict hierarchy, placing:
- Bahuns (Brahmins) and Chhetris (warriors) at the top
- Dalits at the bottom
- Indigenous Tibeto-Burman groups in the middle
Madhesis in the southern plains were largely ignored in the legal framework. This system has become deeply entwined with political power over generations.
The caste system continues to shape politics, society, and economics in Nepal.
Author's summary: Nepal's caste system persists despite youth movements.