Indigenous Knowledge of the Majhi Community of Manthali Municipality, Ramechhap

Abstract

The Majhi is one of the indigenous nationalities (Adivasi Janajati) of Nepal, whose lives, culture, and socio-economic identities depend on river areas. This study is based on systematically evaluated literature on the Majhi community, Government records, available ethnographic data, and socio-economic census analyses of documents relating to Manthali Municipality in Ramechhap District, to assess the indigenous knowledge systems practiced by the Majhi community. The study highlights their traditional modes of resource appropriation (fishing, boat construction, and agriculture along the river), their linguistic diversity, and their belief systems (sociocultural idiosyncrasies). The findings show that although the Majhi have a vast body of ecological knowledge that can contribute to adapting to climate change and conserving biodiversity, this knowledge faces severe threats. Every practice is rapidly being lost/destroyed by modern infrastructure encroachment, accelerated urbanization (of settlements along the Tama Kosi river corridor), economic displacement through mechanized sand mining, and linguistic assimilation. The conclusions of this study warn of the need to protect the intangible cultural heritage of the Majhi and call for inclusion in environmental policies and municipal-level local governance structures to ensure sustainable local development.