Sudurpashchim Province

Sudurpashchim Province (Nepali: सुदूरपश्चिम प्रदेश; transl. Far-West Province) is one of the seven provinces established by the new constitution of Nepal which was adopted on 20 September 2015.[1] It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north, Karnali Province and Lumbini Province to the east, and India's states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh to the west and south, respectively. The province covers an area of 19,539 km2, or about 13.22% of the country's total area.

Sudurpashchim Province
सुदूर-पश्चिम प्रदेश
Official seal of Sudurpashchim Province
Location of Sudurpashchim Province
Location of Sudurpashchim Province
Divisions of Sudurpashchim Province
Coordinates: 28°42′12″N 80°34′01″E / 28.70333°N 80.56694°E / 28.70333; 80.56694
Country   Nepal
Formation20 September 2015
CapitalGodawari
Largest cityDhangadhi
Districts9
Government
 • TypeSelf governing province
 • BodyGovernment of Sudurpashchim Province
 • GovernorNajir Miya
 • Chief MinisterKamal Bahadur Shah (Congress)
 • High CourtDipayal High Court
 • Provincial AssemblyUnicameral (53 seats)
 • Parliamentary constituencyHouse of Representatives (16 seats)
National Assembly (8 seats)
Area
 • Total19,999.28 km2 (7,721.77 sq mi)
 • Rank6th
Population
 (2021)
 • Total2,711,270
 • Rank5th
 • Density140/km2 (350/sq mi)
  • Rank5th
DemonymSudur Pashchimeli Nepali
Time zoneUTC+5:45 (NST)
GeocodeNP-SE
Official languageNepali
Other Official language(s)1. Doteli
2. Tharu (Rana)
HDI0.478 (low)
Literacy76.2%
Sex ratio91.25 /100 (2011)
GDPUS$2.46 billion
GDP rank6th
Websitesudurpashchim.gov.np

Initially known as Province No. 7, the newly elected Provincial Assembly adopted Sudurpashchim Province as the permanent name for the province in September 2018. As per a 28 September 2018 Assembly voting, the city of Godawari has been declared the capital of the Province, But till now Dhangadhi serves as the temporary capital.[2][3] The province is coterminous with the former Far-Western Development Region, Nepal. The three major cities in terms of population and economy are Dhangadhi, Bhimdutta (Mahendranagar), and Tikapur.[4]

Etymology edit

Previously, Sudurpashchim Province was a development region of Nepal with the same territory. Far-Western Development Region was official name of this region. It is located at the western end of the country. Sudurpashchim was Nepali term of Far-Western region.

History edit

 
Topography of Sudurpashchim Province

Doti was an ancient kingdom in the far western region of Kumaon which was formed after the disintegration of the Katyuri Kingdom of Kumaon around the 13th century.[5] Doti was one of eight different princely states the Katyuri Kingdom was divided into eight for their eight prince's and became different independent kingdoms; Baijnath-Katyuri, Dwarahat, Doti, Baramandal, Askot, Sira, Sora, Sui (Kali Kumaon). Later on, the whole land between Ramganga on the west (Uttarakhand) and the Karnali on the east (which divides the far western region from other parts of Nepal), came under the Raikas after the origin of Raikas of Katyuris in Doti.[6] "Brahma Dev Mandi" at Kanchanpur District of Mahakali Zone was established by Katyuri king Brahma Dev.[7] Before the announcement of new provinces in Nepal, the area of this province was known as Far-Western development region of Nepal. There were no changes made in this province when this province was made.[citation needed]

Raikas of Doti edit

Niranjan Malla Dev was the founder of Doti Kingdom around the 13th century after the fall of the Katyuri Kingdom. He was the son of Last Katyuris of united Katyuris kingdom.[8]

Kings of Doti were called Raikas (also Rainka Maharaj).[9] Later on Raikas, after defeating the Khas Malla of Karnali Zone, were able to establish the strong Raikas Kingdom in Far Western Region and Kumaon which was Doti.

