The Karmacharyas: Religious/Secular Role in Bhaktapur City

Foreword
This volume is the outcome of the joint research project conducted by Research Centre for Nepal and Asian studies, Tribhuvan University  and Nityananda and Institute, USA. The Nityananda Institute and Research Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies have institutional relationship with the objective of promoting research in the different field of Nepalese history and culture.

"The Karmacharyas: Religious/Secular Role in Bhaktapur City"' as I understand, is a unique research work which has unearthed the hidden fact of Newar's religious life. The Karmacharya had played pivotal role in the social history of Kathmandu valley, which is magnificently highlighted in this book. This book would serve as a source as well as a reference material for the research scholars, teachers and students of Nepalese history and culture.

I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to Mr. Naveen prakash Jung Shah, former vice-chancellor of Tribhuvan University under whose inspiration, the research work was initiated. Similarly, I am grateful to Swami Chetanananda Saraswati of Nityananda Institute, Portland, USA for financial support to complete this work and Mr. Pragyan Prakash Jung Shah, the country Director of the Nityananda Institute, Nepal, for his efforts to enhance the relations between the two institutions. My sincere thanks goes to the research team and to ail those who were involved in this work.
It is a rare privilege for my centre to have this work published.

Prof. Nirmal Man Tuladhar
Executive Director