Haruwal

Haruwal is a term predominantly used in the Nepali language, referring to a specific form of agricultural labor practice. It denotes a system of bonded labor or tenancy where an individual, often from a marginalized community or facing economic hardship, works on another person's land in exchange for a loan or to settle a debt. The laborer, the haruwa, is tied to the landowner until the debt is repaid, which can often take years or even generations, effectively trapping them in a cycle of dependency. The landowner, in turn, benefits from a guaranteed, often underpaid, workforce. The system is deeply rooted in historical power imbalances and is associated with significant social and economic exploitation. While officially outlawed in Nepal, variations of the haruwa system persist in some rural areas due to poverty, lack of enforcement, and social norms.