Mughal invasion edit

During the period of Akbar's rule in the 16th century, the Mughals had attacked the Raikas of Doti. They invaded Ajemeru, the capital of the Raika Kingdom. Ajemeru is now in Dadeldhura District of the far western region of Nepal. Hussain Khan, army chief of Akbar residing in Lucknow had led the attack. According to `Abd al-Qadir Badayuni (c. 1540 - 1615), Indo-Persian historian during Mughal Empire, Mughal Army chief of Lucknow, Hussian Khan, lured by the wealth and treasures of the kingdom of the Raikas, wanted to plunder the region, this being the motive behind the assault, but they did not succeed.[10]

Conflict with Gorkha edit

The historic place of war between the Khas Doti Kingdom and Nepal (Khas Gorkha kingdom) during the period of Gorkha/Khas Expansion in 1790, according to the history of Nepal, is Nari-Dang, on the bank of the Seti River. The Dumrakot was the base of the Khas Doti Kingdom for fighting against the Own Khas Gorkhalis.[citation needed]

Khairgarh-Singhai State edit

Raja Deep Shahi was expelled from Nepal in 1790 A.D and on arriving at Terai of Oudh (now Lakhimpur Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh of India) he established Khairgarh-Singhai State in Khairigarh under British India.[11] Kanchanpur Praganna (present Kanchanpur and Kailali districts) was also the parts of his State or Zamindari. He succeeded in defeating the Banjaras rural of Khairigarh and establishing himself in that Pargana and in parts of Bhur. His state was merged with India In 1947 after Indian Independence.

Geography edit

Sudurpashchim Province covers 19,539 km2 i.e. 13.27% of the total area of the country. In the total area of the province, the mountainous terrain is 7,932.834 square km. (40.60%), hilly terrain 6,748.7706 km2. (34.54%) and Terai area is 4,857.3954 km2. (24.86%) belongs to This province has more mountainous and mountainous terrain. This province is located in the far western part of the state of Nepal. 2 districts of this province Kailali and Kanchanpur in Terai region, 4 districts Doti, Dadeldhura, Achham, Baitadi in hilly region and 3 districts Darchula, Bajhang, and Bajura are located in the Himalayan region.[12] Karnali River flows in the east, Seti River in the mid and Mahakali River flows to the west of this province.

Mountains edit

Mt. Api (7132 m.) ,Mt. Saipal (7025m), Bobaye(6,808m) , Nampa (6755m) , & Jethi Bahurani (6850m) are the major mountain peaks of this province.

Highest Peaks of Sudurpaschim Province
Mountains Elevation

(meters)

District Range Additional Information
Api 7,132 Darchula District Yoka Pahar Gurans Himal First ascent in 1960 AD
Saipal 7,031 Bajhang District Western Nepal Himalaya First ascent in 1960 AD
Jethi Bahurani 6,850 Darchula/Bajhang Himalayas First ascent in 1978 AD[13]
Bobaye 6,808 Darchula/Bajhang Byas Rishi Himal First ascent in 1996 AD
Nampa 6,755 Darchula Gurans First ascent in 1972 AD[13]

Government and administration edit

The Governor acts as the head of the province while the Chief Minister is the head of the provincial government. The Chief Judge of the Dipayal High Court is the head of the judiciary.[14] The present Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Judge are Ganga Prasad Yadav (governor), Kamal Bahadur Shah (chief minister) and Yagya Prasad Basyal.[15][16] The province has 53 provincial assembly constituencies and 16 House of Representative constituencies.[17]

Sudurpashchim Province has a unicameral legislature, like all of the other provinces in Nepal. The term length of the provincial assembly is five years. The Provincial Assembly of Sudurpashchim Province is temporarily housed at the District Coordination Committee Hall in Dhangadhi.[18]

Administrative subdivisions edit

 
District map of Sudurpashchim Province

The province is divided into nine districts, which are listed below. A district is administrated by the head of the District Coordination Committee and the District Administration Officer. The districts are further divided into municipalities or rural municipalities. The municipalities include one sub-metropolitan city and 33 municipalities. There are 54 rural municipalities in the province.[19]

