What is Madhesi?
मधेसी
Madhesi refers to communities of Nepal's southern Terai plains (Madhesh) with close cultural and linguistic ties across the India border — speaking languages such as Maithili, Bhojpuri and Bajjika. They form a large share of Nepal's population and have their own province, Madhesh.
Madhesi communities include numerous castes and groups concentrated in the Terai.
The constitution guarantees Madhesi proportional representation; Madhesh Province is the densest and one of the most agriculturally productive parts of Nepal.
Sources & data note
Definitions explain standard Nepali terms in everyday and official use. Land-unit conversions follow the standard Nepali measurement system; tax and contribution rates reflect current law (Income Tax Act 2058, VAT Act 2052, Social Security Act 2074) and are revised each fiscal year by the Finance Act — always confirm current-year figures with the relevant authority.