Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir (India): Special Emphasis on Bakarwal Tribe

Abstract

Jammu and Kashmir is a mountainous state of India most of its geographical area has rugged topography, and much of its northern portion is encrusted with snow. These conditions have resulted in remoteness and isolation which lead to genesis and thriving of different tribal communities. There are twelve tribal communities in J&K; they are spatially distributed in different parts of the state. This study focuses on the characteristics of different tribal groups in the state and special emphasis is given to the Bakarwal tribe. Data analysis reveals that the Gujjars and Bakarwals are the prominent tribal communities in terms of the population of the state, spatially distributed on western portion of the state. Balti, Purgipa and Brokpa inhabit the northeastern part and are agriculturist by occupation. Beda, Changpa, Boto and Mon are spatially distributed on the northeastern portion of the state they are the followers of Buddhism and contributes 7 per cent of the tribal population of the state. Gaddi and Sippi are spatially distributed on the south-eastern portion. They are Hindu by religion and contribute four per cent of the tribal population of the state.

Keywords- Bakarwal, Population distribution, Region, Socio-economic life, Tribe,