Dalit people in Nepal
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 4,122,639 (13.6% of population) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Nepal (Hill and Terai regions) | |
| Languages | |
| Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Bajjika, Awadhi | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Janajati people, Madheshi people |
Dalit people (Nepali: दलित समुदाय) in Nepal are communities historically marginalized under the traditional Hindu caste system and subjected to "untouchability." According to the 2021 Census of Nepal, they comprise approximately 13.6% of the national population, though Dalit advocacy groups often suggest the actual figure may be higher.
The term "Dalit" was formally adopted in Nepal during the 1960s as a unifying political identity to represent various groups that were previously categorized as "untouchable" (Paani Nachalne) under the Muluki Ain of 1854.