Post by admin on Feb 3, 2004 12:53:27 GMT -5
Areas of Living
The Gujjars are spread over almost all the regions of the State, except Ladakh ofcourse, away from plains on the fringes of the mountains. Some of the pastures and meadows where they spend their summers and lead a carefree life are: Sarthal, Ladha Dhar, Sannasar, Sibgarh, Siyog, Gurjan, Tata-Kuti Marg, Peshanu, Tosh Maidan, Noorastan, Pariastan, Yubastan, in Jammu region. And in Kashmir Valley, the main pastures lie in the north and prominent among them are: Tang-Dhar, Sikri, Dhud-Pathri, Simkoor, Kandal, Kalkatha, Patan-Ghor, Chemriar, Tootan-Ali-Gali, Ganga-Bal, Choor Nar, Neel-Gagar, Lus-Pathri, Rambal, Lal marg, Sadi-Marg, Muchail, Kurk-Bal, Gurez, Kilsa, Chittaa-Katha, Gadsar, Bhug-Nar, Chouti-Nar, Lach-Pather, Khillan-Marg, Panda-Bal, Chander-Wadi, Aastan Marg, Tarni, Amarnath, But-Kollan, Sher-Nallah, Gomadi, Sookhni, Sain-Nallah, Dusmoon, Rang-Doom, Chiti-Batti, Dandard, Tehnyan, Riswan-Gali, Tootmar-Gali, Abdullah Ka Pather, Lus Walli, Bailan, Sinthan etc.
Historical Background
The early history of Gujjars is obscure. There are several theories as to their origin. In the light of recent researches and other evidences the Gujjars may be the
descendants of Gujris (Georgians). It is said before their march to the sub-continent of India, they occupied some places in Iran. Central Asia and Afghanistan. These areas are known as Juzers and Jurs, Gurjastan, Gujjar Khasi and Chosak Gujjars. When they came to India they named many areas in the sub-continent after their name like Gujarat-Kathiawar, Gujjar-Garh, Gwalior, Gujarat (Saharanpur), Gujarat (Punjab), Gujaranwala etc.
It is believed that one part of the migration of the tribe to the territory of Jammu and Kashmir was via of Punjab and North West Frontier while the other was of the Gujara Tribes of Rajputana and Gujarat (Kathiawar). The two set of migrations may have been caused by political uncertainties, and at times, for economic reasons.
The Gujjars who moved to the State remained almost oblivion as there is hardly any mention of these people in the history of the State. In the 17th century, however, there were Gujjars of high official status in thingych. They lived at Lahore-Kot now known as Loran, in the Haveli Tehsil of the thingych District. They provided ministers to assist the rulers of the area. At the end of the 18th century one of their leaders named Ruh Ullah Khan obtained full control of the country and assumed the title of Raja. He was the most important Gujjar personality of the time. He was Wazir of Raja Khan Bahadur of thingych. On the murder of the later, Ruh Ullah Khan ruled as the deceased of Raja’s representative until he got his own son, Amir Khan, declared Raja of thingych in 1797 A. D. Ruh Ullah Khan, died in 1819 and Amir Khan in around 1825. The later
was succeeded by his son Mir Baz Khan, who was captured by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab and removed to Lahore where he was murdered by one Pir Baksh Khan Chib in 1837 A.
D. The dynasty started by Ruh-Ullah Khan was known as the Sango line of Gujjars. With the disappearance of Mir Baz Khan, their short period of power came to an end and the status and influence of the Gujjars gradually declined. No outstanding Gujjar has since appeared in the State comparable with Ruh-Ullah Khan. As the generations have passed since his name, the Gujjars through out the State have become less important in all respects except is numbers.
While the research is still on and has not yet reached the decisive stage about the origin of Gujjars and their first appearance in the State, there is no doubt about the fact that the Gujjars are one of the most ancient communities in India. Those who base their special claim on the motherland on the basis of heir antiquity will have to concede that Gujjars claim is second to none.
Language
The language of Gujjars is termed as ‘Pariumu’ or Hindki by Lawrence. It was however, categorized as Rajasthani in State in the census reports conducted before partition. A famous Indian linguist has expressed the view that the language of Gujjars has practically remained incorrupted for centuries from the influence of
neighbouring population which is a rare case in history of languages. That is why the Gujjars in Afghanistan, Peshawar, Hazara (Pakistan) J&K and UP speak the same language and have not been influenced by the local language of these places. The census of Government of India in 1931, J&K Volume 14, records the population of Gujjars speaking Gojri in the State stood over 4,08,800. The state Academy of Art Cultural and Languages has done commendable job in compilation of Dictionary of the language and
has also published a lot of precious literary material. The folk songs of Gojri specially Baramah, Mayya, Sipyya, Dhol, Chan, Tajo are very polpular even with other people.
