Subba is a title given by the Shah Kings only to Limbu village chiefs.[4] Subba was not part of the indigenous Limbu terminology, but now the two terms[clarification needed] are almost interchangeable. It was how the village chiefs were distinguished from other villagers in Limbu tribe. Family lineage of the village chiefs are often found with their surname as Subba.
Their history is said to be written in a book called Bangsawoli (Genealogy), also known as Bansawali. Some ancient families have kept copies.[5] There are hundreds ofLimbu clans and tribes, classified under their tribe or subnational entity or according to their place of origin.
The Chinese textPo-ou-Yeo-Jing,[which?] translated in 308 AD, refers to the Yi-ti-Sai (barbarians bordering on the north), a name which is an exact equivalent of[6][7] The Limbu, were also one of the earliest inhabitants ofSikkim.[8][9] The name of theIndian state itself is a combination of two Limbu words:su, which means "new", andkhyim, which means "palace" or "house".[10]
2021 Nepal census classifies the Limbu people within the broader social group of Mountain/Hill Janajati. At the time of the 2021 Nepal census, 4,14,704 people (1.43%) of the population of Nepal) were Limbu. The frequency of Limbu people by province was as follows:
Pre-Vedic origins: Limbu people are believed to have settled in eastern Nepal before the arrival of Indo-Aryan groups. They are pre-Vedic, Mongoloid people with strong roots in the Himalayan region.
Kirata Kingdoms (circa 800 BCE - 300 CE):
The Limbus were part of the larger Kirat civilization, which ruled the Kathmandu Valley and eastern hills.
Ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Puranas mention the Kirats as warriors from the east.
🏯 Limbuwan Confederation:
Limbuwan Kingdom (before 18th century):
Limbuwan was an independent confederation of 10 Limbu kingdoms.
Each was ruled by a local king called Subba or Hang.
They had their own laws, customs, and land tenure systems.
The region was culturally and politically distinct from central Nepal.
🗡️ Gorkha Unification (Late 1700s):
In the 1770s, Limbuwan was annexed by King Prithvi Narayan Shah during the unification of Nepal.
A treaty known as the “Limbuwan-Gorkha Treaty” (circa 1774) guaranteed the Limbus:
Autonomy over land (Kipat system).
Right to maintain their language, customs, and traditions.
Over time, however, autonomy eroded due to state centralization, Hinduization, and land reforms.
🔹Modern History
Land loss and marginalization:
The Kipat system was abolished in the 1960s under the Panchayat regime, leading to large-scale loss of ancestral lands.
Ethnic revival & identity movements:
Since the 1990s, Limbus have engaged in cultural and political activism, especially during and after the People’s War (1996–2006).
Movements like the Limbuwan Autonomous Region demand greater rights and recognition of their ancestral land and identity.
Language and Script revival:
Revival of Sirijunga script and promotion of Yakthung culture has gained momentum, particularly among youth and diaspora.
Limbu (Limbu: ᤕᤠᤰᤌᤢᤱ ᤐᤠᤴ,yakthuṅ pan) is aSino-Tibetan language spoken by the Limbu people ofNepal and NortheasternIndia(particularlyWest Bengal,Sikkim,Assam andNagaland) as well as expatriate communities inBhutan. The Limbu refer to themselves asYakthung and their language asYakthungpan.Yakthungpan has four main dialects: Phedape, Chhathare, Tambarkhole and Panthare dialects.
In India, the state ofSikkim has recognized Limbu language as an additional official language for the purpose of preservation of culture and tradition in the state. The official weekly publicationSikkim Herald has a Limbu Edition.
theLimbu script (Sirijanga) had been designed by the Limbu King Sirijanga Hang in the 9th century. The Sirijanga script was later redesigned and re-introduced byTe-ongsi Sirijunga Xin Thebe . As Te-ongsi Sirijunga Xin Thebe spent most of his time in the development of Yakthungpan, Yatkhung culture, andLimbu script; he is considered as the reincarnation of the 9th century King Sirijanga.
