Page 85 - Social Studies 5

Seema : Sorry, I am hearing this for the first time.

Suman : Oh! Listen carefully. Badaghar is like a senior citizen or leader
of Tharu community around Mid and Far western regions of
Nepal. The Badaghar works for the welfare of the village or
community such as repairing canals, mutual help on socio
cultural performances and during agricultural works. As Badghar
is an unpaid leader, the community members may also help
him by farming for a day free of cost as a token of respect.

Seema : Oh! But, I think the social system Parma is little bit different.
It is a social practice of exchanging labour or services in a turn
by turn basis. This practice is useful while carrying out major
social, cultural and agricultural activities such as harvesting
crops, building shelters, roofing houses, etc. People in the
community lend labour to each other as Parma. This is
mostly prevalent in rural and agricultural societies.
Suman : Correct! You also have good knowledge about our social
systems. I think you can tell me about Paincho too.

Seema : Thanks. Let me tell about it. Paincho is a typical practice
of rural Nepalese society in which people borrow for rice,
maize, flour, money, etc. to fulfill their instant need. They
deal mostly with their friends, close neighbours or relatives
without any cost or interest. But, they return the borrowed
item in due time almost in the same form what they have
taken before. It is still in practice in rural areas. But, I am still
confused about Dhikuti.

Suman : All right, listen. Dhikuti is like a storage room for food grains.
People store rice, maize, wheat, etc. in it. Later, it is even said as
Dhukuti and become popular as ‘cash box’ in which people keep
money or ornaments safe and utilize them when they need. It
is an ancient practice similar to a cooperative organization. It
is also called Dhikur in Thakali community. The personality he
who runs Dhikuti is called ‘Bhupas’. Now this system has been
declared as illegal by law because many Bhupas disappeared
with member’s money. Neverthless, there is lacking honesty
and discipline among its member too.

Megha's Integrated Social Studies - 5 81