This document outlines the objectives and methodology of a study on the patron-client relationships of the Damai caste in Nepal. The study aims to examine how these relationships are changing in terms of the Damai's economic, social, and cultural dynamics. Specifically, it seeks to analyze the socio-economic discrimination faced by the Damai community, study changing occupational patterns, and understand the Dalits' expectations from society and the state. The research methodology includes ethnographic fieldwork in a hill village, employing methods such as interviews, focus groups, observations and informal conversations to collect data on these objectives.

1. DYNAMIC OF PATRON-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IN A CASTE-STRATIFIED SOCIETY: AN
ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE DAMAI FROM A HILL VILLAGE OF CENTRAL NEPAL
Degree of Master of Philosophy (M.Phil)
Central Department of Anthropology
Tribhuvan University
Navaraj Nepali
Roll No.12

2.  Background of the Study
 Background of the Study
 Statement of the Problems
 Research Objectives
 Issueses
 Focuses
 Research Methodology
Key Highlights

3.  Background of the Study
 Caste is what before 1950.
 Naya Muliki Ain 1963, Formally abolished the caste
system.
 Heterogenity extends of Dalit and Untouchability
 Hill Damai and their traditional Occupation,
 Inclusive Democracy, Identity and Emancipiation.
(pursuit of human dignity and social justice, to mainstream Dalits in the political process)
 Nepal Government rules against the caste besed
discrimination.
Background of the Study

4.  Background of the Study
 Traditionally, caste-based discrimination and
untuchability has had very strong ties because of
occupational division of caste groups.
 Who Governs? Democracy and Power in Nepal; A
complicated Relationship between cast hierarchy
and the Substantive representation of Dalit.
• Meaningful Representation: Connecting theory
with Nepalese Dalits to ensure inclusive
democracy in Nepal.
Statement of the Problems

5.  Background of the Study
General Objective
The general objective of this study is to examine the dynamics of
patron-client relationship of Damai, especially in changing
nature in terms of economic social and cultural aspects from the
hill village of Nepal.
Specific Objective
 To analyze dynamics of socio-economic discrimination of
Damai community, which is considered as one of hill Dalit caste
groups in Hindu caste system in Nepal.
 To study the changing patterns and occupational preferences
among the hill Damai of central Nepal.
 To find the Dalits expectation from the society and the state.
Research Objectives

6.  Background of the Study
 Identify the priorities of elected Dalit representatives, with
components that assess broader Dalit rights in inclusive
democracy.
 Identify individual capacity as well as opportunities and
constraints of elected Dalit as well as Dalit women
representatives, within political and socio-economic
environments.
 Extract informed insights on capacity and skills needs, and
broader interventions that could be designed to help support
the elected women representatives in their roles, where the
study find out what dynamics works to change patron-client
relationship among the Dalit and Non-Dalit in the community.
 Why Hill Damai, even the whole Dalit attracted in political
leadership beyond their traditional occupation?
Issues

7.  Background of the Study
 Is the inclusive representation and participation of
Dalit in election is still a major challenge?
 What is the status of Dalit representation in the Local
level election?
 What have been the constitutional provision to bring
Dalit in mainstream as well as what dynamics really
worked in governance process in relation to past
situation of patron-client relationship in division of
labour?
 Are really Dalit wants to shift their traditional
occupation for the socio-economic progress?
 To study the changing patterns and occupational
preferences among the hill Damai of central Nepal.
Focuses

8.  Background of the Study
 Epistemology, Ontology and Axiology of the Study
 Rational of the Selection of the Research Site
 Nature and Sources of Data
 Operationalization of the Variables (Main Variables and their indicators)
 Unit of Study
 Design, Size and Selection of Sample
 Ethnographic Approach of Study
 Methods of Data Collection
 Key Informant Interview
 In-depth interview
 Focus Group Discussion
 Kuragraphy (Informal Conversations)
 Observations
Research Methodology