THe term 'Manjan' refers to a person or group of persons, clan and dynasty hereditarily enjoying special, respected status and powers invested to that status in a given community or social system. In the present context, the term is a corrupt and localised version of Sanskrit 'manyajanah' (the person/s to be respected). For the purpose of this paper, the term refers to a traditionally maintained Danuwar office with judiciary powers, functions and responsibilities associated with the status and prestige thereof. Similarly, the terms 'Danuwar State' loosely define the traditional system of political-judicial structrure and institutions remaining in operation in the Danuwar community of the Kamala Valley (khoj), and other areas of Chure in Sindhuli district known as the inner Terai plains (bhitri madhesh) of central east and eastern Nepali, until the recent past.