  1. Achham District
  2. Baitadi District
  3. Bajhang District
  4. Bajura District
  5. Dadeldhura District
  6. Darchula District
  7. Doti District
  8. Kailali District
  9. Kanchanpur District

Tourism edit

The Sudurpaschim province, is one of Nepal's best-kept secrets. It is raw, untouched and extremely beautiful. This place has it all – from mountains to meadows, from wildlife to wilderness. It is a region that is so underrated that it hardly sees any tourists.[20]

 
Ghodaghodi Tal

Ghodaghodi Lake edit

The Ghodaghodi Tal is in the southern region of the Sudurpaschim province and is the largest lake in the province. It is home to around 140 bird species including the crested serpent eagle, grey-headed eagle, pochard and darter. Nearby, there are 13 other shallow lakes and ponds that create a unique landscape. Apart from birds, to see other wild animals too like the otter, gharial and the Bengal tiger.

Shuklaphanta National Park edit

 
Shuklaphanta National Park

West from the Ghodaghodi lake is the Shuklaphanta National Park, which is probably the largest grassland in Sudurpaschim. Home to swamp deer, this national park is one of the prettiest national parks in the country. Like the lake, the national park also sees a lot of migratory birds and is also home to elephants, tigers and gharials. Back in the 1970s, the area was a hunting ground for the royals of Nepal, but things have changed as it is a protected zone now. The jungle and the park are not fully explored, Apart from that, the place is also home to Rana Tharus, one of the earliest inhabitants of the Terai.

Khaptad National Park edit

 
Khaptad National Park

This is the heart and soul of the Sudurpaschaim province. This hilly plateau is the most popular place in the region. The air here is fresh and the terrain is lush green as if it were a carpet. There is a lot of flora and fauna in the Khaptad area as will probably see musk deer, wild boar, and different birds like the chyakhura, kalij and danphe.

Ramaroshan area edit

 
Ramaroshan Site

Out of all the places in the Sudurpaschim province, this is arguably the most underrated area. Located in the Achham District there are 12 lakes in the conservation area along with 18 meadows that give the place a unique landscape. From here, mountains like Saipal and Api can also be seen along with the Budhigankadi river basin. It is also home to tall cliffs that the locals climb to harvest honey.

Badimalika edit

 
Badimalika Temple

There is something ancient about Badimalika. Maybe it is the landscape or maybe it is just the fact that it is a holy site, Badimalika is a must-visit place. The scenery changes every season too.

During the spring and monsoon, it is lush green while during the autumn, the green grass turns brown. In the winter, the place becomes even pretty with patches of snow all over the hills and meadows. There are a few lakes around too. The place is ideal for trekkers.

Api Nampa Conservation Area edit

 
Api Nampa Conservation Area

Api Nampa is the youngest conservation area in the country and one of the most preserved ones. Nestled in the northwest side of the country, it is untouched. The valley between Mount Api and Mount Nampa is one of the best parts of the con- servation area as it is full of meadows, oak trees and coniferous forests. Animals like the snow leopard are quite common in the area too.

Mount Saipal edit

 
Mt. Saipal

Mount Saipal in Sudurpaschim is quite popular among a niche group of climbers and trekkers. Getting to the Saipal base camp is not easy, but it is totally worth it. Walking on empty trails with a small group of people and sleeping on tents enjoying the night sky is what should expect from this trek. It takes past the Bajhang District, past dense forests and a few local settlements. The best time to trek this region is between mid of October to the end of November, the festive months of Nepal, as the harvest has cleared fields to camp. The trek is quite challenging because it is less popular among tourists, is raw and unexplored. There are no facilities for lodging, and the trekkers have to be self-sufficient with tents and other logistics so do not venture out there alone.

Surma Sarovar edit

 
Surma Sarovar

Surma Sarovar is one of the hidden gems in the Sudurpaschim region. Located at an altitude of 4,300 metres, the trail to get there is not easy. walk past high ridges that get to by crossing passes and also get to walk past small lakes and ponds along with meadows with mountains like Jethi Bahurani. The lake is quite holy too as people consider it an option to the holy Mansarovar lake in Tibet.

