Name any four communities of India practicing transhumance
Answers
The word transhumance is derived from the Latin words Trans – ‘across’ and humus – ‘ground’. It means moving of livestock from stipulated grazing ground to another. Especially to lowlands in winter and highlands in summer.
In India the communities which follow Transhumance are:
1. Zanskar in Northwest
2. Van Gujjars in Western Himalayas
3. Bakarwals in Jammu & Kashmir
4. Gaddis in Himachal Pradesh
Transhumance nomads have the habit of proceeding or migrating from one pastures land (ground for cattle to graze) to another pasture land in seasonal movement along with the domesticated animals.
Especially, to low lands in summer and high lands in winter.
In India, the communities that are practicing transhumance are Bakarwals, Gujjars, Changpas, Gaddis, bhotias, Bhuttias, Monpas and Kinnauras.
The goat and sheep herding were done by Bakrawals, Kinnauras and Bhotias.
The buffalo herding was done by Gujjars and Yak herding is done by Sherpas.