Tibetan and Himalayan Library - THL

Description: The author argues that the ethnographic literature on the Jirels is extremely sparse and in this article intends to fill some of the gaps in the ethnographic literature by providing an outline of Jirel ethnogenesis, social organization, and the kinship system. The Jirels have a subsistence economy based upon the cultivation of millet, maize, wheat, barley, potato, and also rice in few lower valleys. There are several conflicting accounts concerning ethnogenesis. The Jirels are divided into 23 patrilineal, patrilocal descent groups referred to as clans and subclans. The article discusses the relation and interrelation of clans and also discusses clan leadership. The article gives a brief account of Jirel marriage. It also includes a map illustrating migration patterns in the hills of Nepal and a chart on Jirel kinship discussing some kinship terminology. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2006-10-14)

Means of availability: Available online as a PDF within the Tibetan & Himalayan Library's bibliographic database.