Kathmandu, Jan. 31 -- About 9.5 million Nepalis or 36% of the country's population fall into the old British category 'tribal'. Today, they are called adivasior indigenous people.

In the mountains liveadivasigroups like the Magar, Gurung, Sherpa, Rai, or Limbu. In the plains are the Tharu, who alone form over 6% of Nepal's population. Many other smaller 'tribal' groups live in both areas.

I taught for three years in an eastern hill district dominated by Rai and Tamang villages. For over a decade I have been researching state-sponsored development programs in the Tarai, and howthe Tharuhave resisted and adjusted to them.

The story of the Rai, Tamang, and Tharu have counterparts in Nepal, across South Asia and the globe. There is no bett...