A staunch politician in the history of Nepal, he ruled as a powerful prime minister of the kingdom of Nepal for 34 years till 1832 A.D. during 3 consecutive Shah kings namely, Rana Bahadur Shah, Girvan Juddha Bikram Shah and Rajendra Bikram Shah. Wise and bold statesman, Bhimsen Thapa administrated the country with extraordinary tact and devotion which gave prestige and high morale to the country. He fought bravely with British army but was compelled to sign the Sugouli treaty. Anti-imperialist at heart, he was the pioneer to call Asian states and nations including Indian states, China, Tibet, Burma, Iran and other countries to unite against imperialist forces, mainly British. However, his last days were very much tortuous an miserable. He was put to imprisonment charging him to have poisoned a child of the king. He was also told that his wife would be taken around the city in nude which he could not tolerate and, therefore committed suicide.
THAPA, BHAKTI
A great warrior in the history of Nepal, Bhakti Thapa fought his last and most amazing battle during Nepal-British India war of 1814-1816 A.D. At Devasthali fort, the troop under his command fought with British army with much inferior arms but with superior courage. Bhakti Thapa and his men were splashing their swords amidst thick showering of the bullets and shells from British side. However they killed as many enemies as possible. In spite of defeat in the battle, Bhakti Thapa rejected assurances of the British commander to treat him honourably if he surrendered. In the contrary, he fought till the end of his life. Even in last minute of his life, he killed a couple of Englishmen while lying in the pool of blood and died a heroic death for the freedom of the land.
THAPA, AMAR SINGH
This brave son of Nepal is as amar (Immortal) as his name suggests for his farsightedness, statesmanship and bravery. He displayed his courage and wisdom in many occasions and battles, the most remarkable of them being during Nepal-British war of 1814-1816 A.D. Though he had suggested earlier that the war with British India was not in favour of Nepal’s interest, yet the war broke out. As a result Nepal suffered a heavy loss in it. However, he fought so bravely even to the astonishment of the enemies that the English Troops had to retreat several times. General Octorloney of British army was all appreciation for his superhuman courage. In spite of all that and the diplomatic moves of Amar Singh Thapa to solicit help from Ranjit Singh of a free state of India, Nepal was defeated at various points. As a result, Sugouli treaty had to be signed by which Nepal lost a vast area form its territory cutting it into the present size of the country. Amar Singh could not admit it at heart and, therefore, went towards snowy resort of Gosainthan mountain from where he never reported back.
THAMIS
Thamis are mainly found in Susma, Chhamawati, Khepachagu, Alamyu, Bigu, Kalinchok, Lapilang and Lakuri Danda villages of Dolkha District. Numbering about 30,000 in all, the Buddhist Thamis are considered the original people of these places. The Thami language is similar to the language of the Sunuwars, which again conforms the Rai language originating in the Tibeto-Burman family. Tamang influences are also quite prominent on the Thamis. Labor and farming are the Thamis’ main occupations. In religious matters, Thamis are much closer to the Tamangs.
THULUNG
A sect of Kirati group of community, they have special identity as Thulunge Rai or Thulung community. Nearly 30,000 strong community, this community live mostly in the hill sof eastern Nepal. They speak their own dialect which is from Tibeto-Burman group just like many other northern Nepal languages.
THARU
Tharu is one of the important communities of Nepal. With their distinctive cultures and dialects, they are spread over various parts of the country. There are several distinctive groups of Tharu’s who are quite different from each group in their attire, looks and dialects. Geographically, Tharu’s of Eastern Nepal are different from those of Western Nepal. They have different cultures and life-style from area to area as well. They also have various clans and types like Rana Tharu, Chaudhary Tharu, Chitaunia Tharu and so on. In spite of all those diversities they are one race and have many common features and culture which tie them together. Fishisin is one of their important profession on top of their cultural feats like dancing, music and paintings of their own. There are more than a million Tharu’s in Nepal. In terms of ethnic classification they are termed as Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan and even some unclassified ethnicity groups.
THAMI
Thami communities are found in eastern and western Nepal and are known as eastern and western Thamis. Their total population is nearly 15000 only and are very poor and backward. They speak their own language known as Thami which is a Tibeto-Burman group of languages.
THAKALI
Thakali are people of Tibetan origin and are settled mainly by the north side of Kali Gandaki river in western Nepal. Their population is limited, but because of their being
very mobile and skilled tradesmen, they are well-known and generally well-to-do people. They run traditional type of hotels and restaurants, open shops and conduct export and import business with various countries. They have their own customs and culture based upon traditional Buddhism. Serchan, Tulachan, Gauchan and Bhattachan are the four clans of Thakalis.
The stronghold of the Thakalis is Thak Khola in Mustang District. Their own language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, similar to Gurung (Tamu) and Tamang language.
TERHATHUM
Terhathum is a mountainous district of Kosi Zone with Khalanga Bazar as it Headquarters. Predominantly inhabited by Rais and Limbus along with many other Nepalese ethnic groups.
TEEJ
The Teej festival is mostly celebrated by Brahmin and Kshetriya ladies. To be continued for three consecutive days from the third to the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadra they prepare for themselves and their relatives lots of delicious food materials. Ladies put on gala dresses and decorate with ornaments on the second day to go to the holy places where they generally pass the whole night in singing and praying toMahadev.
It is the common belief that women celebrate this festival to be blessed with a husband they loved or desired. The legendary background of its origin depicts how goddess Parvati got Shiva or Mahadev as her husband. Father of Parvati wanted her to be married to Lord Vishnu which she refused and kept praying for Mahadev. Because of her father’s insistence, she even had to escape to the forest with her friends where she meditated to win over Shiva’s love. While impressed by her love Mahadev further wanted to test the depth of her love. For that test, Mahadev appeared himself in the disguise of Vishnu and tried to woo her. However, Parvati remained determined for Shiva and insulted Vishnu in disguise. Mahadev was then compelled to show up his real form and commit his love to Parvati resulting into their marital bondage.
Parvati was extremely pleased with her successful efforts in winning over Shiva and was equally thankful to her colleagues who helped her in her great hours of need. As a result she sent for them and celebrated together and enjoyed a lot on that day. The Sanskrit term Haritalika denotes the very interesting and befitting meaning for this day within the context of this story.