Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Bhujel (Gharti)

TOTAL SPEAKERS

USAGE BY COUNTRY (OFFICIAL LANGUAGE)

Nepal, India

BACKGROUND

Bhujels (Ghartis) are inhabitants of Bhuji-Khola area in Baglung district. Bhujels have four sub-caste groups — Bhjyal, Gharti, Nisel and Khawas. They are now scattered in Morang, Rukum, Tanahun, Gorkha, Chitwan, Nawalparasi districts and so forth. They have a close cultural affinity with Magar indigenous community. In terms of language, they are closer to Chepang indigenous community. Bhujel's language belongs to Tibeto-Burman language family. They have two linguistic groups: Bhujel Bhasa and Bhujel Kham. Bhujel Bhasa is spoken in Chitwan, Gorkha and Tanahun districts and Bhujel Kham is spoken in Dhorpatan area. According to the 2011 census, only 9 percent of Bhujels (around 10,358) now speak their mother tongues. Besides Nepal, Bhujel language is also spoken in Sikkim of India.