SOC 312

Nepalese Society and Politics

TU BHM · Semester 8 · Recent BHM syllabus series

Requirement: elective
Credits: 3
Past papers: 1 papers

Syllabus

What this course covers and how the teaching time is divided.

Nepalese Society and Politics Syllabus

Official TU PDF

Tribhuvan University

Faculty of Management

Office of the Dean

Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)

Course Title: Nepalese Society and Politics

Course Code: SOC 312

Semester: Semester 8

Nature of Course: elective

Full Marks: 100

Pass Marks: 50

Credit Hours: 3 Cr.

Curriculum: Recent BHM syllabus series

Course Description

After the completion of course the students will be able to understand Nepalese geography – climate and vegetation, understand history – society, religion and cultures, able to understand Nepalese economy and the problem of development, understand the political system – its development, and the governance system.

Course Objective

The objective of this course provides general introduction of Nepal, its geography, natural resources, history, society, cultures, economy, politics and the governance of Nepal. Course Description After the completion of course the students will be able to understand Nepalese geography – climate and vegetation, understand history – society, religion and cultures, able to understand Nepalese economy and the problem of development, understand the political system – its development, and the governance system.

Course Contents:

Lecture hours show the approximate classroom time allocated to each unit.

Origin of Nepal – Nepal as a sovereign country
Geography – location Political history – Ancient period, Medieval period, Shah period Rana period
Modern Nepal

Demography – demographic composition of people Religion – Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Kirat, and Christianity, and Religious harmony
Festivals of Nepal
Cultural heritage of Nepal
Languages and literatures of Nepal
Migration – types, trend, opportunities and challenges
Implications on Business, economy and work culture

Economy of Nepal – Planned economy and Mixed Economy, Nepal’s status in HDI, World
Development, and Poverty status Agricultural development – status, its contribution in national economy, challenges Secondary and tertiary sector development – status, its contribution to national economy, challenges
Tourism in Nepal – scope and challenges Labour – employment status, domestic and foreign employment, challenges

Natural resources – Land of Nepal, Rivers and Lakes of Nepal
Water resources and Bio-diversity
Climate and vegetation of Nepal
Human resources

Democracy
Constitution and its development in Nepal
Political parties and their roles Administrative division – central, sub-national and local administration Local self government – roles and functions of District Development Committee
Village
Development Committee, Municipalities
Nepal and international / regional organizations
NGOs and INGOs in Nepal
Implications in economy and Business

Past exam papers

Complete papers are arranged by official model question paper.

Dean's Office Official Model Question Paper

Report problem

Tribhuvan University

Faculty of Management

Office of the Dean

Official Model Question Paper / Dean's Office Blueprint

Course: SOC 312 · Nepalese Society and Politics

Level: Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) · Semester 8

Full Marks: 60

Time: 3 hrs.

Candidates are required to give their answers in their own words as far as practicable. Figures in the margin indicate full marks.

Group A

Brief Answer Questions. Attempt ALL questions. (5 × 2 = 10)

[5*2=10]

State the three tiers of government established by the Constitution of Nepal 2072.

[2]
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Three Tiers of Government in Nepal
1. Federal Government (Federal Parliament and Council of Ministers)
2. Provincial Government (7 Provinces with Provincial Assemblies)
3. Local Government (753 Rural and Urban Municipalities)
Define secularism as recognized in the Constitution of Nepal.

[2]
View model solution
Secularism in the Constitution of Nepal

Under Article 4, secularism means religious, cultural freedom, along with the protection of religion, culture handed down from time immemorial (Sanatana), with equal respect for all faiths and zero state discrimination based on religion.
What is the Guthi system in Newar society? State its cultural significance.

[2]
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The Guthi System

A traditional socio-economic trust institution in Newari society that manages agricultural land endowments to finance, maintain, and conduct ancestral religious rituals, festivals, temples, and community water spouts (Hiti).
State two key socio-economic challenges arising from remittance dependency in Nepal.

[2]
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Remittance Dependency Challenges
1. Depletion of agricultural labor force leading to arable land abandonment.
2. Inflow of remittances predominantly consumed on imported consumer goods rather than capital formation.
What is the cultural significance of the Badaghar / Bhalmansa institution in Tharu society?

