Political Borders and the Transformations of Kirat Rai Mythology

Presenters:

---

Abstract

Kirat Rai mythology largely ignores the segregation of local cultures along political borders of nation-states and citizenship. In contrary, most mythologies seem to seamlessly integrate neighbouring regions and communities into their local narratives even if fundamental differences in language, religion or cultural practices would strongly support a more distinct differentiation. The paper analyses selected examples of mythological narratives as pronounced by local ritual specialists of the Dumi Rai. Highlighted are elements that refer to specific social and political relations with neighbouring groups of the Rai within Nepal and across the Indian border. Built on the findings of this analysis, the question is raised how these local narratives are transformed when communicated through large contemporary political and social organisations. Is it in these adapted narratives that the concepts and social consequences of political borders become introduced and relevant?