A FIELD WORK REPORT ON: MUSLIMS OF KATHMANDU

Year: 2069 Name: Riddhima Sharma Class : 12E Roll no : Registration no.:

Acknowledgement
First of all Id like to thank our Sociology teacher Mr.Raju KC very much for providing an opportunities us to research on the ethnic groups of Nepal. We got a chance to know a lot about these faces of Nepal. Our prospective about these groups have been changed a lot about the religious groups. We learned a lot also. I would also like to thank my family members to allow me to go for field work. Special thanks to The American Library for allowing us to do research work there. Hope that you enjoy it as much we enjoyed doing it. And also hope that it is a good source of knowledge and findings. If for any mistakes we would like to ask apologies and request to give remarks at last so that if any mistakes are done then we wouldnt repeat. Thank you

Topic
Introduction Statement of the Problem Objectives Limitation Literature review Significance of the study Research Method List of Tables Finding and Data Analysis Summary and Conclusion Appendix Photo gallery

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INTRODUCTION
ORIGIN
Muslims have lived Nepal for long period of time and have shared common historical experiences with the Hindu majority, and as such have developed a stronger identification with the Nepali state. However, the Terai Muslims, on the other hand, like other Terai communities, also continue to have strong ties -across the border and receive cultural sustenance from the larger Muslim population of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. HistoryThe history of the Muslim community in Nepal is in fact the history of four distinct groupings, the Tibetans, Kashmiris, the Chaurate and the Madhesi The Madhesi MuslimsWhile the smaller groups provide diversity, the largest community of Islam adherents, more than 97 percentof the Muslims are found in the Terai region, a narrow plain lying between the lower hills of the Himalaya and the border with India. Concentrated in the Terai districts of Banke, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, Parsa, Bara and Rauthat, some of the Terai Muslims were present here at the time of Nepals unification while others migrated from British India from the 19th century onwards as wage labourers. While most are small-time proprietor farmers, a substantial number still work as tenants and agricultural labourers. At home they do speak Urdu, but also Awadhi, Bhojpuri and Maithili depending on whether they are of the Western or Central or Eastern. The Muslim society in the Terai region is organized along the principles of caste, but differs in many respects from the caste system found among the Madhesi Hindus. Although Muslim groupings are endogamous, and there are elements of hierarchy, there are no religious and ideological principles providing a foundation for the concept of caste. For example, there is no question of ritual pollution by touch or restriction on interdining. But each grouping does maintain a separate and distinct identity, especially with regard to intermarriage. Below is a brief description of the larger groupings. The KashmirisAccording to the Vamshavalis, Kashmiri Muslims arrived in Kathmandu during the reign of King Rama Malla (1484-1520 AD). They built a mosque, the Kashmiri Takia, and engaged in different occupations such as scribes to correspond with the Delhi Sultanate, and as scent manufacturers, musicians and bangle suppliers. Some were admitted as courtiers to the Malla durbar, and many traded with Tibet. The descendants of these migrants live in Kathmandu, numbering about two thousand. They tend to be well-educated and speak a mixture of Nepali and Urdu at home rather than Kashmiri. Many Kashmiri Muslims of Kathmandu are also fluent in Newari. While many work as petty businessmen, some have joined government service or entered politics. Then there are the Kashmiri merchants who first arrived in the 1970s to set up curio shops in Kathmandus tourist quarters. There has been a spurt in arrivals from Srinagar since the political turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir escalated in 1990. Many shopkeepers arrived with their stocks of handicrafts, rugs and furs. These recent arrivals have little or no interaction with the older Muslim residents, and most do not even know that there is an old Kashmiri Muslim stock in Kathmandu.

