Guthi

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Guthi (Nepal Bhasa: गूठी) is a social organization that used to maintain the social order of Newar society. Presently, most of the guthis are defunct and are vestigeal representation of what once was the most powerful social organization of the Newars.

[edit] Organizational structure

Guthi is traditionally a patriarchal kinship based on certaion norms that are moderated by the guthi members. It consists of a thakali or the eldest person of the guthi. The consent of the thakali is essential for the formulation of most of the norms of the guthi.

[edit] Role in society

Guthi have played an important role in maintaining a harmony in Newari society and in preventing anarchy.