TheMagars, also spelledMangar andMongar, are the largest ethnic group native to Nepal and NortheastIndia, representing 6.9% of Nepal's total population according to the2021 Nepal census.^[5] They are one of the mainGurkha tribes.

Magars

Magars in traditional dress
Total population
2,309,498
Regions with significant populations
Nepal	2,013,498 (6.9% of Nepal's population) (2021)[1]
India	278,000 (2006)[2]
Languages
Native: Magar Dialect: Magar Kham,Magar Kaike, Magar ḍhuṭ Also: Nepali[3]
Religion
Hinduism 79.4%,Buddhism 18%,Christianity 2.2%,Prakriti 0.4%[4]
Related ethnic groups
Gurung,Tamang,Tibetan,Thakali andSherpa

The first home of the Magars was to the west of theGandaki River and, roughly speaking, consisted of that portion of Nepal which lies between and around aboutGulmi,Arghakhanchi, andPalpa.^[6]This part of the country was divided into twelve districts known asBahra Magarat (Confederation of Twelve Magar villages), which included the following regions of that period:Argha,Khanchi, Bhirkot, Dhor, Garhung, Ghiring, Gulmi, Isma, Musikot, Rising,Satung, and Pyung.^[6]During the medieval period, the whole area fromPalpa to Rukum Rolpa was called theMagarat, a place settled and inhabited by Magars.^[7]Another confederation of eighteen Magar kingdoms, known asAthara Magarat, also existed and was originally inhabited byKham Magars.

At the time of the2021 Nepal census, 2,013,498 people (6.9% of the population of Nepal) identified as Magar. The frequency of Magar people by province was as follows:

• Gandaki Province (18.8%)
• Lumbini Province (14.6%)
• Karnali Province (10.4%)
• Bagmati Province (5.1%)
• Koshi Province (4%)
• Sudurpashchim Province (2%)
• Madhesh Province (1.1%)

The frequency of Magar people was higher than national average in the following districts:^[8]

• Palpa (53%)
• Eastern Rukum (49.4%)
• Rolpa (42.8%)
• Myagdi (35.5%)
• Pyuthan (33.7%)
• Baglung (30%)
• Nawalpur (27.5%)
• Tanahun (26%)
• Gulmi (22.3%)
• Syangja (22%)
• Arghakhanchi (19.6%)
• Surkhet (17.3%)
• Salyan (14.6%)
• Dang (14.5%)
• Sindhuli (14.1%)
• Western Rukum (13.8%)
• Udayapur (13.3%)
• Dolpa (12.1%)
• Mustang (11.7%)
• Parbat (11.7%)
• Gorkha (11.5%)
• Okhaldhunga (11.5%)
• Rupandehi (10.9%)
• Ramechhap (10.8%)
• Dhankuta (10.3%)
• Kaski (9.7%)
• Dailekh (9.1%)
• Jajarkot (8.9%)
• Dhading (8.2%)
• Parasi District (7.1%)

Magars are scattered throughout the cities ofIndia inDarjeeling,Sikkim,Assam and many others. TheGurkha recruitment in theIndian Gorkha Regiment,British Gurkha Regiment and theGurkha Contingent of Singapore Police gave a huge opportunity to the hard working Magars of the hills to work and live abroad in countries likethe United Kingdom,Hong Kong,Singapore,Malaysia,Brunei,India andMyanmar. A significant number of Magar population can also be found in countries likethe United Arab Emirates,Japan,Australia,Saudi Arabia,the United States of America andSouth Korea.

There are several mythical stories describing the origins of the Magars.^[9]

The Magar of the Bahra Magarat east of theKali Gandaki River are said to have originated in the land of Seem. Two brothers, Seem Magar and Chintoo Magar, fought, and one remained in Seem, while the other left, ending up in Kangwachen, southernSikkim. TheBhutia people lived at the northern end of this region. Over time, the Magars became very powerful and made the northern Bhutia theirvassals. Sintoo Sati Sheng ruled in a very despotic manner, and the Bhutia conspired to assassinate him. Sheng's queen took revenge and poisoned 1,000 Bhutia people at a place now called Tong Song Fong, meaning "where a thousand were murdered". The Bhutia later drove the Magars out, forcing them to again migrate further south. As part of this migration, one group migrated to Simrongadh, one group moved towards the Okhaldhunga region, and another group seems to have returned to the east. No dates are given.