The ChaurateAnother group of Muslims to settle in Nepal came from different parts of northern India during the 16th and 17th centuries, invited by hill rulers to manufacture military armament (including canons). They remained in the hills as makers of agricultural implements, utensils and ornaments. Though the descendants of these migrants are known as the Churaute, or bangle-sellers, a majority survive as farmers. There is a fair sprinkling of these hill Muslims in Nepals central and western districts of Gorkha, Tanahu, Kaski, Syangja, Palpa, Arga-khanchi, Pyuthan and Dailekh. The Churaute hill Muslims have been greatly influenced by the Hindu hill milieu. Although they follow Islamic customs such as circumcision of and ritual burial of the dead, but other Islamic practises like nihth (bride price) and zakat (charity collected during religious festivals) are unequally observed. The Churaute speak Nepali and in their dress, food habits and some customs the Churaute are indistinguishable from their Bahun and Chhetri neighbors. Tibetan MuslimsMuslim migrants of Tibetan origin include both Ladakhis and those from Tibet proper. The latter arrived mostly after the Chinese takeover in 1959, and in their language and dress these Tibetan Muslims are indistinguishable from their Tibetan Buddhist counterparts. Today, many are engaged in the trade of Chinese consumer durables and selling curios. On the whole, this groups tends to be more affluent than the other Muslim communities. The story of the Tibetan Muslims is that of a unique community, that has blended different cultural strains to forge a distinct identity, that has been kept alive even in the face of adversity. According to the community,s traditions, Islam arrived almost a thousand years ago in Tibet, a region that has always been synonymous with a monolithic Buddhist culture. Sometime in the 12th century, it is believed, a group of Muslim traders from Kashmir and Ladakh came to Tibet as merchants. Many of these traders settled in Tibet and married Tibetan women, who later converted to the religion of their husbands. Author Thomas Arnold, in his book, The Preaching of Islam says that gradually, marriages and social interactions led to an increase in the Tibetan Muslim population until a sizable community came up around Lhasa, Tibets capital. The Muslim society in the Terai region is organized along the principles of caste, but differs in many respects from the caste system found among the Madhesi Hindus. Although Muslim groupings are endogamous, and there are elements of hierarchy, there is no religious and ideological principles providing foundation for the concept of caste. For example, there is no question of ritual pollution by touch or restriction on interdinning. But each grouping does maintain a separate and distinct identity, especially with regards intermarriage. Below is a brief description of the larger groupings:

RELIGIOUS PRATICES
'Islam People' are commonly known as Muslims. Some religious practices that Muslims (in Islam) have are: 1. Belief in One God - (Arabic: Allah) , that He has no partners, children and is Unique and beyond mortal limitations or perception. 2. Belief that Muhammad is the last and final Messenger/Prophet of Allah. 3. Belief in all the Prophets of Allah (Moses, Jesus, Abraham, David etc )

4. Muslims pray 5 times a day at designated times known as Salaat - which involves steps such as Prostrating to God (Allah) 5. Muslims fast 30 days a year (one month) from dawn until dusk - during the month of Ramadhan, during which they abstain from eating, drinking, sex as well as making an effort to stay away from vices such as lying, backbiting and other vices. 6. Earning Muslims, or those who have excess wealth beyond a stipulated amount are supposed to pay Zakat i.e. Compulsory Charity once a year to the less fortunate. It is a small percentage of the overall wealth. And is a fundamental of Islam. 7. Able Muslims (physically, financially, mentally) are required to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca i.e. Hajj once in a lifetime to take part in communal worship. 8. Muslims are not supposed to lie, cheat, drink alcohol, gamble, eat pork, have extra-marital/premarital sex, be rude, etc. 9. The Muslim Faith i.e. Islam lays significant importance on Character and Ethics; enjoining good nieghborliness, respect for women and elders, helping the less fortunate, doing 'good deeds' charity, even taking care of animals. 10. Islam has extensive rules/laws/guidelines on how to live life as a good Muslim including various aspects such as dealing with Finances, Politics, Family, Nieghbors, Women, Spouses, Relatives, Strangers, Non-Muslims, War, Crime, Food, Sex, Animals, Ecology, etc.

