Pastoralists in the Modern World ||History|| Chapter 5 Notes
Who are Pastoralists?
- Pastoralists are nomadic groups who move with their herds of animals in search of pasture and water.
Pastoral Nomads and Their Movements:
- In the Mountains:
- Gujjar Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir: Move between the low hills of the Siwalik range in winter and the high mountains in summer.
- Gaddi Shepherds of Himachal Pradesh: Follow a similar pattern, moving between low hills and high meadows.
- On the Plateaus, Plains, and Deserts:
- Dhangars of Maharashtra: Move from the central plateau to Konkan during the monsoon.
- Gollas, Kurumas, and Kurubas of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: Herd cattle, sheep, and goats, moving to coastal tracts during dry periods.
- Banjaras of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra: Travel long distances in search of pasture.
- Raikas of Rajasthan: Combine cultivation with pastoralism, moving to greener pastures when needed.
- In the Mountains:
Colonial Rule and Pastoral Life:
- Impact of Colonial Policies:
- Grazing lands were converted into cultivated farms.
- Forest Acts restricted access to forests.
- Imposition of taxes on cattle.
- Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 targeted pastoral groups.
- Adaptation and Resistance:
- Pastoralists adapted by finding new grazing grounds or changing routes.
- Some resisted through rebellions and protests.
- Impact of Colonial Policies:
Modern Challenges:
- Issues like land degradation, climate change, and competition for resources.
- Efforts to recognize pastoralists’ rights and integrate their knowledge into sustainable land management.