Jhapa, January 16:

Though the monarchy is the thing of gone days in the country, the ethnic Kisan community in Jhapa still carries on with the tradition of kingship.

The ethnic group grants Bhawar Kisan, aided by two ministers and a small army, the kingly status.

The king is called Mahato, the minister Ukil and army Sipahi in the language of Kisans. The king — Bhawar -— has got two ministers —Khuyu Kisan and Doma Kisan. Bhawar has no territory of his own. He rules where his subjects live. The king settles the disputes related to tradition, culture, conflicts and discrimination in the community.

The king is selected according to the dynasty; however, the king selects the ministers as per his wish.

The Kisan community lives in Shantinagar, Bahundangi, Dhaijan, Duwagadhi, Arnamani, Arjundhara VDCs and Mechinagar municipality. The Kisan population is estimated to be around 1,000 in the district.

According to a study by the late Dr Harka Gurung, Kisans also live in Morang, Saptari and Baglung districts. Some 700 Kisan households are living in the country, Dr Gurung’s study states.

While, Bhim Kisan, the only community member to acquire a Master’s Degree, said, “Dr Gurung’s study includes the communities like Gunda, Kawar, Gwatiya and Gwala within the Kisan community. But their tradition and culture do not resemble with ours.”

A thesis submitted by Shantiram Dahal states that Kisan community lives only in Jhapa district and its population is 1800.

The marriage and death rituals of Kisan community resemble with those of Hindus. They burn or bury the dead bodies.

Regarding marriage, they practice both arranged and love marriages; however, they have no tradition of providing dowry in the marriages.

Kisans are traditionally fishers and wage workers, with some involved in

agriculture. Most of them are very poor. Kisans lag behind in education.

Bhim Kisan of Mechinagar municipality is the only community member to

acquire a Master’s Degree.

Renuka Kisan and Raju Kisan have got BBS and B Ed degrees, respectively. Two Kisan students are studying in the higher secondary level, 17 in secondary level and 125 in the primary level, they said.