Indische Palaographie von circa 350 a. Chr. – circa 1300 p. Chr. c48.s6.32

c48.s6.32

The Nevār, of whom a few thousands are found in the same locality as the Mūrmi and Kirāta, are not a caste, but the aggregate of the early inhabitants of Nēpāl, differentiated into functional divisions which gradually grew into castes. The Nevār are both Brāhmanists and Buddhists, the latter are attracted to the Tibetan frontier, whilst the others are gaining ground on the south ranges and valleys. The two stand absolutely aloof from each other in all social matters. The Nevār in British territory, being away from the strict organisation imposed upon the community by the Chief of the race ruling before the Gōrkha, grow very lax in the matter of intermarriage, and thus lose position if they venture back into their native land.