In Rajouri District about 12% populationis comprised of Bakerwals while 23% population belongs to Gujjars. Both the communities are having their common cultural and linguistic heritage. Gujjars mostly rear cattle and they are herdsmen of buffaloes and possess small pieces of lands, kacha houses on the slopes and foothills of mountains in Rajouri District. Number of them is having their Dhokes and dharas on the upper reaches of Rajouri district mostly in Darhal, Budhal, Kalakote and Manjakote area. On the other hand, Bakerwals are the offshoots of Gujjars and they are nomadic tribes. Most of them are landless and houseless. Their livelihood is mostly dependent on sheep and goats for which they have to rear these animals. In search of green pastures for their herds and flocks, they travel from one place to another with their baggage and luggage, flock of sheep and goats, fleet of horses and dogs. Initially, they were rearing goats; therefore they are known as Bakerwals (who rear goats). They are living nomadic life and remain wondering in jungle in their traditional dresses with their own cultural heritage, which is distinct and unique culture. Once Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru when he was at Pehalgam, saw a group of Bakerwals along with their luggage and baggage, he at once named them as the king of jungles. In these days, these Bakerwal tribes can beseen wondering in thefoothills of Peer Panchal range mostly in Rajouri area, which is located in the foothills of Panchal range. In winter season, with the beginning of spring, they shift from Rajouriarea and enter the Margs, Lush Green high pastures and Dhokes in upper reaches of Panchal range. Some caravans of Bakerwals of Rajouri district even cross the Valley and reach Lolad, Gurez andSona Marg on the Eastern top hills of Kashmir. They keep with them horses for riding and transportation, sheep and goats for production of wool, milk and meat. They sell surplus animals and their subsidiary products and buy maize, rice and grocery from the villages for day-to-dayconsumption. These tribes travel on compact basis with their baggage, flocks of sheep, herd of goats, fleet of horses and dogs. The old tribe-man is generally known as Sardar who leads the caravans. He travels on a mule. After him follows the horses, ladies and children, flocks of sheep and goats and hunting dogs who protect animals from thieves and wild animals. They keep tents with them and live in tented colonies.But their life is very tough and some time they live even in the caves under the shadow of trees and big grass. When they enter the margs and Dhokes, they look like actual ruler of the areas because no law and authority prevails in these Margs. Their favourite dresses are waist Coat,shalwar, Kurta (long shirt) and lungi (turban) while the women usually bear Sutthan (trouser) kurti(shirt) and Tazakastanicap with cotton shawl.These tribes are very stout, tough and beautiful. The women are hard working. Their hobbies are to conduct fighting of rams and goats. So far as music is concerned, they like Halgoza and jori. Their main folk songs are Chann, Mahia, Dholan, Kanchi and Saif-ul-Malook. One of their favourite folk song is ballod of Noora.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Jun 2013 13:53:56 +0000
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