The origins of the Kaike Magars end up with the mystical tales told and retold by local people. According to one of these stories, the Kaike Magars were the sons of a woman who had fled from an unspecified village of Kalyal kingdom. She subsequently gave birth to her child, a son. The boy, when he grew up, captured an angel while she was bathing with her friends. As time went by, the son and his angel bride had three sons. These sons were the ancestors of the Buddha, Roka, and Gharti clans. The origin of the fourth major clan is different. One of the three sons was a shepherd who kept losing the same female goat every day, so one day he followed her when she wandered away from the rest of the herd. He discovered that she was giving her milk to a baby boy living in the hollow part of a bamboo tree. He brought the baby home. This boy grew up and became the ancestor of the Jhankri clan. The language was called "Kaike," meaning "language of the Gods."

The first written history about the Magar people dates as far back as 1100 CE.^[10] The Magars are one of the oldest known tribes in Nepal. Their ancient homeland was known asMagwar Bisaya, later called Magarat.

Magarat bordered from Marsyangdi river to the Pyuthan area during that time.^[11] The Magars prospered at such a level during that period that this part of the country was divided into twelve kingdoms/thams (BarahMagarant or twelve magarat)^[12]—each under its own ruler—the members of each supposedly being of common extraction in the male line. Some records show these twelve areas as beingArghak, Khachi,Gulmi, Isma, Musikot, Ghiring, Rising, Bhirkot, Payung, Garhung, Dhor and Satung.^[6][13] Among them, the most powerful kings were those of Gulmi, Argha, Khachi.^[6] Broadly speaking, the twelve Magarat consisted of present-day Argha, Khanchi, Gulmi, Isma, Musikot, Ghiring, Baldengadhi, Rudrapurgadhi, Deuchuli, Tanahang/Tanu-hyula (Tanahu), Kanhu, Ligligkot, Gorkhakot, (Bahakot), Targhakot (Takukot), and Makawanpur areas.^[14] Similarly, Athara (eighteen) Magarat consisted of the following regions: Dhurkoi (Gulmi), Gharkoi (Arghakhachi), Paiya (Parbat), Sinkhang (Myagdi), Narikoi (Pyuthan), Balungbang (Pyuthan), Jangkoi (Rolpa), Rukumkoi (Rukum), Chhilikoi (Dang), Bhaba (Dailekh), Borekoi (Jajarkot), Tarakoi (Dolpa), Timarkoi (Jumla), Jural (Doti), Bunkot, Bahrakot, Lu Nanya (Dadeldhura) and Ru-pal (Dadeldhura).^[6]

The Magars of the middle and western regions also played an important 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 22Baisi Rajya and 24Chaubisi Rajya principalities (17th and early 18th centuries).^[15] In the 16th century, Palpa ruler Mukunda Sen briefly invaded the Kathmandu valley. King Dalsur Ghale Magar (1604-1615BS) was a king ofLiglig-Kot untilDravya Shah captured LigligKot and became the king.^[16] Ganga Ram Rana Magar also helped Drabya Shah.Ligligkot is also considered the foundation of theGorkha Kingdom and the foundation of our nation . AfterDravya Shah capturedLigligKot from Magar King Dalsur Ghale Magar, he captured Gorkhakot, the last Magarat area, from the Magar King,Mansingh Khadka Magar in BS 1616 Bhadra 25.^[17] In the kingdoms of Gorkha and Musikot, the Magars even seem to have taken part in their own initial defeat, revealing both the weakness of their ethnic solidarity at that time and the presence of clan rivalries.^[18] As mentioned in theJournal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal founded bySir William Jones in 1784, the city ofGorkha was originally the residence of Chitoria (Chitorey) Magars, and the city was built by them. To this day, large numbers of Chitoria/Chitorey Magars are found in theGorkha District.^[6] Additionally, in theManakamana Temple located inGorkha, it is mandatory for a priest to be a Magar; specifically, the priest must be a descendant of Saint Lakhan Thapa Magar, who is described as a spiritual guide forRam Shah, and he had a very close relationship with the queen, who was considered an incarnation of the Goddess.^[18] Interestingly, the main priests of Kalika, the goddess protecting the kingdoms of Lamjung and Gorkha, were also Bohara Magars; it is striking to note how the Magars have been in charge of the religious functions linked to the very source ofThakuri power.^[18]

The 18th-century king,Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of the modern Kingdom of Nepal announced and loved to call himself ' the King ofMagarat' or 'the King of Magar country'.^[18][19] According to Marie Lecomte-Tilouine, a senior researcher in Social Anthropology at the French National Center for Scientific Research,Prithvi Narayan Shah narrated in his autobiography about praying to a goddess whom he described as 'the daughter of Rana [Magar].^[18] During the time of King Prithvi Narayan, Rana Magars were one of the six-membercourtiers (Tharghar).^[18]Prithvi Narayan Shah in his memories also recalls his Magardada—the man who looked after him during his childhood.^[18]

The Scottish contemporary writer,Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, contends in his journal that theShah dynasty was derived from theMagar tribe. He argues that:

The family of Gorkha orGorkha Kingdom which now governs Nepal, although it pretends to come fromChittor, according to Sadhu Ram,^[a] a good authority, is, in reality, of the Magar tribe; and, at any rate, these people are now firmly attached to its interests, by having largely shared in the sweets of conquest; and by far the greatest part of the regular troops of that family is composed of this nation.

