Shashi Subba
Abstract
Samaj is a terminology of Hindi language, whose meaning stands as “an official group or association” or “human society” as per online Collins Dictionary. However, In the Nepali community, this word apart from the similar meaning, has an alternative meaning associated with cultural practice of participatory nature. This participatory approach around the word samaj, plays an important role within the community and helps to bind the community from within. However, over a period of time, there has been change in the pattern of participatory, to be specific from Barter System to Financial System. Through this paper, we shall discuss the various meaning and practice associated with the term, its relevance and importance within the community, as well as the changing dynamics of samaj. Literature part on this topic was very scare or to be precise near to non-exist. To understand the practice from within the community, four Nepali samaj were part of the sample study, based in Northern part of West Bengal, popularly termed as North Bengal. Interviews of the samaj members were conducted for the paper. Lastly, the paper is an attempt to contribute towards the diverse studies of culture and tradition.
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Published: July 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 07]