A book based on one of the endangered indigenous communities in Nepal, the Kusunda tribe has hit the shelves. The book—titled Kusunda Jaati ra Sabdakosh—is written by author/researcher Udaya Raj Aale.

The book was unveiled by vice-chancellor of the Sanskrit University Kul Prasad Koirala, amid a function held in Ghorahi on Sunday.

“With its in-depth exploration of the all-encompassing history and culture of the endangered tribe, the book, I hope, will go on to keep alive the linguistics and cultures of the tribe,” Koirala said, adding, “Since there are only a few among the tribe, most of them elderly, who know their archaic language, the case today is that the language is on the verge of extinction.”

The book details the history, language, cultures and traditions of the Kusunda tribe. Alongside, the book also compiles chapter on the myths popular among the tribe.

The Kusunda community resides primarily in the country’s western and mid-western region, in districts such as Gorkha, Arghakhachi, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Dang, and Surkhet. According to the census of 2011, the total number of the tribe stands at 273. While, the book’s author said that, as per his research, the total population of Kusunda today has dipped to only 150.

Speaking at the event, author Aale said, “The language of Kusunda has no relation to the four language families spoken in Nepal. Interestingly, even among the Kusunda tribe, there are two kinds of language spoken. While, those who fluently speak their language are far and few in between. Which makes the case all the more alarming.”

Available in Nepali and English, the book Kusunda Jati ra Sabdakosh compiles over 1000 of words popular in Kusunda linguistics.