An integral part of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gujjar-Bakarwals forms the third largest community in the region, accounting for approximately 11.9% of the total population, according to the 2011 census. The census however did not consider the nomadic population who had moved to the upper parts of the state for grazing their livestock, upon which their subsistence depends.
The Geographic Spread of the Gujjar-Bakarwals
The Gujjar-Bakarwals are distributed across 21 districts in Jammu and Kashmir. The greatest population resides in the Jammu region, followed by the Kashmir valley. Across these regions, the Gujjars and Bakarwals lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle heavily centred around their livestock.
Understanding the Bakarwals: A Sub-group of Gujjars
Under the larger Gujjar community, the Bakarwals form an important subgroup. They derive their name from their occupation – rearing goats (Bakri in Hindi). Their survival and lifestyle revolve around their herds, moving along with them seasonally in search of better pastures, a practice commonly known as transhumance.
Concept of Transhumance: A Way of Life
Transhumance, from where the term ‘transhumant’ is derived, originates from Latin words ‘trans’ and ‘humus’, meaning ‘across’ and ‘ground’ respectively. This term represents the seasonal migration of humans, along with their livestock, typically sheep, goats, etc., to different elevations depending on the time of the year. Thus, they move to higher pastures during the summer and descend to the lower valleys during winter.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Transhumance | Seasonal migration of people with their livestock from one grazing ground to another in a yearly cycle |
| Bakarwals | A sub-group of Gujjars, known for herding goats and practicing transhumance |
| Gujjars | The third largest community in Jammu and Kashmir, including both settled and nomadic populations |
The Traditional Livelihood: Herding and Migration
The Gujjar-Bakarwals primarily identify themselves as herders. Living in the valleys, they embark on treks to the higher pastures in the summer with their livestock, thereby practising the traditional lifestyle of transhumant herding. As the climate cools, they journey back to the lower valleys in winter, ensuring a cyclic pattern for grazing their livestock. This lifestyle has allowed them to thrive in diverse terrains and weather conditions over centuries, forming an integral part of the socio-cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.