# Traditional Organizations and Customary Systems of Different Ethnic Groups

> A study of the traditional governance and social organizations of Nepal's diverse ethnic communities.

Canonical: https://gyanudaan.com/blog/traditional-organizationscustomary-systems-or-institutionstraditional-governance-systems-of-different-ethnic-groups/
Last updated: 2026-03-17

Language: en
Author: GyanUdaan Team
Published: 2026-03-17
Updated: 2026-03-17

## Introduction
Nepal's ethnic groups have long-standing traditional systems for social governance and community management. These systems are vital for understanding the cultural sociology of Nepal.

## Main Content
| Ethnic Group | Traditional Organization / System |
|---|---|
| Magar | Bheja (also called Guthi, Tisar, Bhombhe) |
| Tharu | Barghar (Leaders: Barghar, Mahatawa, Kakanadar, Pradhanwa, Bhalmansa) |
| Limbu | Parrim |
| Majhi | Mabhesawa |
| Hayu | Palikem and Rakem |
| Nubri | Gowa, Lhejen, Ku-chhoda, and Shyagya |
| Hyolmo | Hyulthim |
| Newar | Guthi |
| Tamang | Choko/Choho (Ruler: Gyalbo Chyudi or Twelve Kings) |
| Dhimal | Majhibarang (Leaders: Majhibarang, Dhamivarang, Hanuwa, Ojha, Derabarang) |
| Thakali | Thirteen Mukhiya System and Dharma Panchayat |
| Rajbanshi | Panch |
| Santhal | Manjhi Pargana (Leader: Manjhihadam) |

## Key Takeaways
- The Magar community uses the 'Bheja' system for community organization.
- The Tharu community's traditional leader is known as 'Barghar' or 'Bhalmansa'.
- The Thakali people follow the 'Thirteen Mukhiya' system and 'Dharma Panchayat'.
- The Newar community is well-known for its 'Guthi' system.

## What to Avoid
- Do not confuse the 'Barghar' system of Tharus with the 'Majhibarang' system of Dhimals.
- Do not mistake 'Bheja' as only a Magar term; it is also referred to as Guthi or Tisar within the community.
- Avoid confusing the leaders of the Santhal (Manjhihadam) with the leaders of the Majhi (Mabhesawa).

## FAQ
**Q1: What is the traditional organization of the Magar community called?**
It is called Bheja, which is also known as Guthi, Tisar, or Bhombhe.

**Q2: Who are the leaders in the Dhimal traditional system?**
The leaders include Majhibarang, Dhamivarang, Hanuwa, Ojha, and Derabarang.

**Q3: Which ethnic group follows the Hyulthim system?**
The Hyolmo ethnic group follows the Hyulthim system.

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