Kami (caste)

Viswakarma (Nepali: विश्वकर्मा) is an Indo-Aryan Nepali speaking group. It was historically a Khas occupational caste of blacksmiths.[2] The 1854 Nepalese Muluki Ain (Legal Code) placed it in the lowest category. Later Nepal abolished its grading system.[3] Kami was categorized by its members' profession.[1] The tribal designation of Khas is given in only a few contexts to Viswakarma.[2] In the 21st century, the economic status of this group rapidly increased. They are also called Vishwokarma or Vishwokarmabramin. They live in hilly or mountainous districts of Nepal and in the Indian areas of Assam, Sikkim and Darjeeling District.

Viswakarma
विश्वकर्मा
Regions with significant populations
   Nepal1,258,554 (4.8% of Nepal's population)[1]
Languages
Nepali language (Khas kura)
Religion
Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Khas people, Damai, Badi, Sarki, Gandarbha/Gaine

Clans and surnames

According to the 2001 Nepal census, 895,954 Viswakarma inhabit the country. 96.69% are Hindus and 2.21% are Buddhists. Viswakarma makes up 4.8% of Nepal's population (or 1,258,554 people).[1]

Common surnames (Thar-थर) include Sunar (Sonar in India and Terai of Nepal), Bishwakarma (B.K.),Luhar(Lohar) Century, Rasaili, Gajmer,Ghatani,Baral, Tirwa, Setimahar,Kalikote,Ghimire, Sadashankar, Sapkota, Lohagun,Gahatraj, Gotame,Lamghade,Gadaal,Khati etc. More than 50 surnames are used in Viswakarma Community. Their surnames are similar to the Brahmins of Nepal. These surnames are used by nepali community living in the different parts of India basically in North East States, Sikkim Darjeeling,Tarai and Dooars. In West Bengal these surnames are brought under Scheduled Caste. But in other states like Assam the people of Viswakarma Community are not included in Scheduled Caste.

Economy

The primary occupations include goldsmith, silversmith, ironsmith, and utensil making. Products include idols, weapons, and shields. In ancient times, few Viswakarma were literate.

References
  1. "Nepal Census 2011" (PDF).
  2. Whelpton 2005, p. 31.
  3. Gurung, Harka (2005) Social Exclusion and Maoist Insurgency. Paper presented at National Dialogue Conference at ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal peoples, Kathmandu, 19–20 January 2005.

Bibliography
  • Whelpton, John (2005). A History of Nepal. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521804707.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)


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