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The Magars are divided basically into seven clans or septs: Thapa, Ale, Rana, Budhathoki, Roka, Gharti and Pun. All the seven Magar clans intermarry one with the other and are officially of equal social standing. Owing to the geographical position of their country, the Magars were amongst the first to receive immigrants from the plains of India. It follows, therefore, that a great number of their customs and ceremonies conform very closely to those of the Hindus of India. The Brahmans first found their way into Nepal amongst the multitudes of Indians, fleeing before the Mohammedan invasion in the twelfth century. They were the first to convert the local peoples to Hinduism. It is clear that the Brahmans found in their new mountain homes many willing converts, yet a large number refused to adopt the new faith. To the former the Brahmans granted the sacred thread, but to the latter they denied it; hence there sprang up such tribes as Rokas, Thapas, Budhathokis, Ranas and Ghartis, names which are to-day found amongst the clans of both the Chettris/Kshatriyas and Magars. Of the early history of the Magars nothing whatever is known. The first mention of them is the fact that in A.D.1100, the Magar King of Palpa and Butwal, Mukunda Sen, invaded and conquered the Nepal (Kathmandu) valley. It is always understood, however, that they have resided round about Palpa from time immemorial and that they were probably the earliest settlers from the north. This part of the country was formerly divided into twelve districts, each under its own ruler, being known as the Barah, or twelve, Magarant or twelve Thams, the members of each supposedly being of common extraction in the male line.Some records show these twelve areas as being Argha, Gulmi, Isma, Musikot, Khanchi, Ghiring, Rising, Bhirkot, Payung, Garhung, Dhor and Satung, but it is probable that some of the latter places should have been excluded in favour of Palpa, Galkot, Dhurkot, Char Hajar Parbat and even Piuthan and Salyan. The Magars of middle and western Nepal lay claim to an exciting role in Nepal's formative history. Their kingdom was one of the strongest of west Nepal in and around Palpa District during the time of the 22 and 24 rajya principalities (17th and early 18th centuries). Hamilton, during his research in Nepal in 1802, came to conclusion that all the kings of 24 principalities including Sen King of Palpa in the Western Nepal were Magars. Some Magars believe that they have the same origins as the Thakuris. It is quite possible though that the aristocracy among Magars assumed and acquired the Thakuri caste and status. After the fall of constitutional monarchy in Nepal, many scholars have been claiming that Nepal's former ruling Shah kings were the descendants of Magar Kings of Barah Magarath/Kali Gandaki Region.The 18th century king, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of the modern Kingdom of Nepal had announced himself as a Magar king. According to Hamilton, Mincha and Khancha, the forefathers of former Shah kings of Nepal, were of Magar descent. Baburam Acharya, the famous historian of Nepal, also confirmed that Nepal's former Shah kings were the descendents of Magar Kings. Many prominent historians of Nepal have started to write Aramudi, 8th Century ruler of Kali Gandaki Region, as a Magar King. Aramudi is said to be named after Magar language. Jayapida [782-813 AD] whose other name was Vinayaditta, a king of Kashmir, invaded Kali Gandaki Region, a traditional homeland of the Magars of Nepal. Aramudi resisted the invasion and virtually defeated Jayapida. After capture by Aramudi, he was taken to the right banks of the Kali Gandaki river, in a strongly built fort, where Aramudi imprisoned him. Jayapida was a powerful king of Kashmir who ruled for 31 years and had defeated the kings of Kanyakubja(Kannauj), and Prayag/Allahabad in Utter Pradesh, India. He was in a conquering expedition to the valley of the Ganges. |
