Process and Causes of Social Change in Dalit Community of Shikhar 2, Doti, Far-western Nepal

Abstract

This study entitled “Process and Causes of Social Change in Dalit Community of Shikhar 2, Doti, Far-western Nepal” aims to analyze the process of social change in Hindu community. It also, tries to find out the causes of social change in the community. Moreover, the study was about to assess the occupational shift among Dalit community of Shikhar 2, Doti, Far-western Nepal. Qualitative method was used to accomplished the study. Primary data were collected from the field work, where the researcher used Interview, and Case study as research tools. For the secondary data many related articles, books, reports, thesis and dissertations were reviewed. The collected data were processed, analyzed and described in accordance with the standards of data analysis and interpreted based on the research design. Following the analysis and interpretation of the data, the results were documented and reported in descriptive method. The findings of the study revealed that there were four Varnas in Hindu caste system which were ranked hierarchal order continuously; Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. In the study area, there were also, classes inside Shudra which were; (1) Luhar/Kami/BK (Bishwokarma), Sunar/Sop, Tamrakar, Tumata, Parki and Oad, (2) Bhul, (3) Dholi/Damai/Nagari/Nepali, and (4) Bhand/Das. Dalit were also known as ‘Untouchable’, ‘Polluted’, ‘Achhut’, ‘Tallo Jat’ and ‘Dum’. They used to do occupations related to blacksmith, leather, entertainment, pottery etc. which were very hard labored work. Traditional occupations were dependent on local resources and based on arts and culture. They used to make products as per the demand of local community and local market. Moreover, they went for work in non-Dalit’s home and got crops, grains, vegetables, food and some money as a ‘Khalo’ instead of the work. The study found that it was very difficult to survive by the Khalo. So, they were changing their traditional occupations in modern way or new job or business. Some of the old people still doing the traditional occupations because of the lack of skills, knowledge and money. More than 95 percent of young generation were ignoring traditional occupations and attracting to modern occupations. The research disclosed that those people who were; educated, good job, nice income and attractive life standard felt less discrimination than others. Furthermore, Education, awareness, profession, NGOs, INGOs, and government has great roles to eradicate caste-based discrimination and upliftment the life standard of the community.