Tamang
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The Tamang (also known as Murmi) are one of the several ethnic groups living in Nepal descended from Tibeto-Burman origins. Living mainly north and east of the country, they constitute 5.6% of Nepal's population, which places their population at 1,280,000, slightly higher than the Newars.Their language, also called Tamang is related to both Tibetan and Sherpa languages.
The name Tamang,normaly it is Tamag inTibetan, means horse warriors, Tamags were border police sent by king Trisong of Tibet around 755.Many of them are still practicing BON religion,which was religion befor buddhism was introduced in Tibet,They are also good mountaineers and trekking guides.Many of Tamang are also recruited to serve in Indian and British Gurkha regiments since British raj.
The Tamangs are followers of Tibetan Buddhism mixed with elements of the pre-Buddhist Bön and the Tambaist religion. Due to their proximity to the Newar, a slight Hindu influence can be seen in their practises. Their priests include Lama, Bombo and Tamba. According to the 2001 census, 90.26% of the ethnic Tamang in Nepal were Boudhists and 7.69% were Hindus.[citation needed] The typical song and dance of the Tamangs is "tamang selo" in which they dance to the beat of a drum called "damphu." Damphu is the traditional drum of the Tamangs.
Many Tamang clans do not permit intermarriage with other ethnic groups, although some clans do permit intermarriages with the Gurung, Magar, Newar, and Chhettri. Their descent is traced patrilineally.
[edit] See also
The meaning of Tamang is Ta meaning horse and Mang meaning soldier in Tibetan i.e. solders on horse back.
[edit] References
With reference to the meaning of Tamang it is Ta meaning horse and Mang meaning soldiers so the correct meaning of Tamang would be soldiers on horse backs.
