The facts in this paper were collected in Kattike Deurali gaon panchayat (Kabhre Palanchok district). This district lies between the Sun Kosi and one of its tributaries, the Chauri Khola and consists of two small valleys which rise, one perpendicular to the Sun Kosi and the other to the Chauri Khola. The various villages are situated mostly half way up the southern slopes of the valley. The district has a high proportion of Tamangs, Kattike Deurali with the exception of two Newar families, is populated only by Jaisi Bahun, Chhetri, Giri, Kami, Sarki and Damai. It is the last three castes which are of particular interest to this study and the other castes are considered only in terms of their relationship with these occupational castes.
