5.1.1. In the Mountains

Even today the Gujjar Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir are great herders of goat and sheep. Many of them migrated to this region in the nineteenth century in search of pastures for their animals.

This chunk introduces the concept of nomadic pastoralists, specifically the Gujjar Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir. Nomadic pastoralists are people who move from place to place with their herds to find food and pasture for their animals. The Bakarwals, who mainly herd goats and sheep, migrated to their current region in the 19th century to find better pastures.

Think of them as modern-day farmers who do not own fixed land but instead rely on nature to provide feed for their livestock. Just like some families in different parts of the world might travel for jobs or seasonal crops, the Bakarwals travel for their animals' needs.

Gradually, over the decades, they established themselves in the area, and moved annually between their summer and winter grazing grounds.

The Gujjar Bakarwals have developed a systematic movement pattern, known as transhumance, where they shift their herds between summer grazing grounds in the higher mountains and winter grazing areas in the lower hills to adapt to seasonal changes. This practice helps sustain their livelihoods as they ensure their livestock always have access to fresh pastures.

Imagine a family that vacations at the beach in summer and retreats to the mountains in winter—this is similar to how the Bakarwals follow the seasons and adapt their way of life based on the environment.

During the hot weather the Gujjars usually drive their herds to the upper range, where the buffaloes rejoice in the rich grass which the rains bring forth.

In warmer months, the Gujjar Bakarwals take their buffaloes to higher elevations. This is because the rain brings lush grasses to those areas, providing better nutrition for the animals. Their daily life revolves around caring for the herds, ensuring they have food, and managing the logistics of their migrations. They also engage in trade, selling dairy products like milk and ghee in local markets.

Just as a gardener may choose to move their plants outdoors in spring to absorb sunshine and water, the Gujjars strategically position their herds to thrive in the best conditions.

Several households came together for this journey, forming what is known as a kafila.

The practice of moving herds is often a communal activity called a kafila, where multiple families unite to travel together. This cooperation ensures safety and sharing of resources during their migrations. They support each other in caring for the animals, sharing knowledge about the safest routes, and looking for pasture and water sources.

Consider a group of friends going on a camping trip together versus going alone. The group can share supplies, help each other set up tents, and look after each other's safety, similar to how pastoral households collaborate.

You will see how pastoralism has been important in societies like India and Africa. You will read about the way colonialism impacted their lives.

Pastoralism holds significant cultural and economic value in regions like India and Africa; however, colonialism has challenged traditional ways of life. The imposition of new laws restricted the movement of pastoralists, impacting their livestock grazing patterns, economic stability, and cultural practices. The narrative will explore how their ways of being were altered during colonial rule, erasing certain historical and economic practices.

Think of it as a sport that is suddenly scheduled and restricted to an indoor arena, which changes how players practice and play. Just like in sports, the flexibility and natural conditions for pastoralists were fundamentally altered.

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