ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an in-depth analysis of a small community in Siraha to demonstrate how one woman’s involvement in politics has changed the fabric of social relations within a short period of time. Siraha is one of the districts in the Eastern region of Nepal. It is in the plains of Nepal, which is known as Terai/Madhesh. The total population of Siraha district is 637,328 (CBS, 2011) and made up of more than 30 castes and ethnic groups (UNDP, 2008). There is a small town in Siraha district, which is also called Siraha. Although some people from the Hills and the Mountains have migrated here, the majority of people have lived there for hundreds of years. Siraha is close to the Indian border and the culture of the majority is similar to that of Bihar, the neighbouring Indian state. The distance between Siraha and the capital Kathmandu is about 314 kilometres, but it takes one full day to get there because the roads are not good. However, the distance from Siraha to Jayanagar, at the Indian border, is only about 11 kilometres. As a result, local residents travel to Jayanagar to watch films and shop for special occasions, such as marriages and religious festivals, because food and clothes are cheaper there.
