<P> The spiritual beliefs and moral values of the Tharu people are closely linked to the natural environment . The pantheon of their gods comprises a large number of deities that live in the forest . They are asked for support before entering the forest . </P> <P> Genetic studies on Y - DNA of Tharu populations from two villages in Chitwan district and one village in Morang district found very high presence of Haplogroup O at 37% followed by H (26%), J (14%), R1a (9%), R2 (5%), L (2%) and C (1%). </P> <P> The Tharu were famous for their ability to survive in the most malarial parts of the Terai that were deadly to outsiders . In 1902, a British observer noted: "Plainsmen and paharis generally die if they sleep in the Terai before November 1 or after June 1 ." Others thought that the Tharu were not totally immune . </P> <P> Contemporary medical research comparing Tharu with other ethnic groups living nearby found an incidence of malaria nearly seven times lower among Tharu . The researchers believed such a large difference pointed to genetic factors rather than behavioral or dietary differences . This was confirmed by follow - up investigation finding genes for thalassemia in nearly all Tharu studied . </P>

Tharu tribe is residing in which of the following states of india