— An account of the Kingdom of Nepal^[21]

He further contended on Shah family that:

The family pretends to be of the Pamar tribe; but it is alleged, as I have already explained, that this is a mere fable, and that, on the arrival of the colony from Chitaur, this family were Magars.

— An account of the Kingdom of Nepal^[22]

Many prominent historians of Nepal have claimed that Aramudi, an eighth-century ruler of the Kali Gandaki region, was a Magar King.^{[23][24][25][26]} "Aramudi" derives from the word for 'river' in theMagar language.^[27] 'Ari' – 'Source of Water' + 'Modi'– 'River' = 'Arimodi' or 'Aramudi', thus the literal meaning of Aramudi is asource of river. But due to the lack of historical evidence, there are some conflicting ideas among the historians.

Sen dynasty of Palpa were Magar Kings^[28][18] as per the hand-written treatise 'Naradsmriti'^[29] and history books written in Sikkim.^[30] In a palm-leaf manuscript kept in the Kaiser Library, dated 1567 VS (1510),Mukunda Sen is described as a Magar king ofPalpa who invaded the Kathmandu Valley in 1581 VS (1524).^[18] Thus, in the 17th century, Malla kings of Kathmandu valley were united to fight back the invasion of Magars from Palpa.^[31] One of Mukunda Sen's wives was also the daughter of the Magar King of Parkogha: Mahadevi Suvarnamala, and she had four sons: Manishya Sen, Imbarsen, Kuvar and Lohang Sen.^[18] Similarly, Gajalaxman Singh, Magar King of Makvanpur, whose daughter Kantivati was married to Abhaya Sen (Magar King) of Palpa.^[18][32] From her was born the great king of kings Bhattarajadeva.^[18] Around 1700, the ruler of Baldeng (near present-day Butwal) was overthrown by Palpa and otherchaubisi states, and he was supposedly a Magar king.^[28]

Magars are divided into the following Eight tribes(clans) listed here in an alphabetical order: Ale, Budha/Budhathoki, Chitorey/Chitaurey, Gharti, Pun, Rana, Roka, Thapa. These tribes all intermarry with each other, have the same customs, and are in every way equal as regards to social standing. Each tribe is subdivided into many sub-clans.^[6][33]

Arghali, Durungchung, Hiski, Hungchen, Limel, Pade, Rakhal, Suyal, Sirpali.

Gamal, Jugjali, Pahari, Thami, Arkali, Ulange, Karmani, Kosila, Gamal, Chini, Jiyali, Thami, Janjali, Darlasi, Deowal, Namjali, Pare, Pahare, Pojange, Barkabiri, Balkoti, Ramjali, Romkhami, Sinjali/Singjali, Jujali, Lamichhane, Khame, Doyal.

Chitorey, Chitaurey

Dagami, Galami, Kalikotey, Pahari or Panre, Phagami, Rangu, Rawal, Rajali, Sawangi, Sene, Surai, Sinjapati, Sijapati, Talaji, Tirukia, Wale, Thini, Bhujel.

Birkali, Baijali, Burduja, Paija, sain, Chochangi, Sinjali, Dut, Purja, Garbuja, Ramjali, Tilija, Armaja, Phungali, Sanangi, Sothi, Sutpahare, Khame, Khoroja, Thane, Tirke, Sabangi, Pahare, Gaura, Phagami/Fagami, Balali, Batha, Saureni, Sherpunja.

Aachhami, Aslami, Bangling, Chumi, Gyangmi/Gyami, Kharka/Khadka, Kyapchaki/Kepchaki, Lungeli, Makkim, Maski, Marchu, Palli, Ruchal, Shrees, Surjabansi/Suryabangsi, Limel, Deuka, Jung, Fewali, Basista

Jelbangi, Dununge, Ramjali, Bajhangi, Baijali.

To name a few – Āthaghare, Bagale, Bakabal, Bakheti, Baraghare, Birkatta, Kala, Kammu, Khapangi, Palunge, Puwar/Punwar, Sunari, Sāthighare, Sinjali/Singjali, Saplangi, Midun, Mugmi, Pulami, Darlami, Salami, Jarga, Dhenga, Taramu, Tarami, Tarangi, Tangnami, Byangnasi, Masrangi

Gaha Thapa consists of Bucha, Gora, khangaha/khanga.

