Overcoming Obstacles: The Journey of Gujjar-Bakarwal in Jammu and Kashmir since Independence (original) (raw)
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SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CONDITION OF TRIBAL (GUJJARS AND BAKERWALS) IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR
International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, 2019
Gujjars and Bakerwals constitute more than 11.9% population in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (census 2011). It is the only Schedule Tribes population in the state which preserve their traditional values and culture throughout the ages. They are primarily nomadic in character and moved from one place to another in search of pastures for their cattle. Due to seasonal migration they suffered a lot, it made a great impact on the education of their children, and they face health issue because of unavailability of health facilities, moreover, they lost their cattle during their journey due to bad weather or due to some unavoidable circumstance which shattered the economy of Gujjars and Bakerwals. Different research works and findings reveal that the condition of Gujjars and Bakerwals is not good as compare to other sections of the society. In this Research Paper, an attempt was made to understand the Social, Economic, and Political, condition of Tribal (Gujjars and Bakerwals) in Jammu and Kashmir. This Research paper also recommends some suggestions in order to resolve the issues or challenges faced by the tribal community of the state.
Gujjar and Bakarwal are the third largest ethnic group in Jammu and Kashmir constitute more than 11.9% of the total population of the state (Census, 2011); scheduled tribe is the only community in the state which maintain its culture and heritage throughout the ages. Various studies and reports indicate that socio-economic and educational status of Gujjar and Bakarwal in Jammu and Kashmir is not at all satisfactory. In this paper an attempt was made to examine the socio-economic and educational life of tribal in general and Gujjar and Bakarwal in particular. This paper is based on secondary sources i.e. population census of India 2001 and 2011, various Journals, Articles, Books and Reports etc. Results have indicated that literacy rate among the Gujjars was 31.65 % and Bakarwals was 22.51% with a total 55.52% of the General population of the state as per 2001 census.
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, 2021
Jammu and Kashmir are known as the crown of our country. Schedule tribe is the third largest community in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. They primarily reside in the hilly and mountainous regions of the state. They are economically and socially poor but culturally sound. The economic poverty among the Gujjar tribe is more than the other population of the state. Their living standard is deficient as compared to the other section of the society. This paper is based on both primary and secondary sources of data. The main objective of this study is to analyze the socioeconomic condition of the Gujjar tribe in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
A Study on Socio-economic Status of Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu Division of India
Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
Gujjars and Bakerwals are the third largest ethnic group in Jammu and Kashmir and constitute more than 11.9 per cent of the total population of the state. The study was conducted in order to access the socioeconomic conditions and migration status of Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu division. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed for the selection of districts, blocks, villages and ultimate respondents. The total sample size was 112. Pre-tested interview schedule was used for collection of data. The mean age of the respondents was 49.91±15.50 years and mean education was 2.29±2.09 years. 36.6 per cent of the respondents were illiterate. Majority of the respondents (60.71%) had marginal land holding and 19.64 per cent respondents had small land holding, in case of migration status only 47.3 per cent were migrating. Kacha houses were possessed by 63.4 per cent of the respondents. Further, it is concluded that the number of sheep, goat and buffalo affected the migration status of gujjars and bakerwals significantly (R 2 =0.580) followed by sheep, goat and cow (R 2 =0.556). This study gives a concrete fact about the background of "Tribal Developmental schemes" their impact on tribal people and social change came in their life due to it.
Socio-Cultural Insight of Gujjar and Bakerwal in Jammu and Kashmir
Gujjars and Bakerwals are a unique and significant ethnic group of Jammu and Kashmir. Gujjar and Bakerwal is the third largest community constituting 11.9 percent of the total population of the state (census 2011). It is believed that Gujjars migrated to Jammu and Kashmir from Gujarat (via Rajasthan) and the Hazara District of North Western Frontier Province. The present paper aims to study the social and cultural characteristics of tribal group Gujjars and Bakerwals. This paper is mainly based on secondary data sources as collection of primary data was difficult in COVID-19 pandemic. The various sources of secondary data was population census of India 2001 and 2011, Journals, Newspaper Articles, Books, Reports etc. Various studies and reports indicate that sociological status of Gujjars and Bakerwals in Jammu and Kashmir is not at all satisfactory but culturally they are stable. It was observed that transhumance (frequent seasonal migration) is impediment for the education of Gujjars and Bakerwals Community. Nomads are culturally very much depictable by dancing, religious rites and customs. The Gujjars and Bakerwals Community of Jammu and Kashmir speaks the Gujari also called Gojri, comes from the Rajasthan. It was found that though there is much influence of modernization and development on society, but the nomads have not changed and still follow the traditional customs and attires. The women folk of Gujjars are fond of silver jewellery. As far as festivals are concerned, Gujjars and Bakerwals have clear influence of both Hindu and Islam religions. Majority of the Community prefer early marriages. It is an interesting fact that majority of Gujjars and Bakerwals are vegetarian Maize, Milk and its products are their staple food. Their economic profile is poor than the general population of the region.
