Kaugserverites

Kaugserverites are an ethnolinguistic community native to the Kaug Basin in the central highlands. The ethnonym is derived from the basin’s name, and internally they refer to themselves as the Kaugfolk. The group is characterized by a distinct language, social organization, and cultural practices tied to the basin’s river valleys and forests.

Language and demographics: They speak Kaug, a language of the regional Kaugic group, with most speakers bilingual in the national language. A traditional script developed in the 18th century is used in ceremonial contexts, while literacy in Kaug remains limited outside schools.

Culture and economy: Community life centers on kinship networks and village clusters. Economic activity includes small-scale farming, orchard crops, livestock, and crafts such as pottery and weaving. The annual harvest festival, known as Sora, combines music, dance, and market exchange and serves as a major cultural event.

History and status: Archaeological and linguistic evidence points to a long-standing presence in the basin, with increased trade links in the medieval period. In the modern era, Kaugserverites are recognized as a minority within their state, with cultural preservation programs and protections for traditional practices. There is also a dispersed urban population extending beyond the basin.

Cultural heritage: Important ceremonial sites include the Temple of the River, the Cavern of Echoes, and the Hill of the Moon. Museums, festivals, and cultural associations help maintain textiles, pottery, and oral histories.