Limbu traditional architecture
The house of the Limbu is a symbolic representation of a goddess of the Limbu community called yuma. The details of the windows and doors are embroidered with wood carvings depicting different flowers which are used by the Limbu during rituals. Some decorative embroideries done in the wood carvings of the door and windows of the house are the direct representation of gold jewelry worn by Limbu women. In a traditional house of the Limbu, the skirting of the wall is generally painted manually with red mud paint. This is also a symbolic representation of thepatuka or the belt worn by the Limbu women.
The major distinct element of the house in themuring-sitlam or the main pillar/column of the house which is in the centre of the house in the ground floor. This pillar is generally believed by the Limbu people as the shrine where Yuma goddess resides in the house. Thus, to pay their gratitude they perform ritualistic prayers and offerings around the pillar, usually twice a year.
These houses can be found at Eastern Nepal and western part of Sikkim, India. These houses are similar to other communities due to acculturation between different communities living in the vicinity. The evolution of the form and spaces of the houses have been inspired by the everyday lifestyle and culture of the people which is similar in many communities. Therefore, nowadays a Limbu house is difficult to identify through an exterior perspective.
Use of geometrical shapes as circle, triangle and square in certain pattern, painted with different colors can be found on the facade of the buildings which is only done by Limbu tribe. Besides that, display of the symbol calledSilam-sakma (a ritualistic element used by thephedangmas or tribal priests) in the house elevation has been a symbol/logo for identifying with the Limbu community. This symbol is diamond shaped and has 9 concentric diamond layers supported by two axes at the centre, one vertical and one horizontal. These days, this symbol is seen in places like the entry gates, balcony railing of the house, etc. It is also worn by the community people on their left chest during an event.
Currently, the traditional houses are endangered. People are also unable to bear expenses for wood carvings for the embroideries which has resulted in the extinction of local craftsmen and hence the traditional design itself.
Limbu generally marry within their own community. A Limbu is not allowed to marry within their own clans for up to 3 generations back to ensure that they are not related. Cross-cousin marriage is not allowed in Limbu culture. Marriage between a man and a woman outside the clan is also possible either by arrangement or by mutual consent of the man and woman in question. Being matriarchal tribe, females are given due respect.
The marriages are mostly arranged by parents. Asking for a woman's hand is an important ceremony. In that system, the woman can ask for anything, including any amount of gold, silver, etc. This is practiced to confirm that the man is financially secure enough to keep the bride happy. A few days after the wedding, the man's family members have to visit the woman's house with a piglet and some alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, depending upon the financial status of his house. The most important ceremonies of a Limbu wedding take place in the groom's house rather than in the bride's because the bride has to stay with her husband. There are two special dances in this ceremony, one is calledYalakma ordhan nach in Nepali (rice harvest dance) and "Kelangma"Limbu pronunciation:[kelaːŋma] orChyabrungLimbu pronunciation:[t͡ɕjabruŋ] in Nepali. The YalakmaLimbu pronunciation:[jaˀlaːkma] is characterized by men and women dancing in a slow circle, whereas the KelangmaLimbu pronunciation:[kelaːŋma] consists of complex footwork synchronized with the beat of the drums. Anyone can join the dance, which can last for many hours. The YalakmaLimbu pronunciation:[jaˀlaːkma] can also be a celebration of the harvest season or other social occasions.
It is conventionally said that the customs and traditions of Limbus were established in the distant past by Sawa YethangLimbu pronunciation:[sawajethaŋ] (council of eight kings).