Nomadic Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir: A Socio-Cultural Narrative of Bakarwals and Gujjars
Remarking An Analisation, 2020
Gujjar and Bakarwal establish the two famous traveling innate gatherings of Jammu and Kashmir. Gujjar and Bakarwal are the third biggest ethnic gathering in Jammu and Kashmir comprise over 11.9% of the aggregate population of the state (Census, 2011); Both ancestral gatherings of Jammu And Kashmir State are for the most part subject to raising of sheep and goat. Individuals had a place with Gujjar and Bakarwal communities are immaculate with the joy of outside world. The political socialization of Gujjar and Bakarwals in the state isn't great when contrasted with different networks. Both these innate gathering assume an urgent job in meeting the necessity of drain and meat for the urban communities and towns and subsequently contribute altogether to the domesticated animal’s area of the state.
The Culture and Traditions of the Bakarwal and Gujjar Communities in Jammu and Kashmir
Galaxy International Multidiscipilanary Research Journal, 2024
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Bakarwal and Gujjar populations embody a distinct cultural legacy intricately entwined with the Himalayan terrain. These communities, who are predominantly pastoral and semi-nomadic, have managed to hold onto their customs in the face of increasing modernization, political unrest, and environmental shifts. The Gujjars, who are frequently settled but are still strongly associated with pastoralism, and the Bakarwals, who are renowned for their nomadic lifestyle, have a rich cultural heritage that includes distinctive languages, traditional dress, music, dance, festivals, and religious rituals. With the help of this research paper, which intends to investigate and record these cultural traditions, a thorough knowledge of how these communities have maintained their identities over millennia will be possible. This research paper emphasizes the tenacity and adaptability of the Bakarwal and Gujjar people while highlighting the difficulties brought on by outside factors, such as the loss of grazing areas and industrialization, through a review of prior studies, field observations, and interviews. The results imply that, despite major obstacles, these communities' cultural traditions are still alive and essential to who they are. Recommendations for safeguarding this cultural heritage are included in the study's conclusion, highlighting the significance of policy interventions and community-based programs. This research adds to a greater knowledge of indigenous cultures in the context of a world that is changing quickly by recording and examining the cultural practices of the Bakarwal and Gujjar populations.
2022
This scholarly research critically examines the social exclusion and marginalization of the Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes in Kashmir through purposive sampling of 250 participants. The study employed semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis to conduct a thematic analysis of the data. The findings indicate that the root causes of social exclusion and marginalization of these communities include limited access to economic opportunities and financial resources, political representation, and basic amenities such as education, healthcare, and sanitation facilities. The research recommends that addressing these issues will require holistic policies and interventions that are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of these communities.
Social Exclusion of Gujjar Tribes in Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir
Social exclusion describes the process by which certain groups are systematically disadvantaged because they are discriminated against on the basis of their ethnicity, race, religion, caste, gender, disability etc. social exclusion have become the central focus in India today. India is home to tribal population of about 85 million, with more than 700 groups each with their distinct cultures, social practices, religions, dialects and occupations and are scattered in all States and Union Territories in India. The scheduled tribes are the most socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged, marginalized and excluded groups in our country. The widespread discrimination against scheduled groups has long histories in India. The Constitution of India had recognized tribal population as weaker section of society based on their socioeconomic backwardness and the age-old social discrimination and physical isolation that they had been subjected to. The Gujjar and Bakerwal tribes form the third largest ethnic group in Jammu and Kashmir after Kashmiri and Ladakhi constitutes 11.9 per cent of the total population of the state and 1.3 per cent of total tribal population of the country. They are nomadic, practice transhumance or seasonal migration with their livestock. The Gujjars mainly raise buffaloes and are pastoral in Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, they live mostly in primitive conditions, suffering from dismal poverty, illiteracy, political marginalization, backwardness etc. These Scheduled Tribes experience passive indifference that takes the form of exclusion from economic, political, educational opportunities and social participation. They are lacking the basic facilities of food, shelter, healthcare, education etc. most of the tribal hamlets in the farflung areas are yet to be electrified and are without road connectivity. For this study data from both primary as well as secondary sources was used. The primary data was collected from 420 household of four villages in Anantnag district by using Multistage Random sampling method with the help of interview schedules. With this background, the purpose of this paper is (i) to examine the exclusion of Gujjar tribes from social aspects and economic benefits. (ii) To access the awareness about the different welfare programmes among these tribals.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF GUJJARS TRIBE IN SARAJ AREA OF JAMMU REGION
IJARW, 2019
The present paper deals with the detail analysis of social conditions of Gujjars tribe of Saraj area of Chenab valley in Jammu region. The socio-cultural and economic statuses of Gujjars have witnessed a strong social exclusion in the area. This community is deprived of social prestige and government initiatives for their upliftment as compare to other communities. They have a backward economic activities and strong traditional cultural hierarchy. Regional issues, hard life style and traditional professions have isolated this community from the mainstream society. Eating habits, dresses and other social rituals are the barriers in the path of integration with other castes and communities in this region. Their semi-nomadic settlement and cattle rearing activities have created problems for women and children on health and education parameters. On the basis of participant observations, pilot survey and data collected from concern community development block, it is found that Gujjars tribe have remained backward and no any government enhancement initiative have been taken to up lift these tribe in this hilly region.