Reshmi Thapa consists of Dangal.

Saru Thapa consists of Jhapurluk, Jhendi/Jhedi, Kala. Besides these, Gurbachan, Purbachhaney, Phounja, Chauhan, Pachabhaiya, Khamcha, Khandaluk, Ghale, Baral, Somai, Pithakote, Jhakote, Rakaskoti/Raskoti, Uchai, Samal.

In former days, any Thapa who had lost three generations of ancestors in battle became a Rana, but with the prefix of his Thapa clan. Thus, a Reshmi Thapa would become a Reshmi Rana.^[6][34] An instance of this is to be found in the 5th Gurkhas, where ahavildar, Lachman Thapa, and a naik, Shamsher Rana, descended from the two Thapa [Magars] brothers; but three generations of descendants from one of these brothers having been killed in the battle, Shamsher Rana's ancestors assumed the title of Rana while Lachman Thapa's ancestors not having been killed in battle for three generations remained a Thapa. From this custom many Rana sub clans are said to have sprung up, and this would lead one to believe that the Rana-Magar clan was looked up to amongst the Magars.^[6]

The Rana clan of Magar tribes come from the same stock of Thapa, but when they were separated from their original group and lost for three generations, they settled in a place called lamjung and called themselves by the name ofRana which means chief in khas tradition and language. Thus, the inhabitants of Rana Magar became the lamjung village. The Matwala Khas are generally the progeny of aKhas of Western Nepal and karnali with a Magar woman of Western Nepal. If the woman happens to belong to the khas mixed Rana clan of the Magar tribe, progeny is then called a Bhat Rana.^[6][34] TheMatwala Khas doesn't wear the sacred thread. They eats pork and drinks alcohol, and in every way assimilates himself with the Magars. He invariably claims to be a matwali khas or pawai khas.^[34]

Linguistically, the Magars are divided into three groups. Baraha Magaratis speak Dhut dialect, whereas Athara Magaratis speak Pang and Kaike dialects.

Magar Dhut speakers: Rana, Ale, Thapa

Magar Kham speakers: Budhathoki, Pun, Roka, Gharti

Magar Kaike speakers: Tarali Magar of Dolpa; Budha, Gharti, Roka/Rokaya, Kayat, Jhakri all Magar clans residing in Dolpa and Karnali districts.

Of the 2,013,498 Magar population inNepal, about 810,315 speakMagar language as their mother tongue while the rest speakNepali as their mother tongue. The western inhabitants of Nepal did not speak the language in the past.^{[citation needed]} But recently, almost everyone has started learning the language.^{[citation needed]} The Magar languages are rooted in theBodic branch of the Tibetan family.

The Magar language,Magar Kura, is spoken in two major dialects and a number of sub dialects reflecting the geographic distribution of the group. The Western Magars ofRapti Zone speakMagar Kham language. In Dolpa District, Magars speakMagar Kaike language. Magar Dhut language speakers are all Magar clans residing inTwelve Magarat. Similarly Magar Kham language speakers are all Magar clans fromEighteen Magarat. Magar Kaike language speakers are all Magar clans inKarnali zone.

Magar Akkha or scripts are used inSikkim as a Magar language script. Many scholars including MS Thapa have been in forefront to implement the Akkha script to write Magar language in Nepal. New generations have been learning it. Akkha script is said to be closely associated withBrahmi script.

As per Nepali census 79% of Magars follow Hinduism though there is high degree of syncretism with Buddhism, Animism and Ancestor Worship.^[35] Magars followBuddhism and Hinduism. The original religions or beliefs of Magar people areShamanism,Animism,Ancestor worship and northern Nepal's Magar follow Shamanism.

Magars are the main priests of the famousManakamana Temple in Gorkha District,Budha Subba Temple inDharan andAlamdevi temple (Nepal's former Shah Kings' mother Goddess or family deity) in Syangja District. In Manakamana Temple, specially, the priest must be a descendant of Saint Lakhan Thapa Magar, who is described as a spiritual guide forRam Shah, and he had a very close relationship with the queen, who was considered an incarnation of the Goddess Durga Bhawani, an incarnation of Parvati.^[18] Similarly, Bhirkot, Gahraukot, Khilung, Nuwakot, Satahukot, Sarankot, Dhor, Lamjung, Gorkha Kalika, Salyankot Dhading also have Magar priests from Saru, Baral, Saru, Saru, Pulami, Chumi, Darlami, DudhrRana, Bhusal/Maski, Saru/Rana Magar clan respectively.^[36]

The main priests of Kalika, the goddess protecting the kingdoms of Lamjung andGorkha, were also Bohara Magars. Magars have been in charge of the religious functions linked to the very source ofThakuri power.^[18]

Most Magars also follow a form ofTibetan Buddhism, with priests known as Lama Guru, forming the religious hierarchy. Buddhism is an important part of the culture even in the southern districts, where the Magars have developed a syncretic form of religion that combines earlier shamanistic and Buddhist rituals with Hindu traditions.

