बोटे — Bote Scripture Portions (Nepal)
Overview
बोटे ("Bote") is an 8-book scripture collection in the Bote language of Nepal's Inner Terai lowlands, published by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc. and available via YouVersion/Bible.com (ID 4001; abbreviation: BMJ). Bote and the closely related Darai language form the "Bote-Darai" group — small communities of traditional river fishermen (Bote means "fisherman" or "boatman" in Nepali) living along the major river systems of Nepal's Inner Terai belt. Wycliffe Nepal has partnered with local Bote translation teams to produce scripture in this endangered language; the Bote NT project (MRDWBT for Western Magar) and related Nepali minority-language programs form part of a larger Wycliffe initiative in Nepal.
Language and People
Bote (ISO 639-3: bmj; autonym: Bote) is part of the Bote-Darai language group. Its broader classification is debated: Ethnologue places it within Sino-Tibetan (Tibeto-Burman), while some linguists have proposed Indo-Aryan (Kuswaric/Kosawaric) affinities. It is closely related to Darai (drh), the language of the neighboring Darai fishing community along the Narayani River.
The Bote community inhabits Nepal's Inner Terai (Bhitri Madhes) — particularly along major rivers including:
- Narayani River (Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts)
- Rapti River (Chitwan/Dang area)
- Babai River (Bardia area)
Estimated speakers: approximately 2,500–7,500 (figures vary significantly; a 2011 Nepal census counted ~10,000 ethnic Bote, of whom many are language-shifted).
Cultural Context
The Bote are a Particularly Marginalized Group (PMG) recognized by the Government of Nepal — a category of indigenous peoples considered particularly disadvantaged in terms of economic and political participation. Traditionally, Bote communities lived on riverbanks, using wooden boats for fishing and transport; the construction of major river embankments and the spread of hydroelectric projects has disrupted traditional livelihoods. The Tharu Cultural Museum and conservation projects in Chitwan have helped document Bote and related Terai indigenous cultures.
The Bote community is predominantly Hindu with elements of indigenous animist belief, making this scripture translation one of the first Christian resources available in their heart language.
Publishing and Organizations
Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc. in partnership with local Bote translators in Nepal.