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