Budhinanda Tal edit

An isolated lake in the middle of nowhere is another trek that is not for the faint-hearted. It takes around 13 days to complete. Walking steep cliffs and the base of hills of Sudurpaschim, this tough trek will test both body and mind. Every year people get lost here so do not venture out alone and take a local along. That way, can enjoy the views that the place offers. The best time to go here is during Janai Purnima when a large group of pilgrims from the district go there. But, locals say that visiting the place during autumn is also good given you take a local along.[20]

 
Garva Durbar at Kailali.

10.Garva Durbar edit

It was constructed around 100 years ago by Khadga Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana on 13 ropanis of land. It was used by the Ranas as a resting spot for when they travelled from the plains to the hills. Built in 1927 AD, the three-storey palace has 83 windows and 53 doors.

Ugratara Temple edit

 
Ugratara Temple

The Ugratara temple is a famous religious and tourist temple in the far western province. This temple is located about four kilometers west of Dadeldhura at Amargadhi Municipality-7. This temple is considered to be one of the nine Bhagwati temples in the far west of Nepal. It is built in pagoda style. It is the religiously important temple of Hinduism and is also rich in its art and architecture. The idol of Goddess Parvati is the main idol of the temple.The temple was later renovated by Naga Malla, the King of Doti, and King Birendra also assisted in the further renovation.

Rupaligad Waterfall edit

 
Rupaligad Waterfall

Rupaligad Waterfall is located in Rupal, Dadeldhura, Sudurpashchim Province.

Malikarjun Temple edit

  • Situated 46 km (29 mi) from Khalanga in Malikarjun VDC, the Malikarjun Temple[21] contains idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.[citation needed]Malika is worshipped as Parbati while Arjun represents Shiva. Devotees throng this temple every year during the months of Ashadh and Kartik by Nepali calendar. Gaura Festival is also celebrated here with highly population of darchula in this temple. This temple is also famous for a journey which is done by walking a long and ending it in this temple.[22] It is very famous in Darchula District.[23]

Nateshwori Temple edit

The major festivals of the temple are Janai Purnima and Chaite Dashain on the very day devotees form all over Nepal and also from India come to visit.

Though situated on the lap of Badimalika, this temple (नाटेश्वरी) is considered as the belongings (elder sister) of Malika Devi. Rituals of Nateshwori are carried out by two sets of priests; one being the Thakuri priests and other the Bhramin Joshi . Shahi Thakuri of Khirpata and Joshi Bhramin of Belkatte are the ones who performs the ritual and can touch the deity.This temple is opened only during big festivals and on other few special days, the daily rituals of the temple are performed in the Bhandarghar (भण्डारघर) in Thakuribada (ठकुरीवाडा) by Shahi Thakuri priests.

 
Nateshwori Temple

Saileswori Temple edit

   The temple of Goddess Shaileshwari is situated at Silgadhi in Doti district. It is one of the most famous shrines in the mid-western and far-western hills of Nepal.
There is mention of the place in the Skanda Purana.The deities in the temple complex include a Shiva lingam, Chaturbhuj Narayan, Ganesh, Bhairab and Masta. Special pujas are offered here during the Dashain festival.
 
Saileswori Temple

Education edit

According to the census of 2021, Sudurpashchim's literacy rate is 76.2%. 83.6% of males and 69.4% of females are literate.[24]

University

  1. Sudurpaschim University is a university in Nepal, located in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur. It was established in August 2010 (2067 BS) by the Act of the Constituent Assembly by the Government of Nepal. It came into operation in 2011, after the appointment of the university officials. Prime Minister of Nepal serves as the Chancellor of the university.
   2. SHAHEED DASHRATH CHAND NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
   Geta Medical College, which is located in Dhangadhi, Kailali district of Nepal, is set to be promoted as Nepal’s first national health science university. The university will be named after Shaheed Dasharath Chand, a martyr in Nepal’s struggle for democracy. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, announced this during a program organized by Geta Medical College. By Ashadh 2080, 12 structures’ construction projects are expected to be finished. The college’s construction has cost a total of Rs 5.4 billion so far. [25]


Kailali Multiple Campus

 
Kailali Multiple Campus

Sports edit


Roadways edit

 
Dodhara Chandani Bridge in Kanchanpur

Highways connects all 9 districts of Sudurpaschim Province. Mahakali Highway and Seti Highway are major highways of this province. Mahakali Highway connects 7 Hilly districts to Terai region. The highway connects major trade routes Dhangadhi and Attariya.

