Are the Gurung and Ghale People of Nepal Ethnically the Same?

The Gurung and Ghale people of Nepal share a common cultural and historical background but hold distinct identities rooted in their unique traditions, languages, and social structures. This article delves into the intricacies of these groups, examining whether they can be considered ethnically the same or not.

Caste and Sub-caste Dynamics within the Gurungs

While the Gurung community is diverse, the Ghale sub-caste stands out. In the Gurung community, notably, the Ghale have a distinct identity and are recognized through specific traditional terms and ancestry. According to historical records, those families officiating the pye or Arghum death ceremony with Gurung priests are often considered to hold the Gurung lineage. However, this identification is not universal; it varies significantly based on the family history and personal identification.

Historically, Gurungs from upper Manang had their surnames as Gurung due to their higher status as recognized in Muluki Ain 1854. The Gurkhas, along with the Magar, Rai, and Limbu clans, were granted higher societal standings and were eligible for service in the Gorkha army. However, despite these differences, many Gurungs maintain a strong identification with their cultural roots.

The Ghale Clan within Malayan Gurungs

The Ghale clan, which is more prevalent among the Malayan Gurungs, also exists among the Tamu and Gurung communities in Nepal. However, the term "Ghale" is not native to the Gurung language, also known as Tamu Khī. The Ghale, along with the Lama, Ghotane, and Lamchhane clans, each have their own unique traditional terms to refer to their affiliation. These terms include:

Ghale: KHLE Lama: LAM Ghotane: KON Ghotanes from Eastern Nepal: GHONDE (a corrupted form of Konmei) Lamchhane: LEM or PHLAN

Each of these clans also comprises various sub-clans, highlighting the complex interplay within the Gurung caste system. It is important to note that while the Ghale are a significant sub-caste among the Gurungs, they are not an independent caste in the broader sense because Ghale sub-clans within the Gurungs do not correspond to Ghale sub-clans found in other tribes.

The Myth of the Ghale Language

Another aspect that separates the Gurungs from what is often claimed to be the Ghale language is the "Ghale Language." This term is misleading, as it conflates the Gurung language with a newly created court language. During the late 1820s, when the Ghale Gurung King of Barpak ruled, a language termed the "Ghorahi Gurung" court language was created. This language, spoken in Barpak and its surrounding areas, is not a distinct language but rather a dialect of Gurung spoken by Gurungs in Gorkha region.

It is important to recognize that such officially recognized languages were not unique to Barpak. Other Gurung villages, such as Ghandruk, have their own official court languages distinct from the traditional Gurung language, Tamu Khī, which is currently endangered and spoken by a few elders.

The idea of Ghale as a separate language and thus a distinct caste is often propagated for personal benefits and to undermine the unity and sovereignty of the Gurung community. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that the Ghale-Gurungs, despite speaking a dialect of Gurung, remain an integral part of the Gurung community and share a strong historical connection with other prominent Gurung sub-castes.

Historical and Cultural Contributions of Ghale-Gurungs

The Ghale-Gurungs have contributed significantly to the cultural, religious, and historical fabric of the Gurung community. Historically, Ghale-Gurungs left an indelible mark as kings, and they played a vital role in the development of shamans and scriptures. For instance, Pachyus, who are not a caste but titles of shamans, use a pre-historic Gurung language called Cho Khī, which was widely used in the First Gurung Kingdom of KOLA.

The traditional beliefs and spiritual practices among the Ghale and other Gurung sub-castes, particularly shamans, are deeply influenced by their shared heritage. Gurungs and Ghale-Gurungs, despite their distinct identities, continue to honor the legacy of their forefathers, preserving the rich cultural tapestry of the Gurung community.