Tamang

The Tamangs (also known a Murmi) are one of the several ethnic groups living in Nepal descended from Tibeto-Burman origins. Living mainly north and east of the Newars in the Kathmandu valley, they constitute 5.6% of Nepal's population, which places their population at 1,280,000, slightly higher than the Newars. Due to their geographical location, their language is vaguely intelligible with Neawri but closely related to both Tibetan and Sherpa.

The name Tamang in Tibetan means horse traders in Tibetan, which suggest that their ancestors came from the north and traded horses with the local community (Newars) and later settled and intermarried among them. However, many of them today earn a living through serving as porters. Like the Sherpas, they are also good mountaineers and mountain-guides. Many Tamang were also recruited to serve in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments.

The Tamangs are followers of Lamaism mixed with elements of the pre-Buddhist Bön and the Tambaist religion. Due to their close proximity with the Newar, a slight Hindu influence can be seen in their practises. Their priests include Lama, Bombo and Tamba.

Many Tamang clans do not permit intermarriage with other ethnic groups, although some clans do permit intermarriages with the Gurung, Magar, Newar, and Chettri. Their descent is being traced patrilineally.

References

• All India Tamang Buddhist Association (http://www.tamangs.com/aitba.htm)
• General Profile about the Tamangs (http://www.manang.com/People241.htm)

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia article. Browse Wikipedia for more information.