Animists and shamanism form part of the local belief system; their dhami (the faith healer or a kind of shaman) is called Dangar and their jhankri (another kind of faith healer or shaman) was the traditional spiritual and social leader of the Magars.^[37] Magars have an informal cultural institution, calledBhujel, who performs religious activities, organizes social and agriculture-related festivities, brings about reforms in traditions and customs, strengthens social and production system, manages resources, settles cases and disputes and systematizes activities for recreation and social solidarity.^[38]

Men wearkachhad or wrap-on-loincloth, abhangra, a bhoto or a shirt of vest, and the usual Nepali topi. Women wear thephariya orlunghi,chaubandhi cholo or a closed blouse and the heavypatuka or waistband, and themujetro or shawl-like garment on the head.

The ornaments are themadwari on the ears,bulaki on the nose and thephuli on the left nostril, the silver coin necklace"[haari]" and thepote (yellow and Green beads) with thetilhari gold cylinder, [jantar], [dhungri], [naugedi], [phul],kuntha, and alsoraiya in the hand. Magar males do not wear many ornaments, but some are seen to have silver earrings, hanging from their earlobes, called"gokkul". The magar girls wear the amulet or locket necklace, and women of the lower hills and the high-altitude ones wear these made of silver with muga stones embedded in them andkantha. The bangles of silver and glass are also worn on their hands along with thesirbandhi,sirphuli andchandra on their heads. These are large pieces of gold beaten in elongated and circular shapes.

Maghe Sankranti is considered to be one of the most important annual festivals of the indigenous Magar community. In fact, Maghe Sankranti is the government declared national festival of the Magar community as well as the Tharu community (2009 AD). It is celebrated on the first day of Magh (tenth month of the Nepali calendar, in mid-January), a time that marks the transition from winter to spring. According to the Magar terminology, Maghe Sakranti commemorates the end ofudheli (literally 'down'), which is a period that lasts for six months starting from mid-July, and the initiation ofubheli ('up'), the period lasting for another six months starting from the mid-January. The down and up periods probably correspond to the annual cycle of herding livestock up and down from high pastures, a historically important economic activity of the Magars. The occasion is celebrated with a host of gatherings and special invitations tochelibetis, one's daughters and other female members of the family. Traditional Magar songs and dances are also performed. One of the most prominent food items prepared on this day (or any other celebratory occasion) is known asbatuk (commonly known as 'bara'). It is considered to be a traditional food of the Magar people. Shaped like western doughnuts, it is made from black lentils that have been soaked for over twenty-four hours and are grounded to form a thick paste. It is then mixed with salt, pepper and turmeric and fried in oil. A perfect round shape is formed with the help of the palm, and a small distinct hole is made in the center.

Bhume Puja (also known asBal puja) is one of the festivals celebrated by theKham Magar people fromLumbini andKarnali provinces ofNepal. The termBhume means 'Earth' inNepali language. TheKham people practice a religion that worships the land (bhumi puja),water sprouts (shim), forests (ban puja) and weather, asking for better crop yields and cattle. TheKham people believe that the Earth is God. Earth is considered to be the mother and protector which provides shelter, food and sustenance for everyone. To make the Earth happy, people perform the dance from mid-May through mid-June. The main celebration takes place during the first week of June.

• Chandi Purnima, Baisakhe Purnima, Mangsir Purnima, Jestha Purnima.
• Magar people celebrates major festival like "Chhaigo" as Lhosar which is considered as the New Year for Magar community according to the Naagchi Sambat. Magar people also observe festivals like Chaiti, Rungma, Keja, Yacha etc. These festivals are based on the Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon culture.

Magars have contributed phenomenally in Nepali folk songs and dances. Both men and women take part in folk songs and dances.

One of the most well-known Magar folk-dances isSorathi orMaruni dance practiced duringTihar festival. In this dance, the main dancer wears a woman's dress, has someone to mimic her dance and one person to beat aMadal orRani Madal. This dance is believed to be of divine origin and is directly linked with mythology. The role of the person beating theMadal is considered to be the most important, and even the one who mimics the main dancer is actually considered to be the protectors of the dancer. He wears a mask, entertains the crowd by his own gestures etc. The wearing of the dress by the dance is given a ritualistic position, as the dancer's dress, are elaborately laid along with flowers, rice etc. on a brass plate or a winnower. The dance begins with the worship ofMadal, the dress, and other ornaments to be used by the dancer, followed by obeisance to all gods and goddesses like Saraswati, Ram, Sita. The dance ends with blessings to the family that has offered alms to the dancing group and brings the end to the dance ritualistically. The dance originated with the Magar community, and later on, people from the various communities started adopting it. Maruni in Western Nepal is different than in other places.Maruni andSorathi dances were created in Western Nepal by the Magar community, and Magars who migrated to Eastern Nepal started to make small changes as they performed it there too.

