Kami (caste)

Kami (Nepali: विश्वकर्मा) is an ethno-linguistic Indo-Aryan Nepali speaking group. It is a Khas occupational caste belonging to blacksmiths.[2]The 1854 Nepalese Muluki Ain (Legal Code) keep in lowest category but there is no grading system in Nepal now . Every caste is same and does not belong to the lowest category anymore[3] Kami was categoriesed by the work they did in past .[1] Thus, the tribal designation of Khas is given only in few context to Kami[2]Now in 21st century things have changed and they are among the hardworkers so the economic status of this group is rapidly increasing then other caste. They are also called Vishwokarma or Vishwokarmabramin, they live in hilly districts of Nepal and in the Indian areas of Assam, Sikkim and Darjeeling District.

Kami
विश्वकर्मा
Regions with significant populations
   Nepal1,258,554 (4.8% of Nepal's population)[1]
Languages
Nepali language (Khas kura)
Religion
Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Khas people, Damai, Badi, Sarki, Gandarbha/Gaine

Clans and surnames

According to the 2001 Nepal census, there were a total of 895,954 Kami in that country, of whom 96.69% were Hindus and 2.21% were Buddhists. According to 2011 Nepal census, Kami make up 4.8% of Nepal's population (or 12,58,554 peoples).[1]

References
  1. "Nepal Census 2011" (PDF).
  2. Whelpton 2005, p. 31.
  3. Gurung, Harka (2005) Social Exclusion and Maoist Insurgency. Paper presented at National Dialogue Conference at ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal peoples, Kathmandu, 19–20 January 2005.

Bibliography
  • Whelpton, John (2005). A History of Nepal. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521804707.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)


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