The Limbu follow the social rules and regulation ofMundhum oral 'scripture' and a religious book.[11] Their religion is known as Yuma samyo. Traditionally, the Limbu bury their dead, but due to the influence of Hinduism, cremation is becoming popular. Limbu people follow Yuma religion. Some Limbu have converted to Christianity. A very different reformist tradition was established by the Limbu guruPhalgunanda, who established the 'Satyahang' religion.[12]
Traditional music and singing styles
Kirati Limbu women performing Kelang (Limbu pronunciation:[keːlaːŋ]) dance during the festival of Kirat festival Udhauli 2012 in Sydney
Limbu have a strong belief in. Yumawad is a type of religious scripture which has been kept alive by their religious leaders and handed down verbally from generation to generation. Some of the retellings of Yumawad are also included in Limbu traditional music with social stories, dreams, and everyday life. There has been a rich tradition of the Limbu singing their folk songs. Their folk songs can be divided into the following groups:
Khyali – a conversational song in which young lash and lads sing in very poetic expressions and in a very sweet tone.
Traditional Love Songs:
SakpaPalamLimbu pronunciation:[paːlam]Samlo – This song is sung during the Kusakpa YaalangLimbu pronunciation:[jaˀlaːŋ] dance in a fast beat.
Kemba PalamLimbu pronunciation:[paːlam]Samlo – This song is sung during the Kemba Yeaaˀlang dance in a slow beat.
Domke Akma PalamLimbu pronunciation:[paːlam] Samlo – It is sung when doing the normal chores and also during the Domke Akma dance.
Hakpare Samlo – this song is sung by middle-aged men and women who have interest in Mundhum and who are well versed in it. One can find spiritual and worldly specialties in this song.
NisammangLimbu pronunciation:[nisamːaŋ]Sewa Samlo – This song is sung during religious functions. It is a devotional song. Dancing is an important aspect of life among Limbus. Based on acting style, the following types of dances are performed:
Dance performed after origin of life: This type of dance is known as Ke Lang orChyabrung dance. The dance imitates the actions of animals, insects and any form of living beings.
Agricultural dance: Under this type of dance there are:
Yea Kakma – This dance is performed in the evening after the crops are reaped.
Damke Akme – This dance is performed while sowing crops.
War dance: This form of dance is known as 'NahangmaLimbu pronunciation:[nahaŋma]'. It is performed during "NahangmaLimbu pronunciation:[nahaŋma]" – their religious function. Before Nahangma dance, Manggena traditional ritual is performed at home and all the blood relatives, cousins are present. During Manggena, stone refer as god with red tika offered is put on banana leaf. A large adult black homegrown pig is killed and present to phedangba. AJunglefowl is given to each person according to match with person's age and gender same as of theirJunglefowl. Person who cannot be present due to problems will be done by their closest family member on their behalf. Phedangba say vision of each person when they present their ownJunglefowl and later Phedangma beheaded the Junglefowl and sprinkle the blood. They eat their own charcoal burned Junglefowl liver with salt eaten with rice. The rest of meat are prepared for meal Bhutuwa or mixed yangben with rice for dinner. After the Manggena, Nahangma is performed that his spirit has become strong and reached at the top of Chuklung and returned from Chuklung. Chuklung means top of Himalayas. However, this can be done by only those who have no father. In this dance, only adult males and "Shamani" priests can take part. During the dance, they carry aPhedza[13] in their right hand and a domesticated young adult maleJunglefowl in their left hand or sword in their right hand and a shield in their left hand, or an arrow in their right hand and a bow in their left hand.
The traditional ritual are done according to the tribes and clans. Some tribes will not eat chicken or buff or mutton while some tribes have different way in celebrating war dance ritual.
Historical dance: In this dance form, the historical war of ten Limbu fought in AambepojomaLimbu pronunciation:[ambɛˀpɔd͡ʑɔˀma] Kamketlungma is depicted.
Mysterious and ancient dance performed by Shamani priests: this type of dance is known as Phungsok Lang, Tongsing Lang. The dance is performed only by the Shamani priests.
