Who Are the Magar?
The Magar are the largest indigenous (Janajati) ethnic group in Nepal, numbering approximately 1.8-2 million. They speak several Magar languages (Magar Dhut, Magar Kaike, and others) of the Tibeto-Burman family, though many now speak Nepali primarily. The Magar inhabit the mid-hills of western and central Nepal, particularly the Karnali and Gandaki zones. Like the Gurung, the Magar are prominent among Gurkha soldiers, serving in British, Indian, and Nepalese armies for centuries. Magar religion blends indigenous beliefs, Hinduism, and Buddhism, with regional variation across their extensive territory.
Military Heritage
The Magar military tradition predates British recruitment. Magar warriors formed significant portions of Prithvi Narayan Shah's army during Nepal's unification in the 18th century. British recruitment of Magar soldiers into Gurkha regiments began in the 19th century and continues today. Magar soldiers have fought in both World Wars, various colonial campaigns, and modern conflicts. This military tradition brings income through foreign pensions and shapes masculine identity. The khukuri, physical fitness, and martial valor are valorized. However, dependence on military service has also created economic vulnerability when recruitment declines.
Language Endangerment
Despite their numbers, Magar languages are endangered. The 2011 Nepal census showed that only about 3% of Magar self-identified as Magar language speakers—the vast majority have shifted to Nepali. This language shift reflects centuries of Sanskritization and Nepalization, as well as the prestige of Nepali for education and economic advancement. Magar activists have worked to revive the language through schools, literature, and cultural programs. The irony of Nepal's largest indigenous group having lost their language highlights the pressures on minority languages even for large populations.
Contemporary Magar
Modern Magar have become politically active, particularly since Nepal's transition from monarchy to republic. Magar politicians have served in government; Magar identity features in federal debates about ethnic representation. During the Maoist insurgency (1996-2006), many Magar joined both sides of the conflict, and Magar villages suffered heavily. Economic activities include farming, foreign labor migration (particularly to Gulf countries and Malaysia), and military service. Cultural revival efforts promote Magar language, dance, and traditions. How the Magar leverage their numbers for political influence while reversing language loss shapes Nepal's largest indigenous community's future.
References
- Sales, A. (1991). Je suis né de vos jeux de tambours: La religion chamanique des Magar du Nepal
- Lecomte-Tilouine, M. (2009). Hindu Kingship, Ethnic Revival, and Maoist Rebellion in Nepal
- Turin, M. (2012). A Grammar of the Thangmi Language