I used to think Jhapali’s are clever too. While working in Damak I asked some of my friends and colleagues as to how they felt about the opinion of them being considered “clever.” They took it very positively and said that’s their strength. They enjoy the idea that rest of the district people in a way "fear” them. I as well enjoyed working with them and learned  good positive life lessons.

It sure makes sense for them to be clever and smart yet not cunning. It’s because they live by the border of India-Nepal, they have very mixed and diverse ethic cultures from Bahun, Chhetri, Newar, Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Rajbansi, Madeshi, Dhimal, migrant from Darjeeling etc and not to forget the Bhutanese refugee population. Darwin’s “survival-of-the fittest” is manifested in their livelihood.

I think Jhapa is a nice place for farming with 3 season rice farming.

Just to make sure I still think they are clever but not cunning. Also to add I say “We at times see the things the way we are rather than the things are”