POPULATION
Nepali Muslims, while they are mainly Sunni, constitute a heterogeneous group. Their ancestors arrived in Nepal from different parts of South Asia and Tibet during different epochs, and have since lived amidst the numerically dominant Hindus. About 97% of the Muslim community live in the Terai region, while the other 3% are found mainly in the city of Kathmandu and the western hills. The community numbers 971,056, about 4.2% of the total population of Nepal. Districts with large Muslim population include Rautahat (17.2%), Bara (11.9%), and Parsa (17.3%) in the central Terai bordering the state of Bihar, Kapilbastu (16.8%) and Banke (16%) in the western Terai and Sirahi (7%) and Sansari (10%) in eastern Terai

Community Traditional Occupation Distribution

Sayyid Shaikh Pathan Thakurai Ansari Terai Chikwa Faqir None throughout the Terai region None throughout the Terai region mainly landowners and cultivators throughout the Terai mainly landowners and cultivators Parsa and Bara districts traditionally weavers, most are cultivators, business man throughout the butchers Mid-west Terai traditionally mendicants throughout the Terai

Jat landowners and cultivators Mid-west Terai Kabaria traditionally fruit and vegetable sellers Mid-west and CentraL Terai Gaddi traditionally cattle herders, most now cultivators Mid-west Terai Hajjam barbers throughout the Terai Patihar selling threads, needles and ribbons throughout the Terai Kawasi selling threads, needles as well as fruits and vegetables throughout the Terai Churihar bangle makers and sellers Central Terai Teli traditionally oil manufacturers, some are cultivators, and are petty traders Central Terai Dhuniya traditionally cotton carders, most are now cultivators Central Terai Darzi tailors and thread manufacturers Central Terrai Kasgar traditionally potters Central TerraI Halwai traditionally sweet makers, most are petty traders and landowners throughout the Terai Rangrez traditionally cloth dyers and calico printers throughout the Terai Dhobi traditionally washermen throughout the Terai Dharkar weavers and manufacturers of cane chairs throughout the Terai Natuwa labourers throughout the Terai Nat traditionally tumblers and acrobats throughout the Terai Halalkhor scavengers and labourers throughout the Terai

Statement Of The Problem

The Muslims who migrated to Kathmandu for better life and economic development. But lack of education , awareness is causing hardship for them . The official authority should take care of these group and provide a way for betterment.

Objectives
Our primary objectives are:
To know about the economic status of Muslim people. To know about the social life of Muslim people. To know about the cultural life of Muslim people

Limitation of the study

We had limitation of Muslim people who liked to open up to us. As most people were scared to open up thinking that we were journalist and we were there to make fun of them.In the total time of about one month we made the report ready as we started it in our winter holidays. There was also the limitation on budget. The printing of the paper and photos also was expensive but the amount was less. Therefore we had a very strict budget for completing of our research and so we were in pressure to do the works on time

Literature review
The history dates back to Nepal Sambat 470 when Sultan Shamsuddin attacked over Nepal Mandala. He destroyed Pimbahal of Lalitpur, set Bhaktapur on fire, broke Pashupati into three pieces and changed Swyambhu into hell. In the process the Muslims entered in Newar villages. The Malla king gave them a small area of land for Muslims. Thus they continued their culture and religion and set up to form a new type of group known as Newar Islam (Tamot Nepal Sambat 470) Islam is a minority religion in Nepal. According to the 2010 Nepal census, 4.40% of the population are Muslim. Islam is thought to have been introduced by Indian Muslims settling in Nepal "Righteous is he who believes in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Scriptures and the Prophets." -- Qur'an 2:177 .

Significance of the study

I have selected this particular Religious group Muslims in order to root out social and economic activities of these people. As they are one of the backward community of Nepal. It is my keen interest to do research on one of the outlasted Religious group of Nepal.

RESEARCH METHOD
Type of method applied
Field work method.

Selection area
I collected the Data by visiting the different work station of the Muslim people. My universe mainly was Basundhara , Maharajjung and Chakrapath area.

Types of data
Primary data
I collected the data through fieldwork. I went to the universe and individually scheduled interview with the people. I had a set of question to be asked to them.

Secondary data
I collected the secondary data from few books, newspaper articles and through the help of internet.

Tools and Techniquion of the data collection

(I) Interview Schedule
I scheduled a time for interviewing them and had a list of question prepared . I visited the universe and individually questioned and interviewed them.

(II) Observation method

When I went to the universe I Observed keenly about the interviewee and their living style, body language and status.

