Who are Gujjars in Kashmir?
According to 2011 Census of India, Gurjar is the most populous scheduled tribe in J&K, having a population of 1493299 . Around 99.3 percent population of Gurjar and Bakarwal in J&K follow Islam.
Why is bakarwals life difficult?
The nomadic life was extremely tough as they had to traverse difficult terrain with herds of cattle, braving inclement weather and natural disasters each season, he said, adding, “there is feeling among a sizeable population of Gujjars that the nomadic life has not given them much, and they have suffered more because …
What did the bakarwals of Kashmir rear?
Among Gujjars, those who rear goats and sheep are called Bakarwals. In 1991 the Gujjar-Bakarwals were granted tribal status in Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian government after an exhaustive study.
What is the caste of Gujjar?
Hindu Gujjars usually belong to the kshatriya varna, although some communities are classified as Brahmin. Gujjars can also be Muslim, Sikh, Christian and presumably Buddhist.
What did the Bakarwals of Kashmir rear?
How many Gujjars Bakerwals live in Jammu and Kashmir?
About 34 lakhs Gujjars Bakerwals live in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Excluding Ladakh region Gujjars can be found in Poonch, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar Districts of Jammu Division and Srinagar, Badgam, Anantnag Pulwama Baramula & Ganderbal Districts of Kashmir Division. But they are in majority in District Poonch and Rajouri.
Who are Jammu & Kashmir’s transhumants?
They are the sheep and goat rearing transhumant’s who oscillate with their rewards (flock) between high and low altitudes in the mountains, lands and valleys of the Jammu & Kashmir State. The habitat of these people is in the hilly terrain of the North-Western Himalayas.
Who are the Dudhi-Gujjars and Bakarwals?
The Banisars or the Dudhi-Gujjars tend buffaloes, sell Dudh (milk) and milk products and for this reason they are known as Dudhi (milkmen). They live in Bans (forest). The Gujjars and Bakarwals keep herds of goats owing to which they are called as Bakarwals.
What is the marriage pattern of the Gujjars-Bakarwals?
The sex ratio of Gujjars and Bakarwals is highly eskewed. There are approximately 856 women per 1000 men among the Gujjars-Bakarwals. This demographic imbalance influence their marriage pattern. Among the Gujjars-Bakarwals, the Mangani (engagement ceremony) is generally held at an early age of about eight years.