Kulung History

The Kirat Kulung community does not have a written history, but they possess an oral history that has been passed down from generation to generation since time immemorial. According to their beliefs, the universe (God) emerged by itself. Modern scientists calculate that the universe came into existence about 13.8 billion years ago.

Later, the universe was referred to as Ninamma. Ninamma created Sunma, Sumnime, and Yaade. Sunma created Foplu (Foptu) and Hitibei-Hiribei. Similarly, Sumnime created Paruhong, and Yaade created eight Naagi, which were chronologically named Topduchhap, Lumduchhap, Punduchhap, Osechhap, Posechhap, Hunuchhap, Sumnichhap, and Hutilip.

In the course of creation, Toduchhap created Daaplo (including Suktulu), believed to be a central source of spiritual power and assets for the Kulung. Lumduchhap created Ridum (culture), while Punduchhap created financial wealth. Similarly, Posechhap created a mantra for chanting with God, particularly for death ceremonies. Hunuchhap created a burr (specific wood), and Sumnichhap created utensils. Likewise, Hutilip imparted knowledge of spiritual power to care for the earth.

The first human ancestor of the Kulung is believed to be Tumno, the son of Paruhong, who is recognized as the center of all kinds of power and energy in the universe. On earth, Tumno’s descendants continued to grow from generation to generation. However, Khokchilip, his wife Weilim, and his sisters Los and Kheu are prominent figures in this history. The son of Khokchilip was known as Rodu, as well as Kirat. Khokchilip is considered a common ancestor of most Kiratis.

According to the elders knowledgeable about Kulung history, the descendants of Kirat are primarily five: Khambuhong (1st), Mewahang (2nd), Metnahang (3rd), Langlewa (4th), and Meratti (5th). The Kulungs are descendants of Khambuhong, also known as Khambu. Khambuhong’s descendants, mainly Khapdulu, Ratapkhu, Tamsi, and Chhemsi, lived together practicing Kulu Ring and Kulu Ridum across the Mahakulung territories, which includs the areas of Bung, Chheskam, Gudel, and Sotang. Administratively, they are divided into two rural municipalities called Mahakulung and Sotang in the Solukhumbu district.

According to the statute of Nepal Kirat Kulung Bhasa Sanskriti Utthan Sangh (NKKBSUS), the descendants of Khapdulu, Ratapkhu, Tamsi, and Chhemsi have the right to claim the identity of Kulung, respecting and fulfilling all kinds of human rights.