Socio-Economic Condition of Lohar Community (A Case Study of Dhangadhi Municipality, Kailali District)

Abstract

This study was carried out with on objective of analyzing the socio-economic discrimination faced by the Lohar community of ward No. 10, Ghuyaghat of Dhangadhi municipality. Nepal is a multicultural country inhabited by people of various castes/ethnic groups. The Lohar are one of such communities processing indigenous identities. They are one of the most backward Dalit groups who are hard working, honest and humble as well as poor, backward and iliterate. The Lohars are defined as untouchables in society. Their traditional occupation is usually related to metal working activities. The main objectives of this study is to analyze the socio-economic condition and social discrimination faced by Lohar community in Ghuyaghat. In this context, this is a case study on the Lohar community of Dhangadhi municipality ward no. 10 Ghuyaghat Kailali, Nepal. In order to fulfill the objectives, 30 households in the study area have been selected. Questionnaire, observation, key informants, and interview are the major tools of data collection. This study has addressed socio-economic status of the Lohar community in Ghuyaghat. The Socio-economic parameters included livelihood analysis of agricultural in their economy and diversion of income source. Economically, the Lohars of Ghuyaghat are very poor and living under absolute poverty. Most of them are illiterate and dependent on agricultural labour. The study has analyzed the social discrimination faced by Lohar community of Ghuyaghat, Social discrimination consists of social inequalities faced by entire social group. The Lohar people are neglected, as they are treated as untouchable people. They are not allowed to enter in to the temple, use the same tap which is used by high caste people, and they are treaded as different people in local hotels and other social places. Even if they are provided some opportunities to get resources, they cannot compete against high caste people because they are surviving under poverty and lack of education. The study shows that the Lohars have been neglected in areas of economic and social development. The main factor responsible to make Lohars backward in the society is the caste-based discrimination. Hence, it is very important to eliminate the discrimination faced by them in order to improve their social and economic condition.