There are permanent sections in Radio Kashmir, Jammu and Srinagar where from News and other Gojri programmes are broaedcoost. The Doordarshan also telecasts features and other programmes about Gujjars and Gojri.
The Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, a non-Government Social organization, started only about decade back, for the overall upliftment of Gujjars in the State, is also
contributing its precious bit to the furtherance, preservation and revival of Gojri folklore and language. The Trust is publishing regularly a multi-lingual monthly
AWAZ-E-GURJAR for the several years now, besides has to its credit a few commendable publications.
Customs and Traditions
The community is conservative like most of the tribal societies. Nomadic Gujjars, whether Baniharas or Bakarwals are organized into Kabeelas (Clans) and Deras (Units). Each unit has its own leader (Mukkadam) and has the system of Jirgas or Panchayat (Council). The Council generally comprises of elderly people of the clan and decides matters of dispute, may be civil, criminal or concerning religion. The Mukkadam, wields lot of influence and generally his dictates are complied with. According to Sir Walter Lawrence, “Their good faith is proverbial and they are generous people giving away all the milk on Friday in charity”. They believe in
the policy of forgive and forget even when they are badly deceived and cheated. They have faith in the day of reckoning when wrong-doers are bound to be punished.
They are highly superstitious due to illiteracy and backwardness. This has made them timid. The superstitious and myths, ofcourse, play a dominant role in their day today life. Their belief in Peers and superman is unchallangeable, Taweez (amulets), Mantar and Phook (blowing of breath by holyman on the object), for them and their cattle, is panacea however, this has contributed a lot towards their present inertia, self-pity and sullenness.It is a tribe where polygamy is still in-vogue at a very high percentage. Early marriages eloping with paramours, (irrespective of age) is very common and is taken as an accepted way of life.
The Gujjars mostly addressed with the titles:
1. Mukkadam
2. Mehar (May be King Mehar Bhoj)
3. Choudhary
4. Khan or Sardar used only in areas of Muzzafarabad and Hazara probably under the influence of Pathans.
Their women folk are addressed as Mehri or Choudhrani. Some of the common names of Gujjars are:
Shayyo, Walyo, Baru, Nuro, Meeru, Jamma, Bajo, Tajo, Almio, Kalo, Satrio, Phajio, Phatio, Pharojio, Akko, Ganmo of men-folk and Beebi, Phajji, Shahpi, Kala, Gani, Seeran, Shai, Makhni, of women-folk.
The staple diet of Gujjars is Mukki (Maize) ki Roti butter and lassi. Gujjars wear mostly their traditional costumes and jewellery. The men-folk wear Kameez with waist-coat studded with buttons and Tehmud (instead of trouser) with a mini Chaddar on shoulders and a loose, turban, whereas women-folk wear shirt studded with enormous varieties of buttons and lot of embroidery on it with a black shalwar known as suthen, a duppatta with multi-colour and round cap, (of black cloth) with a tail, of course over threaded.
The hair style of women-folk is also a unique feature. The women’s hair do constitute a large number of plaits which takes almost a day to weave. This is undone
hardly once a month when it is washed and made up again into the numerous intricate braides. The women folk young and old, are found of wearing heavy jewellery Kangan, Karras, Seheeri, Mahail, Loung, Bali, (of Gold or Silver) are commonly used. The hair style of Gujri is the reminiscent of central Asia where it is still in vogue.On occasions of festivity, marriages and ‘meals’ singers and flute players are generally asked by elders to display their skill and art. While Bait-Baazi
(reciting couplets) continues for hours, wrestlers and other young ones also display their tricks and techniques at the beat of drums, in wrestling, lifting or weight (Bugdar) and Beni (where one holds the arm of other who uses all force at his command to disengage). It is all a very thrilling scene. Banji or flute is perhaps the only permanent companion of lonely herdsman grazing his flocks. Its melodious tunes not only keep the player engrossed but also converts the entire surroundings on meadows and pastures infatuating and romantic.
Now that their standing demand of declaring them Scheduled tribe has been conceded to by the Government of India, it is hoped with sincere and honest implementation of measure that vagaries of fate shall no more haunt them.
