Tracing Nepal’s collective Identity

 Tracing Nepal’s collective Identity 



Contents 

  • Introduction

  • Purpose of the paper

  • Background

  • Findings

  •  Literature review

          1. Advantages of collectivism

           2. Influence of collectivism in different historical sectors                

  • Conclusion 


Introduction 


This paper will take you on a journey through the intriguing history of Nepal's cultural, social, and political institutions, from the daring Gurkhas of old to the quickly globalizing present. This will look at how collective action played a part in uprisings, revolutions, and modernisation as we examine how Nepal's multicultural and multilingual community has influenced history. 


The idea of collectivism, which is firmly established in Nepalese society's historical and cultural fabric, has significantly shaped a variety of fields and facets of the country's collective experience. Collectivism's effect may be seen throughout Nepal's history, from folklore and resistance movements to collective decision-making and cultural preservation. This essay examines the effects of collectivism on several facets of Nepalese society with an emphasis on its historical relevance. We demonstrate how collectivism has promoted stability, peace, solidarity, economic productivity, resilience, inclusion, and cultural preservation in Nepal by looking at instances and analyzing its advantages. We acquire insights into the group spirit that exists in Nepal by better understanding the function of collectivism in that country's historical setting.


The people of Nepal, a varied collection of ethnic groups, languages, and faiths that have coexisted to create a singular cultural mosaic, are at the center of the country's collective identity. This collective identity has been represented in many different ways throughout history, from the ferocious courage of the Gurkhas in combat to the colorful festivals and rituals that are still observed all throughout the nation.


However, Nepal's collective identity is more than just a cultural phenomenon; it has also significantly influenced the development of the nation's political and economic structures. Collective action has been a driving factor behind political transformation and social advancement from the early kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley to the contemporary republic of Nepal.






Objectives/purpose of the paper

  • To provide  understanding and importance of collectivism by which Nepal's numerous cultural, linguistic, and religious groups have merged to create a singular national identity.


  • Examine how collective action has influenced Nepal's political and economic institutions throughout history, from the battles of the Gurkhas to contemporary political movements.


  • Examine how Nepalese society is adjusting to these changes and the possible threats that globalization and modernity pose to the nation's shared identity.


  • To emphasize  the significance of comprehending the complexity of Nepal's collective identity for the growth of the nation as well as any potential consequences for the rest of the region and the globe.



In general, the goals of writing on the collective identity of Nepal are to offer a critical viewpoint on the history, culture, and politics of the nation and to contribute to a fuller comprehension of the forces influencing Nepal's future course.






Background


With more than 123 different ethnic groups and more than 92 different languages spoken, Nepal is a nation with a wide variety of ethnic groups and languages. Due to this variety, a complex network of social norms, cultural practices, and traditions that place a strong emphasis on communal and shared values have emerged.


 A little over 60% of the population is employed in agriculture, which contributes around 27% of Nepal's GDP. Communal farming and other forms of collective land management have long been important components of Nepali agriculture. With each caste or group having a distinct function to perform in society, the idea of "jajmani" has been a fundamental part of Nepali social structure. 


Since ancient times, the idea of "chakari," or group labor, has been an important part of Nepali culture, and the informal sector employs almost 80% of the country's workforce. The first cooperative organization was founded in 1956, and the Nepali cooperative movement has a lengthy and rich history. These statistics emphasize the significant influence that societal norms and practices have had over time in forming Nepali society and culture.Moreover, 


The idea of "hamro parampara," or "our tradition," is one of the fundamental components of collectivism in Nepali culture. This alludes to a common cultural legacy that is passed down from one generation to the next and places a strong emphasis on the value of social peace, support for one another, and respect for the elderly. Nepali festivals and festivities, which frequently entail group involvement and shared rituals, serve as an embodiment of this culture.





                      




    Findings

Any philosophical, political, economic, spiritual, or social viewpoint that emphasizes the interdependence of every person in some collective group and the precedence of group aims over individual interests is referred to as collectivism.The family system reflects a lot of that dependency and collectivist mindset. Frequently, family needs come before those of the individual. The expectation is always on people to act in their family's best interests. Few young people live away from their parents, and "striking out on your own" is not a very common tradition.

The dependency of Nepalis on one another is also heightened by a few ingrained cultural assumptions.Some of examples are

  1. In Nepal, neighbors frequently assist one another with daily tasks like cleaning, cooking, or running errands. This demonstrates how individuals cooperate to improve their society.


  1. In certain rural parts of Nepal, residents share resources and duties while living in large families or with their neighbors. For instance, individuals could cooperate to keep up communal areas or share a restroom or kitchen.


  1.  Sports, music, and dance are among the group activities that people in Nepal frequently partake in. These activities foster social interaction and advance group wellbeing.


  1. Religion is a significant component of Nepali society, and many religious rituals include group involvement. People may gather to worship, attend religious services, or make pilgrimages, for instance.


  1. When faced with a crisis, such as a natural disaster or political unrest, Nepalis band together to assist one another. For instance, following the 2015 earthquake, volunteers from various walks of life volunteered to give the afflicted populations food, shelter, and medical attention.


  1. In Nepal, collectivism also serves as the foundation for many festivals and cultural traditions. People gather to rejoice and exchange food, for instance, during the Dashain festival. Similar to how people gather to sing and dance while working in the fields during the planting and harvesting seasons.







Advantages of collectivism


  • One significant benefit of collectivism is that the system is stable because of the close ties that exist among society's constituents. The premise of collectivism is that "if you touch one of them, you have touched the whole group."


