Nepal is home to many indigenous nationalities known as Aadibasi
Janajati. The government of Nepal has offi cially recognized 59 indigenous
groups in the country (NFDIN, 2002) . According to the National Census
2011, there are 125 different castes/ethnic groups. The total population
of indigenous peoples is 9,267,870 which covers 35.6 percent, out of the
total national population of 26,494,504. However, out of the 59 indigenous
groups, the census has not reported/listed 11 indigenous groups1
(Dahal,
2014). The indigenous peoples have been living in different geographical
regions with a distinct culture, identity and way-of-life in Nepal.