Question

Describe the life style of pastoralists of Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra

Answer 1

Gujjar Bakarwals live in the mountains of Jammu & Kashmir. They herd goat and sheep. They migrated to this region in the nineteenth century and established in this area. They move between their winter and summer grazing grounds every year. During winter the high mountains are covered with snow. During this season, they move to the low hills of the Shiwalik. By the end of April, they begin their march towards higher mountains.

Dhangars were important pastoral community of Maharashtra. Their population was estimated to be 467,000 during the early twentieth century. Most of them were shepherds, but some were blanket weavers and some others were buffalo herders. During monsoon, the Dhangars used to stay in the central plateau of Maharashtra. Apart from herding their animals, they also used to grow bajra. By October, they used to harvest their bajra and started their march to west to reach Konkan.

They were welcomed by the Konkani peasants. Dhangar flocks fed on the stubble and manured the fields with their dung. They also took rice from the Konkani farmers and took the rice to the plateau where grain was scarce.

Answer 2

Life of the Pastoralists of J&K and Maharashtra are:-

**J&K**

a. The Gujjar Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh, the Gujjar cattle herders of Garhwal and Kumaon, the Bhotiyas, the Sherpas and Kinnauris are all pastoralists inhabiting mountains of India.

b. They move annually between their summer and winter grazing grounds.

b. They adjust their movements to seasonal changes and make effective use of available pastures in different places.

c. When pastures are exhausted in one place they move their herds to new areas.

d. These pastoralists follow cyclical movement , which helps them to adjust to seasonal changes and avail the best of pastures.

**Maharashtra**

Dhangars were important pastoral community of Maharashtra. Their population was estimated to be 467,000 during the early twentieth century. Most of them were shepherds, but some were blanket weavers and some others were buffalo herders. During monsoon, the Dhangars used to stay in the central plateau of Maharashtra. By October, they used to harvest their bajra and started their march to west to reach Konkan.

They were welcomed by the Konkani peasants. Dhangar flocks fed on the stubble and manured the fields with their dung. They also took rice from the Konkani farmers and took the rice to the plateau where grain was scarce.