दनुवारि — Danuwar Scripture Portions (Nepal)
Overview
दनुवारि ("Danuwar [Scripture]") is a 7-book scripture collection in the Danuwar (Dhanwar) language of Nepal's Inner Terai, published by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc. and available via YouVersion/Bible.com (ID 4355; abbreviation: DHW). The Danuwar people are one of Nepal's Indigenous Nationalities (Adivasi Janajati) inhabiting the river valleys and low hills of the mid-eastern Inner Terai belt. Wycliffe Nepal has partnered with local Danuwar translation teams; this scripture collection represents the first available scripture for the community in their heart language.
Language and People
Danuwar (ISO 639-3: dhw; autonym: Danuwar Rai; also spelled Dhanwar, Danwar) is a Tibeto-Burman language: Sino-Tibetan → Tibeto-Burman (specific branch placement is debated; classified variously as Bodish or a Terai Tibeto-Burman language). It is related to the Darai (drh) and Bote (bmj) languages of the same Inner Terai ecological zone, all of which are spoken by small Indigenous communities along Nepal's major river systems.
The Danuwar community inhabits:
- Makwanpur District (primary concentration, upper Rapthi River area)
- Sindhuli District, Ramechhap District, and Dhanusha District
- Inner Terai valleys (Bhitri Madhes) of Bagmati Pradesh and Madhesh Pradesh, Nepal
Estimated speakers: approximately 30,000–40,000 ethnic Danuwar (Nepal Census; Joshua Project); active first-language speakers are somewhat fewer due to shift toward Nepali among younger generations.
Cultural Context
The Danuwar are classified as an Indigenous Nationality (Adivasi Janajati) by the Government of Nepal. Traditionally, Danuwar communities practiced settled agriculture (paddy cultivation, millet) in the lower hill terrain and river valleys of the Inner Terai — distinct from the nomadic river-fishing lifestyle of the related Bote community. The Danuwar are also associated with metalworking and smithcraft in some localities. Their traditional religion combines Hindu elements with indigenous animist practices. Nepal's post-2006 federalization process has formally recognized Danuwar as one of the country's Indigenous Nationalities, giving the community political representation.
Publishing and Organizations
Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc. in partnership with local Danuwar translators and Wycliffe Nepal.