Tharus are the largest group of people in the Terai area. Historically, they were the only ones that were able to reside in the malarial jungles on the country’s southern border. But as mosquito control became available, many others have migrated into this caste’s areas. Being hunters and fishermen, this migration has affected the Tharus lifestyle of roaming with resource availability. Many are now farmers. They are the most exploited peasants, especially in the Dang-Deukhuri, Bardiya, and Kailali areas. Tharus have their own language but their customs differ according to the settlement area.

Tharus have their own language but their customs differ according to the settlement area. In some areas, the bejeweled Tharu women marry early. Their lovers must often work for their parents-in-law for two to three before they "earn" the right to marry.

Living as they do in the realm of wildlife and insects, Tharus revere animistic spirits as well as some Hindu deities. A village god is worshipped by each community at a small raised shrine.

Some family names of Tharus are: Rana, Kathariya, and Chaudhari.