Journal |
Bhasha
Journal issue | 4 | 1 | 2025
Research Article | Kirāti Toponyms: Semantic, Cultural and Ecological Interpretations
Kirāti Toponyms: Semantic, Cultural and Ecological Interpretations
Abstract
This paper explores various Kirāti toponyms in various ways i.e. within and beyond linguistic interpretations by following the semantic, ecological and ideological interpretations based on the socio‑ethnographic method of data collection where we have used observation, narratives and storytelling tools among the Bāntāwā and Dungmāli people. The data were collected from the extensive field visit in the four cultural regions of the central part of eastern hilly region, namely Amchok, Dilpā, Hatuwā and Dungmā, the homelands of Bāntāwā and Dungmāli languages speaking people. The analysis of the data shows that Kirāti toponyms have various types like khā, lā, tang, wāng and other toponyms that represent various semantic interpretations. From the narratives of Bāntāwā and Dungmāli people, we have discovered different morphemes and their place names that were connected to culture and identity. It is concluded that Kirāti toponyms have been used, interpreted and changed randomly that needs a detailed study Kirāti based on cultural and ecological perspectives.
Submitted: Feb. 24, 2025 | Accepted: May 23, 2025 | Published July 1, 2025 | Language: en
Keywords Khuwālung • Identity • Kirāti • Dungmāli • Bāntāwā
Copyright © 2025 Bhim Lal Gautam, Nirajan Rai, Tara Mani Rai. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/bhasha/2785-5953/2025/01/002