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- Feb 23, 1999
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I started to become aware of this issue when horse-trading with a merchant in Kathmandu. I offered a pocketknife in partial trade for an old Tibetan knife. The merchant explained to me that if the police stopped him and found the pocket knife on him he would face 3 months in jail or a heavy fine.
Later, discussing the issue with a Nepalese friend, it became evident that the knife laws in Nepal are entwined with the caste system. Nepal is as far as I know, the only country in the world using a traditional Hindu legal system. The Nepalese caste system is complex and varies from region to region. Thus anything I say about it here will be wrong from some point of view or another, so let us get that out of the way up front. I admit I'm wrong.
To get a view of the complexities, google "Nepalese Caste System". Be forwarned that the references will contradict each other on particulars, because of the regional variations I mentioned.
This is how the system was explained to me. Their are 4 major castes.
1 - Brahmin - the preistly caste.
2 - Chitri - a lesser priestly caste. (as it was explained by my source. You will find other definitions of this caste)
3 - Gorkha caste - warriors. This caste includes the Sherpa, Gorkha, Garun, and Magar tribes. Maybe others too.
4 - Chudra - workers. This class includes kamis, sarkis, farmers, butchers, etc.
Only the Gorkha caste is permitted to carry a knife. Other castes are forbidden by law. Westerners apparently get dispensation too, but I wouldn't advise flaunting the status. The government of this poor country is eager to encourage tourism, especially after the recent excesses of the Maoists decimated the tourist industry. Thus the favor of westerners is courted and they are treated very well. However, it is always a good idea for outsiders to avoid outraging elements of a local culture.
Many workers like butchers obviously need to use knives in their occupations. I'm not sure how Nepalese law deals with this but I suspect that there is some provision for them to carry or use one in the course of thier work. But I suspect potential problems with the authorities if it is perceived as a weapon.
It is interesting that the kamis and sarkis who create these blades are not legally allowed to carry them.
Later, discussing the issue with a Nepalese friend, it became evident that the knife laws in Nepal are entwined with the caste system. Nepal is as far as I know, the only country in the world using a traditional Hindu legal system. The Nepalese caste system is complex and varies from region to region. Thus anything I say about it here will be wrong from some point of view or another, so let us get that out of the way up front. I admit I'm wrong.
To get a view of the complexities, google "Nepalese Caste System". Be forwarned that the references will contradict each other on particulars, because of the regional variations I mentioned.
This is how the system was explained to me. Their are 4 major castes.
1 - Brahmin - the preistly caste.
2 - Chitri - a lesser priestly caste. (as it was explained by my source. You will find other definitions of this caste)
3 - Gorkha caste - warriors. This caste includes the Sherpa, Gorkha, Garun, and Magar tribes. Maybe others too.
4 - Chudra - workers. This class includes kamis, sarkis, farmers, butchers, etc.
Only the Gorkha caste is permitted to carry a knife. Other castes are forbidden by law. Westerners apparently get dispensation too, but I wouldn't advise flaunting the status. The government of this poor country is eager to encourage tourism, especially after the recent excesses of the Maoists decimated the tourist industry. Thus the favor of westerners is courted and they are treated very well. However, it is always a good idea for outsiders to avoid outraging elements of a local culture.
Many workers like butchers obviously need to use knives in their occupations. I'm not sure how Nepalese law deals with this but I suspect that there is some provision for them to carry or use one in the course of thier work. But I suspect potential problems with the authorities if it is perceived as a weapon.
It is interesting that the kamis and sarkis who create these blades are not legally allowed to carry them.
