Limbuwan: History, Geography, and Cultural Identity

Limbuwan—meaning "Yakthung Laaje," or "Land of the Limbus"—is a historic Himalayan region, once comprised of ten semi-independent Limbu kingdoms. This region, spanning the present-day eastern Nepal and extending toward Sikkim, has been shaped by centuries of political, social, and cultural transformation. Limbuwan continues to influence the identity and aspirations of the Limbu people today. This article presents a detailed, referenced exploration of Limbuwan’s history, boundaries, governance, culture, struggles, and significance.

Geographical Boundaries of Limbuwan

Limbuwan traditionally refers to the area east of the Arun and Koshi rivers, west of Kanchenjunga and the Mechi river, south of Tibet, and north of the lowland regions of Bihar, India. At its height, it encompassed present-day districts such as Taplejung, Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Terhathum, Sankhuwasabha, Dhankuta, Sunsari, and Morang in Nepal.

The region is also historically divided among three areas of Kirat people: Wallo Kirat (nearer western Kirat), Majh Kirat (middle Kirat—home mainly to the Rai ethnic group), and Pallo (Farther) Kirat, known as Limbuwan.

Boundary	Description
North	Tibet
South	Jalalgarh, Bihar, India
East	Teesta River, Sikkim/West Bengal, India
West	Arun River, Nepal

Early History: The Ten Limbu Kingdoms

Limbuwan’s most distinct period began with the unification of ten Limbu (Yakthung) kingdoms, established from at least the 6th century AD. These kingdoms were defined not just by political boundaries but also by shared culture, oral law, and kinship. The ten rulers met at the sacred place of Ambe Pojoma, formally founding a confederation and fixing boundaries which would shape Limbuwan’s identity for centuries.

The Ten Kings and Their Kingdoms

Kingdom	Capital	Ruler
Tambar	Tambar Yiok	Samlupi Samba Hang
Mewa and Maiwa	Meringden Yiok	Sisiyen Shering Hang
Athraya	Pomajong	Thoktokso Angbo Hang
Yangwarok	Hastapojong Yiok	Thindolung Khokya Hang
Panthar	Yashok, Phedim	Yengaso Papo Hang
Phedap	Poklabung	Shengsengum Phedap Hang
Ilam	Phakphok	Mung Tai Chi Emay Hang
Bodhey	Shanguri Yiok	Soiyak Lado Hang
Thala	Thala Yiok	Tappeso Perung Hang
Chethar	Chamling Chimling Yiok	Taklung Khewa Hang

Limbuwan and the Kipat System

Limbuwan is renowned for its unique land tenure known as the Kipat System. Unlike the Raikar system in the rest of Nepal, Kipat allowed collective, clan-based land ownership, with land rights passed hereditarily and prohibited from sale to outsiders. This ensured the preservation of ethnic identity and autonomy, with Kipat law governing not only property but also forest, water, minerals, and pasturage. The system was rooted in the teachings of King Sirijunga.

Major Historical Developments

Medieval Struggles and Consolidation

The 10 Limbu kingdoms managed a decentralized but effective alliance, able to resist outside powers and invasions for nearly a millennium. The arrival of new political forces in the region—such as the expansionist kingdoms in the west (notably Gorkha/Nepal) and Sikkim to the east—eventually pressured the confederation. Limbuwan’s history after 1600s is marked by attempts to preserve autonomy amidst growing threats.

The Shah Dynasty and the Incorporation of Limbuwan into Nepal

In the latter half of the 18th century, King Prithivi Narayan Shah of Gorkha launched an ambitious campaign to unify various principalities and regions into what would become modern Nepal. Limbuwan, after resistance, entered a negotiated treaty in 1774—the Gorkha-Limbuwan Treaty—where the Limbu kings agreed to recognize the sovereignty of Nepal’s Shah monarch in exchange for continuing autonomy under the Kipat system.

Over time, however, the promises of autonomy were undermined as Gorkha-based rule centralized power. Limbu monarchs were reduced to “subbas” (local governors), and administrative regions proliferated, with the original ten kingdoms eventually divided into seventeen and later nine administrative districts.

Modern Limbuwan: Districts and People

Limbuwan today covers nine major districts in eastern Nepal:

• Jhapa
• Ilam
• Panchthar
• Taplejung
• Morang
• Sunsari
• Dhankuta
• Terhathum
• Sankhuwasabha

The Limbu language (Yakthungpan), featuring multiple dialects, and the Kirat Mundhum religion remain strong cultural foundations. Additionally, significant populations have migrated to India (notably Sikkim, Darjeeling, Assam), Bhutan, and even further, continuing to assert Limbu identity.

Population and Area (in Nepal)

Area	Population (2011 Census)
16,358 sq. km	387,300

Cultural and Political Movements

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the politics of federalism and ethnic autonomy in Nepal revived interest in Limbuwan identity and rights. Activist groups have advocated for the recognition of Limbuwan as an autonomous federal province within Nepal, citing original treaty rights and current inequities.

Throughout history, the Limbuwan region has been underrepresented in Nepalese history and politics, further fueling identity-based movements that demand cultural, linguistic, and political recognition.

Legacy and Contemporary Significance

Despite historical marginalization, the idea of Limbuwan as a distinct territory—and the persistence of traditions, festivals, oral history, and identity—remains central to the Limbu community. While continuing to face challenges from centralization, migration, and modern state policies, Limbuwan endures as a symbol of indigenous autonomy and cultural survival.

References and Further Reading

• Limbu History – किरात याक्थुङ चुम्लुङ यूके. 2025. chumlunguk.org
• “Limbuwan.” Wikipedia, 2025. en.wikipedia.org
• “History of Limbuwan.” Sekmuri Foundation, 2024. sekmurifoundation.com
• “History of Limbuwan.” Wikiwand, 2022. wikiwand.com
• TB Subba, Politics of Culture: A Study of Three Kirata Communities in the Eastern Himalayas. Orient Longman, 1999.
• Iman Singh Chemjong, History and Culture of the Kirat People, Yakthung Shong Chumlung, 1967.
• Angshuman Karna, “The Limbuwan Movement and Nepal’s Federalist Future,” in Contemporary Studies of South Asia, 2012.