[2]
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Badaghar / Bhalmansa in Tharu Society

A traditional village headman democratically selected annually by village households to lead village governance, coordinate community irrigation canals, and adjudicate local family disputes.

Group B

Descriptive Answer Questions. Attempt any THREE questions. (3 × 10 = 30)

[3*10=30]

Explain the major features of the Constitution of Nepal 2072. Discuss how federalism, inclusive proportional representation, and fundamental rights impact socio-economic stability.

[10]
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Key Features of the Constitution of Nepal 2072
1. Federal Democratic Republic: Decentralized political authority across three autonomous tiers (Federal, 7 Provinces, 753 Local Units).
2. Inclusive Proportional Representation: Mixed electoral system (First-Past-The-Post and Proportional Representation) guaranteeing constitutional quotas for women (33% in parliament), Dalits, indigenous nationalities (Janajatis), Madhesis, and marginalized communities.
3. Comprehensive Fundamental Rights: 31 fundamental rights codified under Part 3, including rights to clean environment, social justice, labor rights, and food sovereignty.
4. Impact on Socio-Economic Stability: Devolved decision-making empowers local municipalities to build regional tourism infrastructure and collect local hotel revenues, though inter-governmental fiscal coordination remains an evolving challenge.
Analyze the ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity of Nepal. How does cultural pluralism serve as an asset for heritage tourism and international hospitality branding?

[10]
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Cultural Diversity as a Tourism Asset in Nepal

1. Dimensions of Diversity:
- Ethnic Diversity: 142 documented caste and ethnic groups across Himalayan, Hilly, and Terai ecological belts.
- Linguistic Wealth: Over 124 mother tongues spoken across the country.
- Syncretic Pluralism: Harmonious coexistence of Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon, Kirat, and Islam.
2. Strategic Value for Hospitality:
- Experiential Tourism: Transforming living cultural traditions into immersive guest experiences (e.g., homestays in Gurung, Sherpa, and Tharu villages).
- Gastronomic Branding: Promoting indigenous ethnic cuisines (Newari Samay Baji, Thakali Thali, Sherpa Riki Kur) as premium gourmet attractions.
- Intangible Heritage: Performing arts, masked dances, and handcrafts providing authentic cultural souvenirs.
Discuss the historical evolution of social stratification in Nepal from the Muluki Ain of 1854 to the modern constitutional guarantees against caste discrimination.

[10]
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Evolution of Social Stratification in Nepal
1. Muluki Ain of 1854 (Jung Bahadur Rana): Codified a rigid, state-enforced caste hierarchy dividing society into four major groups (Tagadhari, Matawali, Pani Na Chalne Chhoi Chhito Halnu Na Parne, and Pani Na Chalne Chhoi Chhito Halnu Parne), institutionalizing systemic caste discrimination.
2. Muluki Ain of 2020 (1963): Formally abolished legal recognition of untouchability and discriminatory penal codes.
3. Constitution of Nepal 2072 & Caste Discrimination Act 2068: Completely criminalized caste-based discrimination in private and public spaces; established constitutional bodies like the National Dalit Commission and National Inclusion Commission with affirmative action policies.
Analyze the impact of international labor migration and foreign remittances on Nepalese family structures, rural agriculture, and domestic tourism demand.

[10]
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Impact of Migration & Remittances in Nepal
1. Family Dynamics: Growth of female-headed rural households; children growing up with absent migrant fathers, leading to shifting gender roles.
2. Agricultural Transformation: Shortage of active male farm labor leading to agrarian decline, land abandonment, and soaring food imports from India.
3. Urbanization & Consumer Spending: Remittances channeled into real estate in Kathmandu and Terai towns and private schooling.
4. Domestic Tourism Boom: Remittance-backed disposable income among middle-class youth fuels weekend resort travel, trekking, and restaurant dining across Pokhara, Bandipur, and Sauraha.

Group C

Comprehensive Answer / Case Analysis Question. (1 × 20 = 20)

[1*20=20]

Case Study: Community-Based Tourism, Indigenous Heritage Preservation, and Local Governance in Barpak, Gorkha

Barpak, an indigenous Gurung village in northern Gorkha known as the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake, has reconstructed its settlement into a prominent cultural tourism hub. However, rapid commercialization and modern concrete construction threaten traditional stone-and-slate vernacular architecture. Furthermore, disputes have emerged between the local Ward Municipality, local community homestay operators, and external private hotel developers regarding local tourism tax distribution and environmental waste management.

