New “Nepali” journal

Studies in Nepali History and Society

Vol 1 No 1

Edited by Pratyoush Onta, Mary des Chene et al

Mandala Book Point, Kathmandu, June 1996

ISSN 1025 5109

258 pages

Studies in Nepali History and Society is one of the finer journals in the social sciences to be published in the region, and easily compares with some of the best from Europe and North America in terms of content and editorial rigour. For those who are interested in Nepali studies, it is a welcome entry because it has vision, as well as a sense of discipline. It speaks in a language that the North would do well to understand, though the cost may be a little prohibitive for most Nepali scholars of Nepal and elsewhere.

The editorial in the launch issue makes an excellent argument for the need of such a journal, and the editors make a polite yet coherent claim to a special niche for their effort. The only lapse that this reviewer notices is the editorial confusion between the terms 'Nepalese' and 'Nepali' studies, with the editors opting for the latter even when referring to the Nepalese of Nepal. 'Nepali' is a cultural/linguistic concept extending beyond the political boundaries of Nepal, and the distinction is important, especially to diaspora Nepalis.

The six articles included in this number are well-researched and have a 'Nepali' flavour, unlike the tone in some of the other journals on Nepal. A major strength of the papers selected is that they are informed by readings of the literature in Nepali and indigenous languages of Nepal. This is a unique contribution.

All researchers on Nepal will find that this new journal holds promise, and will want it to succeed.

– Tanka B. Subba (Department of Anthropology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong)

Loading content, please wait...
Himal Southasian
www.himalmag.com