| Ranjitkars |
|---|
| Total population |
|
N. A. |
| Regions with significant populations |
| Nepal |
| Languages |
| Nepal Bhasa |
| Religions |
| Buddhism, Hinduism |
| Related ethnic groups |
| probably Indo-Aryans eg-Thakuri, Maithil and Sino-Tibetan eg-Kirants, Tibetans, Magar, Gurung in and around Nepal |
Ranjitkar (रंजितकार aka Chhipaa or Ranjit) is one of the castes of Newar. Nepal (नेपाल) is a Landlocked country in South Asia. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Castes are Hereditary systems of occupation, Endogamy, social culture, Social class, and Political power. The Newa ( Nepal Bhasa:नेवाः Newa or Newah, Old Nepal Bhasa नेवार Newar, नेवाल Newal) are the The Newari caste system is divided according to profession. The Ranjitkar caste is concerned with the dying of clothes as well as other color related activities. The word "Ranjitkar" comes from Sanskrit origins crudely meaning "people concerned with colors" whereas the word "Chhipaa" is a Nepal Bhasa compound word which can be roughly translated as "color and allow to dry". Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical
Contents |
History
There are very little written historic documents on Ranjitkars. However, judging by the extravagant clothings that are seen in the sculptures, one can speculate that Ranjitkars or some other people were present in the Nepal during the Licchavi era by latest. Licchavi (also Lichchhavi, Lichavi) was an ancient Republic which existed in what is now Bihar state of India, since the before the The first mention of Ranjitkars in written history might have been during the declaration of the division of castes by Jayasthiti Malla.
Race
The Ranjitkars are mixed racially. They have features resembling both Mongolians and Aryans. Mongolia (mɒŋˈɡoʊliə, literally Mongol country/nation,) is a Landlocked Country in East Aryan is an English word derived from the Sanskrit " Ārya " meaning "noble" or "honorable" So, one may infer that Ranjitkars are heterogeneous groups rather that a kin or ethnically homogeneous group.
Religion
Like all Newās, Ranjitkars follow a religion which is something between Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices The priest of Ranjitkars are Bajrachharyas who are Buddhists. However, most of the rituals performed are Hindu. Recently, an emergence of Theravada Buddhism has been observed in the Ranjitkars especially amongst those in Kathmandu. History Origin of the school The Theravāda school is ultimately derived from the Vibhajjavāda (or 'doctrine of analysis' grouping which was a continuation Kathmandu (काठमांडौ येँ is the Capital and the largest city of Nepal.
Language
Nepal Bhasa is the native tongue of the Ranjitkars. Nowadays many youngsters use the Nepali language as well. Nepali is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Nepal, Bhutan, and some parts of India and Myanmar (Burma
Location
There are three main localities of Ranjitkars in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu (काठमांडौ येँ is the Capital and the largest city of Nepal. They are in Majipā (मजिपा) of Yen (Downtown Kathmandu), a locality in Yala (Patan)and Golmadi in Bhaktapur. Kathmandu (काठमांडौ येँ is the Capital and the largest city of Nepal. Bhaktapur (भक्तपुर जिल्ला Bhaktapur Jillā) also Bhadgaon or Khwopa (ख्वप Khvapa) is an ancient Besides these, Ranjitkars have settlements in Kirtipur, Hetaunda, Bhimphedi, Madhyapur, Banepa, Trishuli and other cities of Nepal. With modernization and migration, Ranjitkars have migrated to different parts of the globe.
Festivals
Ranjitkars celebrate almost all of the festivals of Newars. The Newa ( Nepal Bhasa:नेवाः Newa or Newah, Old Nepal Bhasa नेवार Newar, नेवाल Newal) are the The major festivals which celebrated by the community are as follows:
Baalaa Charae
Also known as Baalaa Chaturdashi, it is celebrated according to lunar calendar. The festival is primarily centered in Yen(Kathmandu). It is a festival revering the deitified female ancestor called Ajima (from Newari Aji=grandmother, Ma=Mother). A guthi of Baakunani actively participate in the jatra held on the day. Guthi ( Nepal Bhasa: गूठी is a Social organization that used to maintain the social order of Newar society.
Yen yaa Punhi
It is celebrated on the full moon day of Yenlaa month of Nepali calendar. Also known as Indra Jatra, it is one of the greatest festival of Yen. Majipa Lakhe dance is one of the main attractions of the jatra. Majipa Lakhey is considered as the calm Bhairabh who protects the children from evils and demons. Majipa Lakhey (Lakhey Aaju Devnagari: मजिपा लाखे लाखे आजु is a special Lakhey. A guthi in Lakhenani organises the dance which takes place for a week. Majipa Lakhey Deity is one of the most popular symbol of Nepalese culture and religion.
Buddha Jayanti
The day marks the birth, enlightenment and demise of Gautama Buddha.
Lifestyle
With the Independence of India, incorporation of Tibet into China and fall of Rana regime in Nepal, the traditional lifestyle breathed its last and made way for new Nepal. The traditional designated dye related work became non-viable due to open market of Nepal which allowed open inflow of refined fabrics and dyed products. So, most of the Ranjitkars have given up the traditional profession. However, some have "evolved" their profession by working as experts for the Royals of Nepal. These people blend the valuable metals into the clothes as well as maintain and repair Shreepech (crown of Nepal).
In the last six decades, Ranjitkars have evolved as one of the literate castes of Nepal. Ranjitkars have thus been contributing in almost every walk of Nepalese society as educated professionals.
References
- Ranjitkar Samaj- The Ranjitkar society
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