As Socio-Political & Sustainable Tourism Advisor to the Local Government: a. Analyze the socio-cultural tensions between indigenous heritage preservation and rapid modern commercial development. b. Formulate a Municipal Heritage Bylaw regulating building materials, roof designs, and environmental sanitation. c. Design a Multi-Stakeholder Governance Model incorporating the Ward Municipality, Homestay Management Committee, and Youth Clubs. d. Develop a Cultural Heritage Tourism Blueprint that safeguards indigenous shamanic traditions (Ghyabre / Po-Ju) while generating sustainable local household revenue.

[20]
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Community Heritage Governance & Sustainable Tourism Strategy: Barpak

a. Socio-Cultural Tensions Analysis
- Modernity vs. Authenticity: Replacement of traditional slate roofs with corrugated tin and concrete destroys the village’s visual identity, which is the primary draw for tourists.
- Economic Disparity: External private lodge developers extract tourism profits outside the village, marginalizing indigenous family-run homestays.
- Inter-Generational Gap: Youth migration weakens the oral transmission of Gurung ancestral rituals.
b. Municipal Heritage Preservation Bylaws
1. Architectural Zoning Mandates: Require all new constructions within the historical village core to incorporate exterior dry-stone masonry and traditional pitched slate or slate-substitute roofing.
2. Cap on Commercial Chain Hotels: Restrict commercial hotel developments to designated outer zones to preserve village tranquility.
3. Pollution & Waste Mandates: Ban single-use plastic water bottles; establish community sorting and composting centers funded by a nominal municipal tourist entry levy.
c. Multi-Stakeholder Tourism Governance Model
- Establish the Barpak Tourism Development Council (BTDC) with equal representation:
  
  Ward Chairman & Municipal Representatives (Policy & Infrastructure)
  
  Barpak Homestay Management Committee (Quality & Pricing Standards)
  
  Indigenous Gurung Cultural Elders (Authenticity Oversight)
  
  Youth & Women’s Cooperatives (Waste Management & Cultural Performances)
- Revenue Distribution: 50% of municipal tourism levies reinvested in communal trail paving; 30% allocated to cultural preservation trusts; 20% to emergency community healthcare.
d. Cultural Heritage Tourism Blueprint
1. Living Heritage Museum: Establish a community-managed cultural center showcasing traditional weaving, metallurgy, and historic Gurkha military artifacts.
2. Seasonal Shamanic Festivals: Curate responsible cultural observation guidelines for ancestral festivals, ensuring rituals remain sacred community expressions rather than commodified spectacles.

Nepalese Society and Politics

Syllabus

Nepalese Society and Politics Syllabus

Faculty of Management

Course Description

Course Objective

Course Contents:

Unit 1. Introduction

Unit 2. People, Society and Culture in Nepal

Unit 3. Nepalese Economy

Unit 4. Resources in Nepal

Unit 5. Political Development and governance in Nepal

Suggested Readings:

Chapter-wise questions

Past exam papers

Dean's Office Official Model Question Paper

Faculty of Management

Brief Answer Questions. Attempt ALL questions. (5 × 2 = 10)

Three Tiers of Government in Nepal

Secularism in the Constitution of Nepal

The Guthi System

Remittance Dependency Challenges

Badaghar / Bhalmansa in Tharu Society

Descriptive Answer Questions. Attempt any THREE questions. (3 × 10 = 30)

Key Features of the Constitution of Nepal 2072

Cultural Diversity as a Tourism Asset in Nepal

1. Dimensions of Diversity:

2. Strategic Value for Hospitality:

Evolution of Social Stratification in Nepal

Impact of Migration & Remittances in Nepal

Comprehensive Answer / Case Analysis Question. (1 × 20 = 20)

Community Heritage Governance & Sustainable Tourism Strategy: Barpak

a. Socio-Cultural Tensions Analysis

b. Municipal Heritage Preservation Bylaws

c. Multi-Stakeholder Tourism Governance Model

d. Cultural Heritage Tourism Blueprint

Chapter notes & lecture slides