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When People of Nepal, by Dor Bahadur Bista, was first published in 1967, it was the first relatively comprehensive view of the vast array of Nepali cultures, castes and ethnic groups, with descriptions of some of their customs. Since then the book has come out in many editions, but remains a standard against which more recent and more in-depth discussions are held.

Dor Bahadur Bista is considered to have been the pioneering indigenous anthropologist of Nepal. His writing brought his country's diverse cultural patterns into focus, and forced an acceptance of their legitimacy as parts of the rich mosaic that defines Nepal. People of Nepal is an indispensable handbook for all students and scholars of Nepali life and culture, and all who work in development field in Nepal. The quality of scholarship and objectivity maintained by the author is free of value judgments. Thus they enhance the credibility of the book.

Dor Bahadur Bista conducted research all across Nepal, among numerous communities for many years before he began writing this book. Because of his vast field experience and intimate knowledge of his country and its cultures, he was able to give us both a feel for the nation and for the diversity of its people. Professor Bista studied anthropology at the University of London, the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University in the USA.