***
The Gujjars are spread over almost all the regions of the State, except Ladakh ofcourse, away from plains on the fringes of the mountains. Some of the pastures and meadows where they spend their summers and lead a carefree life are: Sarthal, Ladha Dhar, Sannasar, Sibgarh, Siyog, Gurjan, Tata-Kuti Marg, Peshanu, Tosh Maidan, Noorastan, Pariastan, Yubastan, in Jammu region. And in Kashmir Valley, the main pastures lie in the north and prominent among them are: Tang-Dhar, Sikri, Dhud-Pathri, Simkoor, Kandal, Kalkatha, Patan-Ghor, Chemriar, Tootan-Ali-Gali, Ganga-Bal, Choor Nar, Neel-Gagar, Lus-Pathri, Rambal, Lal marg, Sadi-Marg, Muchail, Kurk-Bal, Gurez, Kilsa, Chittaa-Katha, Gadsar, Bhug-Nar, Chouti-Nar, Lach-Pather, Khillan-Marg, Panda-Bal, Chander-Wadi, Aastan Marg, Tarni, Amarnath, But-Kollan, Sher-Nallah, Gomadi, Sookhni, Sain-Nallah, Dusmoon, Rang-Doom, Chiti-Batti, Dandard, Tehnyan, Riswan-Gali, Tootmar-Gali, Abdullah Ka Pather, Lus Walli, Bailan, Sinthan etc.
Historical Background
The early history of Gujjars is obscure. There are several theories as to their origin. In the light of recent researches and other evidences the Gujjars may be the
descendants of Gujris (Georgians). It is said before their march to the sub-continent of India, they occupied some places in Iran. Central Asia and Afghanistan. These areas are known as Juzers and Jurs, Gurjastan, Gujjar Khasi and Chosak Gujjars. When they came to India they named many areas in the sub-continent after their name like Gujarat-Kathiawar, Gujjar-Garh, Gwalior, Gujarat (Saharanpur), Gujarat (Punjab), Gujaranwala etc.
It is believed that one part of the migration of the tribe to the territory of Jammu and Kashmir was via of Punjab and North West Frontier while the other was of the Gujara Tribes of Rajputana and Gujarat (Kathiawar). The two set of migrations may have been caused by political uncertainties, and at times, for economic reasons.
The Gujjars who moved to the State remained almost oblivion as there is hardly any mention of these people in the history of the State. In the 17th century, however, there were Gujjars of high official status in thingych. They lived at Lahore-Kot now known as Loran, in the Haveli Tehsil of the thingych District. They provided ministers to assist the rulers of the area. At the end of the 18th century one of their leaders named Ruh Ullah Khan obtained full control of the country and assumed the title of Raja. He was the most important Gujjar personality of the time. He was Wazir of Raja Khan Bahadur of thingych. On the murder of the later, Ruh Ullah Khan ruled as the deceased of Raja’s representative until he got his own son, Amir Khan, declared Raja of thingych in 1797 A. D. Ruh Ullah Khan, died in 1819 and Amir Khan in around 1825. The later
was succeeded by his son Mir Baz Khan, who was captured by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab and removed to Lahore where he was murdered by one Pir Baksh Khan Chib in 1837 A.
D. The dynasty started by Ruh-Ullah Khan was known as the Sango line of Gujjars. With the disappearance of Mir Baz Khan, their short period of power came to an end and the status and influence of the Gujjars gradually declined. No outstanding Gujjar has since appeared in the State comparable with Ruh-Ullah Khan. As the generations have passed since his name, the Gujjars through out the State have become less important in all respects except is numbers.
While the research is still on and has not yet reached the decisive stage about the origin of Gujjars and their first appearance in the State, there is no doubt about the fact that the Gujjars are one of the most ancient communities in India. Those who base their special claim on the motherland on the basis of heir antiquity will have to concede that Gujjars claim is second to none.
Language
The language of Gujjars is termed as ‘Pariumu’ or Hindki by Lawrence. It was however, categorized as Rajasthani in State in the census reports conducted before partition. A famous Indian linguist has expressed the view that the language of Gujjars has practically remained incorrupted for centuries from the influence of
neighbouring population which is a rare case in history of languages. That is why the Gujjars in Afghanistan, Peshawar, Hazara (Pakistan) J&K and UP speak the same language and have not been influenced by the local language of these places. The census of Government of India in 1931, J&K Volume 14, records the population of Gujjars speaking Gojri in the State stood over 4,08,800. The state Academy of Art Cultural and Languages has done commendable job in compilation of Dictionary of the language and
has also published a lot of precious literary material. The folk songs of Gojri specially Baramah, Mayya, Sipyya, Dhol, Chan, Tajo are very polpular even with other people.
