Nomadic Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir: A Socio-Cultural Narrative of Bakarwals and Gujjars (original) (raw)
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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.
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.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Journey of Gujjar-Bakarwal in Jammu and Kashmir since Independence
The Academic: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research , 2024
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost part of India. It has diverse ethnic groups with varied culture, ethnicity and linguistic composition. Among these Gujjar-Bakarwal is one of the prominent tribal communities that constitute the third largest ethnic group in Jammu and Kashmir after the Kashmiris and the Dogras. They have a rich cultural heritage and contribute to the diversity of the region. Most of the community leads a semi-nomadic lifestyle, relying on herding livestock and moving with their animals across different seasons. Despite this, they encounter several obstacles and face numerous challenges such as social marginalization, stereotyping and discrimination, limited access to education, lack of infrastructure, deficient healthcare facilities, financial difficulties and inaccessibility of road connectivity. They lived a life of ignorance and backwardness as a result of which they were included in the list of Scheduled Tribes by the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act, 1991. The present study aims to highlight the obstacles and challenges faced by the Gujjar-Bakarwal community in the contemporary history of Jammu and Kashmir since independence and address various measures required to provide them equal opportunities for their overall socio- economic growth. This study is based on interpreting and analysing the primary and secondary sources. Since Rajouri-Poonch holds the highest population of the community hence, a field survey was conducted in their randomly selected areas with the help of a structured research questionnaire based on their socio-economic aspects and relations with the other communities.
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.
The Arrival and Origin of Gujjars and Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir State
The State of Jammu and Kashmir, popularly known as "paradise on earth", "crown of the Indian union", "the Switzerland of Asia" and by many more names is inhabited by various ethnic groups, alien races and various religions that have influenced the cultural ethos and mode of life of the people of this region. The Anthropological survey of India has studied one hundred and
The Gujjar Bakarwal Nomads of the Himalayas -
Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research An International Peer Reviewed Refereed Research Journal, 2024
The Gujjar Bakarwal tribe, residing in the hilly regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Punjab and Uttarakhand, is an indigenous community with a rich cultural heritage and a unique way of life. This nomadic tribe has captivated the interest of scholars and enthusiasts, offering insights into their history, traditions, and challenges. Believed to have migrated from Central Asia, the Gujjar Bakarwal tribe shares ancestry with the ancient Gujjar community known for their martial skills. Over time, a group of Gujjars adopted a pastoral lifestyle, giving rise to the Bakarwal community. Their migration routes have taken them to the breathtaking valleys and mountains of the Himalayan region. The Gujjar Bakarwal tribe takes immense pride in its cultural identity. Their language, Gujari, an Indo-Aryan dialect, serves as a connection to their historical origins and is a testament to their unique heritage. Folk music and dances play an integral role in their celebrations, reflecting the vibrancy and spirit of their community. Socially, the Gujjar Bakarwal tribe is organized in extended families and communities, with respected elders holding positions of authority and wisdom. Ancestral traditions and values are deeply ingrained and passed down through generations, fostering a strong sense of belonging and cultural continuity. At the core of their lifestyle is nomadism. The tribe relies on herding livestock such as sheep, goats, and horses, and migrates across vast distances in search of grazing lands. Their knowledge of the environment and medicinal plants is essential for their selfsufficiency and adaptation to diverse terrains and climates.
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.
IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2013
The spatial distribution of ethnic groups and tribal population is an interesting area in which the social and cultural geographers and sociologists are increasingly probing. For the ethnic minorities, especially for the transhumant and migratory people land and forest are the source of life. The present paper is an attempt to examine the spatial distribution and demographic characteristic of Gujjars and Bakarwals with special focus on their population and settlement in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir State of India. To identify the Gujjars settlements in the Rajouri and Poonch district. The socio and economic backwardness of the Gujjars and Bakarwals is a function of rugged topography, hilly terrain, prejudices, orthodoxy, illiteracy and the traditional mode of life. There is a conspicuous shift from transhumance to agricultural and non-agricultural sectors among the Gujjars and Bakarwals.
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.