ABSTRACT
The literature on federalism points out that recognition of diversity and autonomy to minorities could lead to management of conflict in diverse societies but the project of federating appears to be generating conflict in Nepal. The contestation over federal model not only resulted in the failure of the first Constituent Assembly to write a constitution but generated violence during the second CA. By examining the proposal of federal models and population of different identity groups, this chapter will examine whether size and territorial concentration of groups contribute to forming identity and gaining autonomy. The chapter will look at the Madhesi and various indigenous groups (Limbu, Magar, etc.) to see if “success” or failure, first, in forming an identity and then whether formation of identity leads to some level of autonomy. It will also examine whether territorial concentration of groups and the demanded territory should be a fit, and how the territorial dispersion of the KhasArya, the dominant group, affected the dynamics. Finally, the chapter will explore if, and how, issue of identity, border and nationhood can be managed in a federal dispensation where groups are simultaneously territorially concentrated and intermixed to some extent.