Kaura, also known as "Kaanraha" inMagar language, is a folk musical performance indigenous to the hilly regions of Nepal. It is one of the most populardances in Nepal.Kaura was originated in the Magar community ofRishingRanipokhari,Tanahun. According to historians, it was originally called "Kaanraha". It typically involves rhythmic movements accompanied by traditional music, often performed during festivals or cultural celebrations to showcase the community's heritage and identity.

Hurra is a dance of the Magar community which is performed duringTihar festival. Hurra Naach was originated in the Magar community ofMudebas Village ofDhankuta. Hurra has been observed from time unknown but it is widely believed that this culture started from 1850 AD. Hurra, now is considered as a broad culture merely than just a cultural dance. After taking permission from the village Mukhiya, Hurra dance culture starts from the porch of Mukhiya's house and then the whole village sing songs forDeusi/Bhailo and dance on the tunes of themadal. The dance is widely performed in almost all the parts ofeastern Nepal.

Bhume Naach is one of the popular dances practiced by theKham Magar people fromLumbini andKarnali provinces ofNepal. The termBhume means 'Earth' andNaach means 'dance' inNepali language. The main dance ofBhume Naach, requires that the village boys dance in the center of a circle surrounded by dancing girls who wear beautiful clothing, jewellery, and flowers. TheBhume Naach highlights and celebrates the fact that without Earth there is no life.

Salaijo is a popular Nepali folk song originating from the western region of Nepal. The lyrics of Salaijo typically revolve around topics of love and loss, and the song is often used as a way to express emotions.

Yanimaya Bhaka is considered to have originated from the Magar community around the villages ofBaglung andMyagdi. It is a form of aballad and the song is often used as a way to express emotions.

Ghatu, Jhorra, Sunimaya, Rung, Bon Lama Naach.

Agriculture and the military are the primary sources of income. Magars constitute the largest number ofGurkha soldiers outside Nepal.^[39][40]Kaji Sarbajit Rana Magar became the head of government during the regency of Queen Rajendra Laxmi.^[41] KajiBiraj Thapa Magar winner of limbuwan,Kaji Jayant Rana Magar was a Gorkhali general of the Gorkha Kingdom and the Kingdom of Kantipur, GeneralAbhiman Singh Rana Magar andKaji Sarbajit Rana Magar headed the Nepal army. Biraj Thapa Magar was the first army chief in Nepal Army's history.^[42]

Dor Bahadur Bista's observation of Magar's occupation during the 1960s was:

Some of the northernmost Magars have become quite prosperous by engaging in long-range trading that takes them from near the northern border to the Terai, and even beyond to Darjeeling and Calcutta. Were it not for their role in the Gurkha regiments of the Indian and British armies, their self-sufficiency might be endangered.^[43]

Toni Hagen, who did his field research in Nepal during the 1950s, observed:

Magars possess considerable skill as craftsmen: they are the bridge builders and blacksmiths among the Nepalese, and the primitive mining is largely in their hands. On the lower courses of the Bheri & Karnali rivers, a great number of Magars annually migrate to the Terai & there manufacture bamboo panniers, baskets, and mats for sale in the bazaars along the borders. In their most northerly settlement, on the other hand, the important trading centre of Tarakot on the Barbung river, they have largely adopted their way of life, their clothes, and their religion to that of the Tibetans; like the latter, they also live by the salt trade. As regard race, the Magars have almond-shaped eyes or even open eyes, whereas Mongoloid eyes are very rare.^[44]

In the 1750s,Prithvi Narayan Shah, the "Father of Modern Nepal", wasconsolidating the many petty kingdoms scattered across the land. For this task, he counted heavily upon his Magar soldiers. The outside world, however, came to know of the Magars only after the British began recruiting soldiers in Nepal for Gurkha regiments from 1815. The British quickly came to appreciate the Magars' qualities and they became an integral part of theirGurkha Regiments.

