We may therefore conclude thus: the Newars are the main group (jati) of Nepal. Newars are its original inhabitants. This is supported by our appearance, our language and our customs. Subsequently others came from all four directions of the compass and entered this central origin-point, our country Nepal. That they should be attracted to the centre is only natural. Since they came here and entered into regular contact with the locals, and called themselves Newars, they also had some influence. Certain words of the language they brought with them, and certain of their customs, became part of Newar society [...But] the basic customs and language remained intact. Thus we can say that the Newars are not just a caste (jat) but an ethnic group (jati) and a nation (rastra). This is the reason why scholars say ‘the history of the Newars is the history of Nepal’. – Svayambhu Lal Shrestha, in Jhiji, 1968