  •  Because everyone is working together to attain a similar goal, there are less conflicts in a collectivist environment, which promotes peace among all members. Collectivists are eager to reject anything that would be contrary to their shared goals.


  •  Since your problem affects everyone in the group, getting assistance from them is simple. People prefer to consider society accountable for the wellbeing of its members since everyone is working together for the good of society.


  • Because everyone directs their resources in the same direction, the nation's economy is more productive. Project launch, completion, and the beginning of infrastructure innovation are all made easier. A common proverb goes, "Two heads are better than one," and when it comes to collectivism, we can argue that this is accurate.


  •  To practice collectivism, one must give up their own goals or wants. He acts in favor of his or her country when he does so. People learn how to be kind and unselfish as a result of it. Collectivists avoid making judgments that may harm their brothers. Trust and harmony are therefore what keep a collectivist society alive.


  • The concept of collective responsibility, in which people cooperate to overcome obstacles, is promoted by collectivism. Communities may become more resilient as a result in the face of crises like natural catastrophes or political unrest.

  • By bringing together individuals from all origins and socioeconomic strata, collectivism may also advance inclusion and social justice. This might lessen social and economic disparities and foster social cohesion.


  • Traditional knowledge and practices are frequently passed down through generations in collectivist communities, aiding in the preservation of cultural legacy. This can support community members' feeling of pride and identity while preserving cultural variety.


  • Collectively, social support, economic growth, resilience, inclusivity, and cultural preservation may all be advantages of collectivism in society. These advantages may improve both people and communities' quality of life.









Influence of collectivism in different historical sectors 

Collectivism in Nepalese society's historical sphere has been essential in protecting cultural assets, fending off outside influences, and forming the nation's collective memory and identity. It illustrates how much the Nepalese people appreciate their common history, togetherness, and communal ideals.Some are


  •  Folklore & Oral Traditions: Generation after generation has passed down a wealth of oral traditions and folklore from Nepal's past. These narratives frequently highlight group ideals, valiant teamwork, and the virtue of cooperation in overcoming obstacles. They support the Nepalese people's common sense of identity and collective memory.


  • Resistance Movements: Throughout its history, Nepal has had a number of resistance movements, many of them were launched in opposition to foreign invasions and tyrannical governments. Collective mobilization, with participants from many backgrounds coming together to protect their homelands, cultures, and sovereignties, was a common feature of these revolutions (“Nepali Youth in America  n.d.). The Gurkha uprising against the British East India Company is one example.


  • Collectivism is essential for conserving Nepal's rich cultural legacy and for cultural preservation. Communities actively contribute to the upkeep of historical landmarks, temples, and monuments while transferring collectively from one generation to the next cultural traditions, rituals, and artistic forms.


  • Making choices jointly was common in historical situations whether it came to local governance, conflict resolution, or resource management. To ensure collective involvement and consensus-based decision-making, local communities would convene in assemblies known as "panchayats" or "sabhas" to debate important issues.


  • Commemorative Events: Numerous festivals and commemorative events are held in Nepal to honor historical persons, occasions, or landmarks. People get together to celebrate and commemorate national heroes, such as Prithvi Narayan Shah, who was instrumental in uniting Nepal.




Literature review


1.Reena Mitra's book "Circles of Sorrow, Lines of Struggle: The Novels of Toni Morrison" analyzes the works of acclaimed American novelist Toni Morrison, paying particular attention to themes of trauma, racism, and group battles in her books.


Although Toni Morrison's works take up the most of the book, it also has a chapter titled "Family, Community, and Collectivism: Nepal and Morrison." Reena Mitra examines the role of collectivism in Nepalese culture in this chapter and makes comparisons between the cultural and social dynamics in Nepal and the themes found in Morrison's writings (Mitra, n.d., #).


This chapter presumably explores how family, community, and the communal experience are examined in both Morrison's novels and Nepalese society.It may discuss the ways in which collective struggles, communal identity, and shared trauma are portrayed in the literature of Toni Morrison and how these themes resonate with the Nepalese context.



2.The book "The Great Transformation" by Karl Polanyi is a classic in sociology and economic history. Although the book does not specifically address collectivism, it does offer significant insights into how market forces, social structures, and the impact of collective action on economic systems interact.


"The Great Transformation" explores the development of the market economy across time and how it has impacted society. According to Polanyi, the development of a self-policing market system in the 19th century resulted in a fundamental shift in how civilizations structured their economic operations. He emphasizes that markets are socially produced and integrated within larger social, cultural, and political institutions rather than being naturally natural or autonomous.

(Polanyi, n.d.)








Conclusion


In conclusion, collectivism has been  influential in many facets of Nepalese culture, especially in the past. It has helped to protect cultural heritage, build resilience against outside pressures, and create a shared memory and sense of identity. The Nepalese have handed down tales that emphasize communal ideals and the strength of togetherness through folklore and oral traditions. Collective mobilization has been shown by resistance groups in order to defend their territory, culture, and sovereignty. Additionally, collective decision-making, cultural preservation, and commemorative occasions honoring historical personalities and achievements have all been crucial.


Numerous advantages of collectivism include societal stability, peace, and improved collaboration toward common objectives. It encourages a culture of mutual accountability and support within the community, which boosts output and spurs economic expansion. Collective responsibility emphasizes diversity, social fairness, and cultural preservation while fostering resilience in the face of catastrophes. Collectively, collectivism improves people's quality of life, fosters social harmony, and promotes the welfare of both individuals and communities.





References

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