There are permanent sections in Radio Kashmir, Jammu and Srinagar where from News and other Gojri programmes are broaedcoost. The Doordarshan also telecasts features and other programmes about Gujjars and Gojri.
The Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, a non-Government Social organization, started only about decade back, for the overall upliftment of Gujjars in the State, is also
contributing its precious bit to the furtherance, preservation and revival of Gojri folklore and language. The Trust is publishing regularly a multi-lingual monthly
AWAZ-E-GURJAR for the several years now, besides has to its credit a few commendable publications.
Customs and Traditions
The community is conservative like most of the tribal societies. Nomadic Gujjars, whether Baniharas or Bakarwals are organized into Kabeelas (Clans) and Deras (Units). Each unit has its own leader (Mukkadam) and has the system of Jirgas or Panchayat (Council). The Council generally comprises of elderly people of the clan and decides matters of dispute, may be civil, criminal or concerning religion. The Mukkadam, wields lot of influence and generally his dictates are complied with. According to Sir Walter Lawrence, “Their good faith is proverbial and they are generous people giving away all the milk on Friday in charity”. They believe in
the policy of forgive and forget even when they are badly deceived and cheated. They have faith in the day of reckoning when wrong-doers are bound to be punished.
They are highly superstitious due to illiteracy and backwardness. This has made them timid. The superstitious and myths, ofcourse, play a dominant role in their day today life. Their belief in Peers and superman is unchallangeable, Taweez (amulets), Mantar and Phook (blowing of breath by holyman on the object), for them and their cattle, is panacea however, this has contributed a lot towards their present inertia, self-pity and sullenness.It is a tribe where polygamy is still in-vogue at a very high percentage. Early marriages eloping with paramours, (irrespective of age) is very common and is taken as an accepted way of life.
The Gujjars mostly addressed with the titles:
1. Mukkadam
2. Mehar (May be King Mehar Bhoj)
3. Choudhary
4. Khan or Sardar used only in areas of Muzzafarabad and Hazara probably under the influence of Pathans.
Their women folk are addressed as Mehri or Choudhrani. Some of the common names of Gujjars are:
Shayyo, Walyo, Baru, Nuro, Meeru, Jamma, Bajo, Tajo, Almio, Kalo, Satrio, Phajio, Phatio, Pharojio, Akko, Ganmo of men-folk and Beebi, Phajji, Shahpi, Kala, Gani, Seeran, Shai, Makhni, of women-folk.
The staple diet of Gujjars is Mukki (Maize) ki Roti butter and lassi. Gujjars wear mostly their traditional costumes and jewellery. The men-folk wear Kameez with waist-coat studded with buttons and Tehmud (instead of trouser) with a mini Chaddar on shoulders and a loose, turban, whereas women-folk wear shirt studded with enormous varieties of buttons and lot of embroidery on it with a black shalwar known as suthen, a duppatta with multi-colour and round cap, (of black cloth) with a tail, of course over threaded.
The hair style of women-folk is also a unique feature. The women’s hair do constitute a large number of plaits which takes almost a day to weave. This is undone
hardly once a month when it is washed and made up again into the numerous intricate braides. The women folk young and old, are found of wearing heavy jewellery Kangan, Karras, Seheeri, Mahail, Loung, Bali, (of Gold or Silver) are commonly used. The hair style of Gujri is the reminiscent of central Asia where it is still in vogue.On occasions of festivity, marriages and ‘meals’ singers and flute players are generally asked by elders to display their skill and art. While Bait-Baazi
(reciting couplets) continues for hours, wrestlers and other young ones also display their tricks and techniques at the beat of drums, in wrestling, lifting or weight (Bugdar) and Beni (where one holds the arm of other who uses all force at his command to disengage). It is all a very thrilling scene. Banji or flute is perhaps the only permanent companion of lonely herdsman grazing his flocks. Its melodious tunes not only keep the player engrossed but also converts the entire surroundings on meadows and pastures infatuating and romantic.
Now that their standing demand of declaring them Scheduled tribe has been conceded to by the Government of India, it is hoped with sincere and honest implementation of measure that vagaries of fate shall no more haunt them.
***