Demographics edit

Ethnicities/castes of Sudurpashchim Pradesh

  Chhetri (44.09%)
  Tharu (17.15%)
  Hill Brahmin (11.90%)
  Kami (7.22%)
  Thakuri (4.40%)
  Damai (2.56%)
  Magar (2.18%)
  Sarki (1.67%)
  Lohar (1.17%)
  Sanyasi (1.01%)
  Other Khas Dalit (3.15%)
  Others (2.5%)

The province has a population of 2,552,517 which is 9.63% of the total population of Nepal. The population density is about 130 persons per square kilometer. The province has a population growth rate of 1.53%. The sex ratio is 912 males for 1000 females, with a total of 1,217,887 males and 1,334,630 females recorded in 2011. The urban population of the region is 1,504,279 (58.9%) and the rural population is 1,048,238 (41.1%).[30]

Ethnic groups edit

The Khas/Chhetri are the largest Indigenous group, making up 44.09% of the population. The Tharu are the second largest, making up 17.15%. Other Khas groups including Hill Brahmin, Kami, Thakuri, Damai, Sarki, Lohar and Sanyasi make up 11.90%, 7.22%, 4.40%, 2.56%, 1.67%, 1.17% and 1.01% of the population. There are some Magars (2.18%) as well.[31]

Languages edit

Languages of Sudurpashchim Province (2011)[32]

  Doteli (30.45%)
  Nepali (30.18%)
  Tharu (17.01%)
  Baitadeli (10.65%)
  Achhami (5.58%)
  Bajhangi (2.64%)
  Others (3.49%)

The vast majority of the population speaks language varieties closely related to Nepali, if not mutually intelligible. Eastern dialects such as Bajauri and Achhami are closer to the Khas Bhasha spoken in Karnali province. The main dialect in the province is Doteli, spoken in the central part of the province, which gradually gets closer to Kumaoni spoken on the Indian side of the border. Nearly the entire Terai population spoke Tharu until the 1950s, when many Doteli and Nepali speakers from the hills migrated to the Terai. The local Tharu variant has influence from Nepali and the Hindi dialects spoken in the plains to the south across the border. The largest Sino-Tibetan language is Magar, although there are still some speakers of Byangsi in the higher mountain regions near Tibet.

The Language Commission of Nepal has recommended Dotyali and Tharu as official language in the province. The commission has also recommended Baitadeli, Achhami, and Bajhangi to be additional official languages, for specific regions and purposes in the province.[32]

Religion edit

Religion in Sudurpashchim Province

  Hinduism (97.23%)
  Christianity (1.09%)
  Buddhism (1.07%)
  Islam (0.23%)
  Prakṛti (0.22%)
  Other or not religious (0.16%)

Hinduism is followed by most of the people of this province, with 97.23%. Among entire population 1.09% of people follows Christianity, 1.07% of people follows Buddhism and 0.23% of population follows Islam in this province.[33]

 
 
Largest cities or towns in Sudurpashchim Province
Central Bureau of Statistics [2]
Rank District Pop. Rank District Pop.
 
