Adaptation of Tibetan refugees in Pokhara, Nepal: A study on persistence and chang

This study on Tibetan refugees in Pokhara, Nepal, examines their adaptation in the context of persistence and change in socio-cultural, economic, religious and demographic aspects. It also analyses the orientation of Tibetans in exile.;The data for this study come from a field research carried out in the Tibetan refugee settlements in Pokhara during 1988-1989. The methodology of the study is a combination of qualitative (anthropological) and quantitative (demographic-survey) methods. Statistics and ethnography have been used to reinforce each other.;The theoretical ideas of persistent peoples as defined by Spicer and cultural enclaves maintaining ethnic boundaries provide a broader frame of reference for the discussion. In an ethnically plural society in Nepal, Tibetans are seen as forming several boundaries around themselves--which are differentially permeable. The boundaries that are intact may help the Tibetans to persist as a distinct ethnic group while the more fluid boundaries allow them to cope with the realities of exile.;The findings make it evident that, in general, the persistence and change among Tibetans is the result of their negotiation between the ideal and the practical. The ideal for the Tibetans in exile is to persist as Tibetan refugees and maintain their Tibetanness. The practical aspect consists of the exile context which may pose challenges while not forcing any solutions.;Tibetans are attempting their best to practice and perpetuate their traditional culture but have not been fully successful. In spite of their desire to maintain an intact socio-cultural boundary around them, there seem to be some weak points already caused by circumstances or by the younger generation of Tibetans. For instance, learning about the Buddhist religion rather than practicing it as a celibate monk or nun is preferred by the youths. People say that they want to go back to Tibet one day but the exogamous marriages, acquiring of citizenship in the countries of their residence, and economic investments in exile raise doubts. However, in spite of the challenges in exile, Tibetans have maintained their distinct cultural and religious identity.