A number of Magars have distinguished themselves in military service under Nepali, British and Indian military. DuringAnglo-Nepalese War (1814–16), the Magar Unit/Paltan ofNepali Army, Purano Gorakh Battalion,^[45] valiantly fought theBattle of Nalapani. Brigadier GeneralSher Jung Thapa Magar receivedMahavir Chakra and Lieutenant ColonelDhan Singh Thapa Magar wonParamvir Chakra, the highest gallantry award, while serving Indian Army. Similarly,Dipprasad Pun Magar, a Nepalese Sergeant of theRoyal Gurkha Rifles (British Army), was the first Nepali winner of theConspicuous Gallantry Cross for his valor inAfghanistan in 2010. In the twoWorld Wars, a total of 5Victoria Cross (out of 13 VCs awarded toGurkhas) were awarded to the Magars:^[46]

• First World War:
  • VC RiflemanKulbir Thapa Magar was the first Gurkha to winVictoria Cross in recognition of his valor and bravery. He was fromPalpa. He served in 2/3 Gurkha Regiment (GR). He received Victoria Cross in France in 1915.
  • VC RiflemanKaranbahadur Rana Magar,BharseGulmi was from 2/3 GR. He was awarded theVictoria Cross for valour on 10 Apr 1917 at El Kafr in Palestine.
• Second World War:
  • VC SubedarLalbahadur Thapa Magar,Nepal Tara^[47] was from 2nd GR. He was fromSumsa Baglung. He receivedVictoria Cross in Tunisia in 1943.
  • VC Honorary LieutenantTul Bahadur Pun Magar,Myagdi was from 6th GR. He receivedVictoria Cross in Burma in 1944.
  • VC SubedarNetrabahadur Thapa Magar, was from 5th GR. He was from RaghuBhimad,Tanahun. He receivedVictoria Cross in Burma in 1944.

Magars since the formation of Nepali state had been in a very influential role in the Nepali government until theKot Massacre. During the time ofKing Prithvi Narayan Shah and thereafter, Magars were one of the sixcourtiers of Kings. Nepali military historian Brigadier General (retired) Dr Prem Singh Basnyat also confirm the high government positions held by the Magars notablyBiraj Thapa Magar, KajiJayant Rana Magar,Kaji Bandhu Rana Magar,^[48] KajiSarbajit Rana Magar andAbhiman Singh Rana Magar. During theRana Dynasty, Magars almost had nil representation in any government positions, which can be considered the darkest time.

Under the leadership of ministerGiri Prasad Burathoki Magar, the first ever Magar Convention was held inBharse ofGulmi District, one of the12 Magarat in 1957. The objective of the conference was to sensitize the Magars to come forward in the national spectrum.^[49] Later Magar political and social organisations includedNepal Langhali Pariwar (1972),Nepal Langhali Pariwar Sang, andLanghali Pariwar Sangh.

Nepal Magar Association is an un-biased and non-profit organization of Magar indigenous people. It is a common representative organization of all the Magar indigenous people of Nepal and is committed to the preservation and promotion of Magar language and culture; the upliftment of the social-economic and the overall educational condition of the Magar people.^[50]

• Saint Lakhan Thapa (17th century), a spiritually famed associate and adviser to KingRam Shah and the first Priest ofManakamana Temple.
• Kaji Biraj Thapa Magar of Gorkha, the 'King Maker'. From the list of people with titleKaji.
• KajiBiraj Thapa Magar, the first Chief of Gorkhali Army, 18th century.
• KajiJayant Rana Magar (Kaji of Gorkha and Kantipur) who commanded one battle for Gorkha and two battles for Kantipur against the invasion of Nuwakot.
• KajiSarbajit Rana Magar, Nepalese Army Chief and prominent politician, 18th century.
• MartyrLakhan Thapa Magar (19th century), the first martyr of Nepal.
• KajiAbhiman Singh Rana Magar, Nepalese Army Chief, 19th century. He was the first victim ofKot massacre.
• Master Mitrasen Thapa, famous Nepali folk singer, social worker, resident ofBhagsu/Dharmasala, (India).
• Giri Prasad Burathoki, only Bada Hakim from Magars, Defense Minister, Honorary Major General of Nepalese Army.
• Late Professor Jagat Bahadur Singh Burathokey, Father of Geography of Nepal.
• Narayan Singh Pun, a former minister in Nepal, pilot andlieutenant colonel in theRoyal Nepal Army. Also founding president ofNepal Samata Party.
• Balaram Gharti Magar, held different ministries for 11 times including Defense Minister of Nepal Government.
• Gore Bahadur Khapangi, former minister and founding leader ofPrajatantrik Janamukti Party.
• Rom Bahadur Thapa, First Inspector General of Nepal Police from Magar ethnic group.
• Onsari Gharti Magar, the first female speaker of Parliament of Nepal.
• Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, Home minister of Nepal, leader Nepal Communist Party.
• Barsaman Pun, First finance minister of Nepal from Magar community. He is from Rolpa district.
• Nanda Bahadur Pun, First vice president of federal republic Nepal, former chief commander of thePeople's Liberation Army
• Tham Maya Thapa, Women and Children Minister.
• Ram Kumari Jhakri, a Nepalese politician, member of parliament and former president of All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU).
• Kuber Singh Rana, Ex IGP Chief of Nepal Police from Palpa.
• Mahabir Pun,Magsaysay Award winner for extending wireless technologies in rural parts of Nepal.
• Dipprasad Pun, Conspicuous Gallantry Cross Winner DuringWar in Afghanistan.
• Tul Bahadur Pun, Honorary LieutenantVictoria Cross Winner. Grandfather OfDipprasad Pun.
• Arun Thapa, popular Nepali singer.
• Teriya Magar, Nepali dancer, winner of Dance India Dance Little Masters 2014
• Nirmal Purja, famous mountaineer and Ex-British Gurkha soldier, (SBS)special forcesRoyal Navy, numerous Guinness World Records holder in mountaineering.
• Laure (Nepalese rapper) Ashish Rana Magar, a Nepalese rapper, actor and Television personality popularly known by his stage name – "Laure".
• Pramila Thapa, Taekwondo competitor in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, black belt world champion and 10th degree black belt.
• Prem Bahadur Ale, ex-minister of Forest and Environment. Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

