Ranjitkar

ethnic group
group=Ranjitkars
poptime=N.A.
popplace=Nepal
langs=Nepal Bhasa
rels=Buddhism, Hinduism
related=probably Indo-Aryans eg-Thakuri, Maithil and Sino-Tibetan eg-Kirants, Tibetans, Magar, Gurung in and around Nepal

Ranjitkar (रंजितकार aka Chhipaa or Ranjit) is one of the castes of Newar. The Newari caste system is divided according to profession. The Ranjitkar caste is concerned with the dying of clothes as well as other color related activities.The word "Ranjitkar" comes from Sanskrit origins crudely meaning "people concerned with colors" whereas the word "Chhipaa" is a Nepal Bhasa compound word which can be roughly translated as "color and allow to dry".

History

There are very little written historic documents on Ranjitkars. However, judging by the extravagant clothings that are seen in the sculptures, one can speculate that Ranjitkars or some other people were present in the Nepal during the Licchavi era by latest.The first mention of Ranjitkars in written history might have been during the declaration of the division of castes by Jayasthiti Malla.

Race

The Ranjitkars are mixed racially. They have features resembling both Mongolians and Aryans. So, one may infer that Ranjitkars are heterogeneous groups rather that a kin or ethnically homogeneous group.

Religion

Like all Newās, Ranjitkars follow a religion which is something between Hinduism and Buddhism. The priest of Ranjitkars are Bajrachharyas who are Buddhists. However, most of the rituals performed are Hindu. Recently, an emergence of Theravada Buddhism has been observed in the Ranjitkars especially amongst those in Kathmandu.

Language

Nepal Bhasa is the native tongue of the Ranjitkars. Nowadays many youngsters use the Nepali language as well.

Location

There are three main localities of Ranjitkars in Kathmandu valley. They are in Majipā (मजिपा) of Yen (Downtown Kathmandu), a locality in Yala (Patan) and Golmadi in Bhaktapur. Besides these, Ranjitkars have settlements in Kirtipur, Hetaunda, Bhimphedi, Madhyapur, Banepa, Trishuli and other cities of Nepal. With modernization and migration, many Ranjitkars have migrated and settled in different parts of the globe.

Festivals

Ranjitkars celebrate almost all of the festivals of Newars. The major festivals which celebrated by the community are as follows:

Baalaa Charae

Also known as Baalaa Chaturdashi, it is celebrated according to lunar calendar. The festival is primarily centered in Yen(Kathmandu). It is a festival revering the deitified female ancestor called Ajima (from Newari Aji=grandmother, Ma=Mother). A guthi of Baakunani actively participate in the jatra held on the day.

Yen yaa Punhi

It is celebrated on the full moon day of Yenlaa month of Nepali calendar. Also known as Indra Jatra, it is one of the greatest festival of Yen. Majipa Lakhe dance is one of the main attractions of the jatra. Majipa Lakhey is considered as the calm Bhairabh who protects the children from evils and demons. A guthi in Lakhenani organises the dance which takes place for a week. Majipa Lakhey Deity is one of the most popular symbol of Nepalese culture and religion.

Buddha Jayanti

The day marks the birth, enlightenment and demise of Gautama Buddha.

Lifestyle

With the Independence of India, incorporation of Tibet into China and fall of Rana regime in Nepal, the traditional lifestyle breathed its last and made way for new Nepal. The traditional designated dye related work became non-viable due to open market of Nepal which allowed open inflow of refined fabrics and dyed products. So, most of the Ranjitkars have given up the traditional profession. However, some have "evolved" their profession by working as experts for the Royals of Nepal. These people blend the valuable metals into the clothes as well as maintain and repair Shreepech (crown of Nepal).

In the last six decades, Ranjitkars have evolved as one of the literate castes of Nepal. Ranjitkars have thus been contributing in almost every walk of Nepalese society as educated professionals.

References

*Ranjitkar Samaj- The Ranjitkar society