Socio-Cultural Insight of Gujjar and Bakerwal in Jammu and Kashmir (original) (raw)

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.