Our ancestors
Nepal is a unique country in the world with religious and cultural diversity. It is very rich country in art, culture, tradition and lifestyle. The unique features of our ancestors are our pride, glory and identity. The history of Nepal is divided into three periods- Ancient period, Medieval period, and Modern period. It has been found that the tradition, culture, and the lifestyle of the people have been gradually changing in course of time. The culture, tradition, norms, values and lifestyle developed by our ancestors are the unique guidelines and identities for the present generation. It is the prime responsibility of new generation to identify, preserve and promote them.
Unique culture
Nepal is very rich in culture with distinctive rites since ancient time. Most of the rites and rituals were developed during Malla period. Some of them are still in practice in our society. Chudakarma (shaving hair in Bratabandha), Eehi (Bel Bibaha in Newar community), Pumsavan (kuldevatako pooja-worshipping ancestors god), funeral rites (mrityu samskar), etc are the typical examples of such cultures.
Well managed social structure and Division of Castes
According to Hinduism, the traditional Nepalese society was divided into four major castes-Brahmin, Kshetri, Vaishya and Sudra. They used toinvolve in different occupations. However, there was no discrimination among the castes. The work division was made on the basis of their caste that gradually developed into culture.
Social, Religious practices and Lifestyle
There was a feeling of cooperation. They were supportive to each other. The supportive systems like exchanging goods, labour to fulfill the need practised by our ancestors are exemplary to us. They had faith in religion and were virtuous. They were guided by religion belief. They used to live by maintaining social harmony and religious tolerance. They used to love to preserve and promote art and culture by constructing religious sites, Pati Pauwa, temple, Gumba etc. The artistic structures made by ancestors are still our pride and identities. The society was based on agriculture. There was a trade relation with Tibet. People used to live in joint family. The distribution of land was uneven. There were enough Guthis for social welfare and activities. The education system was mainly guided by religious performance and practices. Religious trusts, temples, gurukul and gumbas were the main centres for education. Sanskriti language was recognized as royal language during ancient period. Newari and Maithili languages were also very popular in the country during medieval period. They used to observe festivals on the basis of religion and ability. People used to wear clothes of domestic product such as Dhaka topi, Daura suruwal(male), Gunyu cholo(female), Ghalek(female), etc.
Judicial system
In the ancient period, the judicial system was based on religions practiced in the society. The laws used to be formed and implemented according to the religion. There was no fair judicial system because the nature of punishment was based on caste and religion. Ram shah, the king of Gorkha abolished this judicial system and started fair judicial system in his country. There was even a usage to give clearance to accused person by swearing gods and goddesses. There were various posts to decide the criminal cases. Decentralization judicial system was to be practised. Panchasamunchchaya used to solve the local disputes. Dware (to look after local quarrel), Pradhan (to look after tole), Khardar (to give justice visiting the whole country) used to be appointed to solve the disputes another criminal cases.
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