Introduction
The Jirel Ethnic Group
The Jirels are one of the lesser-known ethnic groups of Nepal. Although they are a small group, they have their own distinct identity and unique language and culture. They speak a Tibeto-Burman language known as Jirel, both to the people themselves and to outsiders. Jirel is both the group’s ethnic name and the name of the language.
The majority of the Jirels live in the Jiri area, located in Dolakha District, Janakpur Zone in eastern Nepal. A small number of Jirels inhabit some villages to the north-west of Jiri. The Jiri area has an average altitude of 2000 metres. The total Jirel population varies according to the various censuses or estimates. According to the census of 1961 there were about 3,000 Jirels living in the Jiri area. The census of 1991 records the population of the ethnic group of the Jirels as being 4,889, and the census of 2001, as 5,316. However, there is reason to believe that the total population of the Jirels is greater than the census figures would indicate.
In the past the Jirels lived as subsistence farmers, as did many other ethnic groups living in the hilly regions. As in the past, they continue to grow mainly millet and corn, as well as wheat and potatoes. Rice is a marginal crop since the land is too high for its cultivation. Every household also has some livestock.
More recently, as for other Nepalis, there has also been the need for the Jirels for additional sources of income. They are seeking work either locally, in other parts of Nepal or in other countries. Some are employed as security personnel, in construction work or in other occupations. Others, with increased educational opportunities, are working in medical, technical or teaching professions, in different offices or as business people.
As to their religion the Jirels are basically followers of Shamanism, having their own shaman or priest called a phombo and their own clan gods and goddesses. They also incorporate, however, various aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism. They observe such Hindu festivals as Dasain and Tihar, but in case of death their rituals follow Buddhist tradition. There is also a small minority who are followers of Christianity.
Bradley (1997) classifies Jirel as a central Bodish/Tibetan Language of Central Tibeto-Burman, gTsang. G. Thurgood (2003) classifies Jirel also as a Bodic Language of Central Tibetan, U-Tsang. Van Driem (2001: 862) mentions the Jirel as speaking a Bodish language related to the Sherpa dialects; (2001: 829) he lists Jirel along with Sherpa, Kagate, Langthang, Dolpo, Lo of Mustang and Lhomi as languages of Nepal belonging to Central Tibetan.
