This paper deals with the social functions of religion, i.e. the contribution it makes to the formation and maintenance of a social order and social cohesion.
The particular group chosen for study is the Chepangs living in the Mahabharat ranges of central Nepal, west of Kathmandu. This paper is based on field data collected in Mahadev Panchayat, Dhading District during April to September 1984. The Chepangs at present are known by the name of 'Praja' or 'Praraja', the subjects of the king. They are a small group of Tibeto-Burman language speaking people form the Mongloid family who numbers about thirty-two thousand, distributed mainly in various hill village Panchayats of Chitwan, Gorkha, Dhading and Makawanpur districts. They live along the steeper slopes of the Mahabharat range between altitudes of 2,500 and 4,000 feet above sea level. The area is not easily accessible because of its precipitous mountain trails.