Dhangadhi
 
Mahendranagar
1 Dhangadhi Kailali 147,741 11 Bhajani Kailali 51,845  
Godawari
 
Tikapur
2 Mahendranagar Kanchanpur 104,599 12 Bedkot Kanchanpur 49,479
3 Godawari Kailali 78,018 13 Shuklaphanta Kanchanpur 46,834
4 Tikapur Kailali 76,984 14 Mahakali Kanchanpur 39,253
5 Ghodaghodi Kailali 75,586 15 Purchaudi Baitadi 39,174
6 Lamki Chuha Kailali 75,425 16 Parshuram Dadeldhura 34,983
7 Krishnapur Kanchanpur 56,643 17 Dasharath Chand Baitadi 34,575
8 Gauriganga Kailali 55,314 18 Sanphebagar Achham 33,788
9 Punarbas Kanchanpur 53,633 19 Bungal Bajhang 33,224
10 Belauri Kanchanpur 53,544 20 Dipayal Silgadhi Doti 32,941

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Nepal Provinces". statoids.com. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  2. ^ "Prov 7 named Sudurpashchim amid objection from NC, RJP". The Himalayan Times. 28 September 2018. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  3. ^ "Province 7 named Sudurpashchim, Godawari capital". The Kathmandu Post. 28 September 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  4. ^ "Nepal Provinces". www.statoids.com.
  5. ^ Dr.Y.S Kathoch, A New History of Uttarakhand; On Katyuri Dynasty "Around,13th Century Katyuri Dynasty established in Ranachulihat was broken into many sections" Doti was among them
  6. ^ Advin T. Atkinson; Gazetteer Hindi Edition (2003); He wrote (Page 274) Whole territory to the east of Ram gang was belongs to Raikas during the late 16th century.
  7. ^ Dr. Madam Chandra Bhatt; A New History of Uttarakhand (2006): " Champawat ke Chand Raja.
  8. ^ Dr. Y.S Kathoch; A New History of Uttarakhand(2006). Founder of Doti was Niranjan Mall Dev.
  9. ^ Badri Datt Pandey; History of Kumaun (1937)
  10. ^ "Kumaon History". Thekumaonhills.com. 29 March 1947. Archived from the original on 19 February 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  11. ^ [1][dead link]
  12. ^ "प्रदेश परिचय | प्रदेश प्रमुखको कार्यालय". oph.sudurpashchim.gov.np. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  13. ^ a b Annapurna, Kris (25 February 2022). "Gurans Himal: Stories From the Far Western Himalaya » Explorersweb". Explorersweb. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  14. ^ "High Courts get their chief judges". Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  15. ^ "Trilochan Bhatta becomes Province 7 chief minister". The Himalayan Times. 16 February 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  16. ^ "President of Nepal administers oath to Chiefs of seven provinces | DD News". ddnews.gov.in. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  17. ^ "CDC creates 495 constituencies". The Himalayan Times. 31 August 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Preparations underway for assembly meeting". The Himalayan Times. 31 January 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  19. ^ "स्थानिय तह". 103.69.124.141. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  20. ^ a b diwakar (23 November 2021). "9 hidden gems in Nepal's Sudurpaschim that should be on your next bucket list - OnlineKhabar English News". Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  21. ^ "Shree Shailya Shikhar Malikarjun Temple".
  22. ^ "Malikarjun jatra darchula: मालिकार्जुन जात्राः मडकि जातः the Journey ।। यात्रा — MyVideo".
  23. ^ "Pilgrimage Sites".
  24. ^ "literacy | national_population and housing_census_year results". censusnepal.cbs.gov.np. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  25. ^ "All 16 Universities in Nepal". 7 April 2023.
  26. ^ "कैलाली बहुमुखी क्याम्पस बन्यो सुप विश्वविद्यालयको आङ्गिक". देशसञ्चार. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  27. ^ Collegenp. "Dhankuta Multiple Campus, Dhankuta". Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  28. ^ Sen, Sandeep (10 December 2020). "Students padlock exam controller's office in Kailali". The Himalayan Times. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  29. ^ "Kailali Multiple Campus". Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  30. ^ "Nepal Census 2011" (PDF). UN Stats.
  31. ^ "National Data Portal-Nepal". nationaldata.gov.np. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
  32. ^ a b "सरकारी कामकाजको भाषाका आधारहरूको निर्धारण तथा भाषासम्बन्धी सिफारिसहरू (पञ्चवर्षीय प्रतिवेदन- साराांश) २०७८" (PDF). Language Commission (in Nepali). Language Commission of Nepal. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  33. ^ "National Data Portal-Nepal". nationaldata.gov.np. Retrieved 31 July 2023.

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