TRIBES OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

  

LETS START our journey with the tribes of JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Jammu and Kashmir is an abode to quite a number of tribal communities, who have settled down in every nook and corner of this hilly countryside. Most of the tribes of Jammu and Kashmir State are believed to have descended from the famous and legendary family of the Aryans. To carry on and conduct a successful conversation amongst each other, some of these Jammu and Kashmir tribesmen converse with each other in the Dogri language. Dogri stands for a blending of other languages like Sanskrit, Punjabi and Persian, which dates back to the ‘Indo-Aryan group of Sanskrit’.

The present Jammu and Kashmir region is inhabited by several enormous tribes like the Dogras populating in the plains, the Pahadis of the hills and the nomadic mountain-dwelling tribes of the Gujjars, etc. These tribes of Jammu and Kashmir make up the authentic and characteristic ethnic culture of this primeval state and its tribal culture.

Balti Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir: Traditionally, the Balti tribes from Jammu and Kashmir are understood to have been descendants of Celtic communities settled in Scandinavia. The Baltis of Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir are, on the other hand, related to many other communities in Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine.

Bakarwal Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir: Bakarwal is a nomadic tribe based in the Pir Panjal and Himalayan mountains of South Asia. They are mainly goatherds and shepherds. They are called as Dhangar in rest of India.

Dogra Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir: Historians believe that the Dogra tribe of Jammu and Kashmir is the descendants of the Aryans, who had settled on the southern hilly tracts of Kashmir, stretching up to the Punjab Plains. The Dogra Rajputs among Hindus and Chibals and Sudans, the chief sects of Muslim Rajputs are martial races, whereas the origination of the Khatris and Mahajans of Punjab have been in some dispute, with the only acknowledged factor about their basic occupation of commerce and trade.

Gujjar Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir: The tribal communities living on the hills of the Kashmir Valley are referred to as Gujjars and are herdsmen by occupation. These Gujjars are believed to be descendants of Rajput's of Rajasthan, who had converted to Islam and started dwelling atop hills and rearing cattle. The Gujjar tribes of Jammu and Kashmir are legendary to have served as deft masters to the wild goats, when walking and meandering through the narrow hilly tracts.

Brokpa Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir:

 The still remaining tribes can be stated as the much distinguishing and exquisite Brokpa tribesmen from Jammu and Kashmir. Brokpas form the community inhabiting the Drass Valley in Ladakh. It is believed that they are the descendants of the Dards of Chilas in the Gilgit region. Their ancestors migrated to this valley several centuries back, probably due to the harsh environmental conditions.


Changpa Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir: Then Changpa tribe is yet another tribal community from Jammu and Kashmir, who has been enlisted legally as one of the Scheduled Tribes of India. The Changpas live on the desolate Changthang plateau in Ladakh, of which Rupshu is the highest inhabited part. The population density is very low.