Kami (caste)

Biswakarma
Regions with significant populations
   Nepal1,470,010 (5.04% of Nepal's population) (2021)[1]
Languages
Nepali language (Khas kura)
Religion
Hinduism 96.35% (2011), Christianity (3.39%) (2011)[2]
Related ethnic groups
Khas people, Darjee, Badi, Sarki, Gandarbha/Gaine

Kami is an Indo-Aryan Nepali speaking group that primarily worked as metalsmiths.[3] Later Nepal abolished its grading system.[4] The tribal designation of Khas is given in some contexts. the Government of Nepal legally abolished the caste-system and criminalized any caste-based discrimination, including "untouchability" (the ostracism of a specific caste) - in the year 1963 A.D.[5] With Nepal's step towards freedom and equality, Nepal, previously ruled by a Hindu monarchy was a Hindu nation which has now become a secular state,[6] and on 28 May 2008, it was declared a republic,[7] ending it as the Hindu kingdom.[8] In spite of being the important occupational caste and ethnic group whose metal carving arts are globally recognized but still struggling to be recognized as it is considered as the serving occupation. The most people of this caste group are in absolute poverty to raise the voice and educate themselves to be in a good position to find the history. So they are compelled to face the inhuman discrimination of society. Even though it is illegal to discriminate people based on their caste, these people are widely discriminated in Nepal. A large portion of people still discriminate Kami and other being suppressed castes. This problem is faced on rural areas as well in cities when it comes to marriage and building relation. Although it is not absolute truth as problems related to caste based discrimination are slowly coming to improvisation. The level in educated youth is not as same as before (case scenario of few decades ago) as many educated and thoughtful youth are fully aware that these problems are rooted not only in tradition and culture, but also religion. Caste based discrimination and violence are a grim reality of Nepali society with numerous people losing their lives due to racially motivated mobs.[9] Both the Government and many other INGO are working hand-in-hand in order to uproot the problem by targeting grassroot issues such as education, awareness and employment.[10]

In the 21st century, the economic status of this group rapidly increased. They live in hilly or mountainous districts of Nepal and in the Indian areas of Assam, Sikkim and Darjeeling District.[citation needed]

  1. ^ National Statistics Office (2021). National Population and Housing Census 2021, Caste/Ethnicity Report. Government of Nepal (Report).
  2. ^ Central Bureau of Statistics (2014). Population monograph of Nepal (PDF) (Report). Vol. II. Government of Nepal.
  3. ^ Whelpton 2005, p. 31.
  4. ^ Gurung, Harka (2005) Social Exclusion and Maoist Insurgency. Paper presented at National Dialogue Conference at ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal peoples, Kathmandu, 19–20 January 2005.
  5. ^ Welle (www.dw.com), Deutsche. "Nepal: Deadly caste-based attacks spur outcry over social discrimination | DW | 16.06.2020". DW.COM. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  6. ^ "Nepal king stripped of most powers". CNN. 18 May 2006. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  7. ^ "Nepal votes to abolish monarchy". BBC News. 28 May 2008. Archived from the original on 7 January 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  8. ^ Crossette, Barbara (3 June 2001). "Birendra, 55, Ruler of Nepal's Hindu Kingdom". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
  9. ^ "Nepal: Ensure Justice for Caste-Based Killings". June 2020.
  10. ^ "More 'can and must be done' to eradicate caste-based discrimination in Nepal". UN News. 29 May 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2021.