List of Tables
Table of marriage type
Type Number Total number Percent polygamy 6 17 30 monogamy 11 17 70

Table of family type

Type Nuclear Joint /extended family Number 5 12 percentage 29.42 70.58

Table of source of income / occupation

Type Business/shop Laborers Number 10 7 percentage 58.8 41.2

Table of education qualification

Type Intermediate No education Number 2 15 percentage 11.76 88.23

Finding Data and Analysis

Social status
FAMILY:
The family type of the migrated Muslims are mostly extended family. Despite of no blood relation , they live together sharing same kitchen. I found that 29.42% have nuclear family where as other 70.58% have joint or extended family.

MARRIAGE:
The Muslims generally allow polygamy system . My report showed that 70% of Muslims male married once but 30% married twice or even more. As some of them have their first wife back in their village and they have been alone in Kathmandu for many years they re-married. Muslims also allow the marriage between step sister and brother unless they are breast fed by same mother.

Cultural and Religious life

RELIGION
All of the Muslim I interviewed believed in One god, and Muhammad is the last and final Messenger/Prophet of Allah. they pray 5 times a day at designated times known as Salaat They fast 30 days a year (one month) from dawn until dusk - during the month of Ramadhan, during which they abstain from eating, drinking, sex as well as making an effort to stay away from vices such as lying, backbiting and other vices.

CULTURE
FOOD HABIT

The main food of Muslims are mainly Roti, Kebab. Biryani, Rice etc. the meat they eat must be Hallaled . hallal is the method of sacrificing animal before allah. They believe that the fish are already hallaled by Allah so it dosent need to be hallaled.
CLOTHING The male Muslims in Kathmandu normally wear shirt and pant but on the day of going to Mosque every Friday they wear Kurtha Pajama. The Female in Kathmandu do not wear Burqa but when they go to their village they need to cover their face with Burqa.

Restriction
Muslims totally deny Pork. They believe that Pigs have multiple sexual partner therefore they consider it very impure. They dont touch it at all.

Education and Employment:

As I found that only 11.46% of Muslims are educated therefore the remaining are forced to do less earning job such as laborers due to unemployment. 58.8% of them did have their own business which included Barber shop, Meat shop, Tailoring shop, cosmetics Shop , restaurants etc . the rest were employed as laborers in construction company, helping in Blacksmithing and low grade job.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

In Nepal Muslims are one of the deprived and marginalized group. Their social structure holds family and marriage. Family is importantly primary group which has the typical patriarchal structure and prefer staying in extended family. Muslims are god following people. They follow their religious practices strictly. They are most disciplined people in the matter of religion. They are mainly involved in low quality job due to low education qualification. It is pleasant to find out that Muslims are getting involved in business. It has helped them to improved teir life status and quality.

BIBLOGRAPHY
References1. Government of Nepal. Central Bureau of Statistics., Nepal in figures 2006, Kathmandu., http://www.cbs.gov.np/Nepal%20in%20figure/Nepal%20in%20Figures%202006.pdf 2. Understanding Nepal : Muslims in a plural society by Mollica Dastider 3. http://www.himalmag.com/component/content/article/3033-How-the-cresentfares-in-Nepal.html 4. Understanding Nepal : Muslims in a plural society by Mollica Dastider 5. Caste Hierarchy and Interethnic Stratification in the Muslim Society of Nepal by Shanker Thapa, Tribhuvan University Journal Volume XVIII, June 1995 6. http://www.himalmag.com/component/content/article/3033-How-the-cresentfares-in-Nepal.html 7. Muslims in the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal / Marc Gaborieau in Muslim communities of South Asia : culture, society, and power / edited by T.N. Madan

http://www.himalmag.com/component/content/article/3033-How-the-cresent-faresin-Nepal.html 9. The Preaching of Islam by Sir Thomas W. Arnold ISBN 978-81-7151-259-1 10. Caste Hierarchy and Interethnic Stratification in the Muslim Society of Nepal by Shanker Thapa Tribhuvan University Journal Volume XVIII, June 1995

Appendix Questions asked

Name: Sex: Age: Qualification: Marital status: Number of spouse: Occupation: Family size: Family type: Food habits: Religious habits:

Photo Galary

Shehanaj khattun