Kirati

Kirati refers to an ethnolinguistic grouping of several indigenous communities in the Himalayan region, primarily in Nepal and adjacent parts of India and Bhutan. The term is used in historical and linguistic contexts to designate both a set of communities and the Kiranti languages, which form a branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. In Nepal, Kirati groups include Limbu (Yakthung), Rai, Sunuwar, Kulung, Thulung, Yakkha and others. These communities are officially recognized as indigenous nationalities (Adivasi Janajati) in Nepal.

Historically, Kirati inhabitants are associated with ancient hill kingdoms described in Nepalese chronicles as the Kirata or Kirata Kingdoms, preceding the Licchavi era. The historical record is fragmented, and modern historiography treats the Kirati period as a partially legendary era with some archaeological and ethnographic evidence of early settlement in eastern Nepal.

Culturally, Kirati groups maintain distinct languages, rituals, and social structures. Traditional music, dance, and art vary among communities, with festivals often linked to agricultural cycles and seasonal changes. The Kiranti languages are known for their diverse dialects and grammatical features; Limbu and Rai are among the better-known Kiranti languages.

Today, Kirati communities are concentrated in Nepal, especially in the eastern hills, with diaspora in India and elsewhere. They continue to participate in Nepal's cultural and political life, contributing to the preservation of indigenous languages and to the broader recognition of minority groups within the country.