Traditional food
Alcohol is significantly and religiously important to the Limbu culture.[14] Limbu usually made their traditional dish from homegrown domesticated livestock meats like pork, fish and yak overfactory farming. They are also domesticated for religious purpose.[15] In general, they consumedhal bhat tarkari with pickle. Dhal (Lentils soup), bhat (rice), tarkari (vegetables) and different kinds of achar(pickle). Limbu people always usePhedza[16] to prepare meats. Famous Limbu cuisines are[17][18][19][citation needed]
Chembikeek sumbak (oil-fried kinema with spices), (Kinema: fermented soyabean)
Yumé (bhutuwa, a religious Mangena food meats cooked in blood)
There are some taboos while eating the foods. They use a variety of plants and herbs for medicine. Limbu always welcome their guests with foods,Tongba (traditional beverage millet beer),Rakshi (traditional alcoholic beverage),Lassi (yoghurt milk drink), water and homemade fruit juices.[20]
Folk musical instruments
Limbu musical instruments include the following:[21]
For the Limbu people, Archery has always been considered as the main traditional sport. Archery often involves religious demonstrations and rituals. Historically, Limbucavalry archers were important when resisting invasions before the pre-Nepal era. The wordLimbu itself came from the wordLim-pfungh which in translation means "Shooting-Arrows" or "Act of archery".
There are legends about the beginning of the Limbuwan–Gorkha War. In these legends, a Gorkha military general met a LimbuLimbu pronunciation:[jaktʰuŋ] hunter in a forest. When the general asked the hunter about his presence and what he was doing, the LimbuLimbu pronunciation:[jaktʰuŋ] hunter replied "Lim-pfungh". The Gorkha army later experienced the fierceness from the LimbuLimbu pronunciation:[jaktʰuŋ]-Tribes' horseback archers for years during the Limbuwan–Gorkha War. Thus, the name "Limbu" was recorded on the papers of the Gorkhas to describe the LimbuLimbu pronunciation:[jaktʰuŋ] people. However, after the success of the Gorkha invasion, horse breeding and keeping declined swiftly in Limbu territories.
Bare-hand Wrestling has also been practised among the Limbu men during festivals. This was also used to settle personal matters after a festive drinking in which the losing wrestler would have to pay the winner by buying him a drink or inviting him to his house for a drink of traditionaltongbaLimbu pronunciation:[tɔːŋba].naːnt͡ɕʰiŋma is the term for wrestling in Limbupan.
^Sanyal, Dr. Chanru Chandra (1979).The Limbus: A South Eastern Himalayan indigenous kirat People. Dipti Printing. p. 7.
^Skoda, Uwe (2014).Navigating Social Exclusion and Inclusion in Contemporary India and Beyond: Structures, Agents, Practices (Anthem South Asian Studies). Anthem Press. p. 137.ISBN978-1783083404.
^Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific: An Encyclopedia By James Minahan, 2012
^Ancestral Voices: Oral Ritual Texts and Their Social Contexts Among the Mewahang Rai of East Nepal By Martin Gaenszle Lit, 2002
^P.141 Migration and Religion in Europe: Comparative Perspectives on South Asian Experiences By Ester Gallo, 22 Apr 2016
^P.496 A Grammar of Limbu, Front Cover By George van Driem, Walter de Gruyter, 1 Jan 1987 - Language Arts & Disciplines - 593 pages
^P.38 Alcohol and drug use in Nepal: with reference to children By Child Workers in Nepal Concerned Centre 2001
^Culture and the Environment in the Himalaya By Arjun Guneratne Routledge, 24 Dec 2009
^P.496 A Grammar of Limbu, Front Cover By George van Driem, Walter de Gruyter, 1 Jan 1987 - Language Arts & Disciplines - 593 pages
^The Tribesman's Journey to Fearless: A Novel Based on Fearism By Desh Subba, 28 May 2015
^P.128-133 History, Culture and Customs of Sikkim By J. R. Subba, 2008
^P.75 Handbook of Plant-Based Fermented Food and Beverage Technology, Second Edition By Y. H. Hui, E. Özgül Evranuz CRC Press, 17 May 2012
Nepal
India
Bhutan
UK
_.jpg)
Media related toLimbu people at Wikimedia Commons