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Lesson
12: Gurkas, Brahmans,
Cchetris, Tharu
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2001 Everest Expedition and 7th and 8th grade
physical education teacher from Phoenix, Arizona)
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The
Gurkas, The Brahmans, The Cchetris, and the Tharu (Click
here for more information about the Gurkas, Brahmans,
Cchetris and Tharu.)
Objective:
The students will list three unique characteristics of
the Gurkas, the Brahmans, the Cchetris, and the Tharu.
The students will locate, on a map of Nepal, where
these groups of people reside.
Guided
Practice:
1. Review material on the Sherpas and the Thakalis
from yesterday's lesson. Point out where they live on
the map of Nepal. Have two or more students give their
reports on the ethnic background of their own family
(This is the last day set aside to give reports).
2. Either read the information on the Gurkas, the
Brahmans, the Cchetris, and the Tharu orally to the
class or have each student read it independently.
3. Locate where each of these groups live on a map of
Nepal. Discuss the unique characteristics of each of
these cultures.
Independent
Practice:
1. The students will read the paragraphs on the Gurkas,
the Brahmans, the Cchetris, and the Tharu and answer
the questions.
2. On a map of Nepal, the students will locate and
color code where each of these groups live.
Optional
Extensions:
1. In the Terai region (where the Tharus live) malaria
used to be a huge problem until 1950 when it was
eradicated. Research malaria and write a report, be
sure to include how it is spread and the symptoms.
2. What characteristics would you look for if you were
recruiting soldiers into the army? Which branch of the
United States military has the reputation for being so
brave?
Reading and
Questions:
Gurkas
The
Gurkas are originally from Gorka, which is located in
the central part of Nepal. Gurkas fought for the
British and Indian armies. The Gurkas are known for
tremendous bravery and loyalty to their cause. The
Gurkas were influential in both of the world wars.
Being a Gurka soldier is prestigious career. Before
these people were soldiers, they were mountain
climbers even before the Sherpas. A teen the age of
17or 18 may be recruited by Gurka soldiers. Once
recruited, the teen must undergo a medical exam, which
often limits potential soldiers from signing up. If a
teen passes the medical exam, he then goes to basic
training in Hong Kong for 10 months
The
Brahmans and The Cchetris
The
Brahmans and the Cchetris originally came from western
Nepal. Now, however it is common to find people from
these groups all over the Terai. The Brahmans and the
Cchetris are devout Hindus whose society is
characterized by a caste system. This caste system
defines people by the group in which they were born.
Farming is the main source of income. Many people are
taking positions in the government and education. In
the past, most or the ruling families have come from
the Cchetris group. Both of these groups have had a
lasting impact on Nepal's legal system.
Tharu
The
Tharu people live in the Terai portion of Nepal. Tharu
villages consist of longhouses, which are built with
mud and lattice wall. The walls are often decorated
with animals or fish paintings. A longhouse might have
as many as 150 people living in it. Tigers,
crocodiles, and scorpions are prevalent in this area.
The Tharus are mostly farmers who grow barley, wheat,
maize, and rice. Some of these farmers might also have
chickens, ducks, pigs, and goats. Fish, shrimp, and
snails are a major part of the Tharu diet. Fishing is
prevalent on the large rivers with huge nets.
1. What are some unique characteristic on the Gurkas,
the Brahmans, the Cchetris, and the Tharus? Be able to
list three interesting facts.
2. On the map of Nepal that was used yesterday, locate
and color-code where each of these groups of people
live.
References:
Lisa Choegyal, Insight Guides Nepal, Langenscheidt
Publishers Inc., New York, 11378, p. 84-86.
AZ
State Standard - SS3 E5 Describe natural and human
characteristics of places and use this knowledge to
define regions, their relationships with other regions
and their patterns of change, with emphasis on:
PO
1 common characteristics of regions at local, national
and international scales on the basis of climate,
landforms, ecosystems and culture.
PO
2 patterns of climate, landforms and ecosystems in a
region.
PO
4 the concept of region and how and why regions
change.
PO
5 relationships and interactions among regions.
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