• Acharya, Baburam,Nepalako Samkshipta Itihasa (A short history of Nepal), edited by Devi Prasad Bhandari, Purnima No. 48, Chaitra 2037 (March–April 1981), Chapter VII:Pachhillo Licchavi Rajya, (I. Sam. 642–880 Am.)
• Aryal, Jibnarayan. (2058BS).Dr Harsha Bahadur Buda Magar: Bigat ra Bartaman.Lalitpur: Dr Harsha Bahadur Budha Magar.
• Bajracharya, Dhanabajra. (2064 BS).Gopalraj Vanshawali Aitihasik Vivechana. Kirtipur: T.U.
• Bammi, Y.M. (2009).Gurkhas of the Indian Army. New Delhi: Life Span Publishers & Distributors.
• Bamzai, P. N. K. (1994).Culture and Political History of Kashmir. Vol 1. Ancient Kashmir. New Delhi: MD Publications Pvt Ltd.
• Bista, Dor Bahadur. (1972).People of Nepal. Kathmandu:Ratna Pustak Bhandar.
• Budha Magar, Harsha Bahadur. (1992)Kirat Vansha ra Magar haru. Kathmandu: Unnati Bohora.
• Cross, J.P. (1986).In Gurkhas Company. London: Arms & Armour Press Ltd.
• Gharti Magar, Balaram. (1999).Roots. Taranath Sharma (Tr.). Lalitpur: Balaram Gharti Magar.
• Hagen, Tony. (1970).Nepal the Kingdom in the Himalayas. New Delhi: Oxford & IBH Publishing Co.
• Hamilton, Francis Buchanan (1819),An Account of the Kingdom of Nepal, and the Territories Annexed to this Dominion by the House of Gorkha, A Constable
• Ministry of Defence. (1965).Nepal and the Gurkhas. London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
• Nepal, Gyanmani. (2040BS).Nepal Nirukta. Kathmandu: Nepal Rajakiya Pragyapratisthan.
• Northey, W. Brook & C. J. Morris. (1927).The Gurkhas Their Manners, Customs and Country. Delhi : Cosmo Publications.
• Palsokar, R.D. (1991).History of the 5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force), Vol III. 1858 to 1991. Shillong: The Commandant, 58 Gorkha Training Centre.
• Rana, B. K. (2003).Sanchhipta Magar Itihas (A Concise History of Magars)
• Shaha, Rishikesh. (1975).An Introduction of Nepal. Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak Bhandar.
• Stein, M.A. (2007).Kalhana's Rajatarangini: A Chronicles of Kings of Kashmir. Vol I, II, & III (Reprint). Srinagar: Gulshan Books.
• Sufi, G.M.D. (1974).Kashir a History of Kashmir. Vol 1. New Delhi: Light & Life Publishers.
• Thapa Magar, Pradeep. (2000).Bir Haruka pani Bir Mahavir. Kathmandu: Bhaktabir Thapa Magar.
• Vansittart, Eden. (1993)(reprint).The Gurkhas. New Delhi: Anmol Publications.
• Pramod Thapa (Chief engineer at Dell international Services)
• An account Kingdom of Nepal Frances Hamilton, Rishikesh Shah,

• Nepal Magar Association, Central Committee, Kathmandu Nepal.
• Magar Studies Center
• Magar Academic Group
• The Magar language – Linguistics research – Folktales in Magar (Western) – Nepal