Bista, D. B. (1994). Fatalism and Development: Nepal’s Struggle for Modernization. Publisher: Orient Longman Limited, Calcutta 700072, [First published 1991 & Sixth impression 1994].
Annotation by: Dr. Govind Prasad Thapa
in Indigenous Magar of Nepal: An Annotated Bibliography, Magar Studies Center, 2018
In this book, the author “examines aspects of cultural and social organization of Nepali society, as they have an effect on Nepal’s development.” The author attempts to “isolate key factors in Nepali society that are retarding and diminishing its efforts to development. This book is based on observations made over thirty years on Nepal’s attempts to develop and respond to change.” (P. 6). The author further elaborates the caste system and its impacts on development as, “Thakuri, Chhetri and Matwli people in the far western hills of Nepal are not divided rigidly by caste cleavages. Economic or political considerations tend to divide people rather than caste distinctions. All the major groups of people eastward from the far west are defined ethnically rather than by caste, such as Magar, Tharu, Gurung, Thakali, Sherpa, Tamang, Sunuwar, Thami, Rai, Limbu, Danuwar, Dhimal, etc. Increasing agitation by pundits in support of the nation-wide extension of the caste system has had a direct influence on consolidating the ethnic identity of these various groups within Nepali society. This increased sense of ethnic solidarity is a result of the defensive reaction against the intrusive and dominating activities of the Bahun-Chhetri. The various groups of people who do not have caste groupings have no way maintaining group solidarity other than through their ethnic groups. This leads to the emphasis on ethnic identity.”(pp.55-56)