HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 86 : Model Answer

Question: What are the historical, social, economic, and cultural aspects of the Gaddi tribe in Himachal Pradesh?

Answer:

Gaddis inhabited the snowy hill ranges that divide Chamba and Kangra from Lahore in the 16th century.  On their arrival in these areas, they faced problems of food and shelter acutely and thus they chose to acquire a pastoral occupation. So, they owned sheep’s and goats which provided them food and clothing and forced them to adopt a nomadic way of life in search of pastures for their herds.

HISTORICAL ASPECT:-

• Gaddi word derived from Gaddar ( meaning shephard )
• Their ancestors came from Delhi to Bharmour in the reign of Raja Ajia Varman of Chamba during 780-800 AD
• Gaddi Khatris believe that their ancestors fled from Lahore to escape persecution from Mohammadens – Ujarya Lahore te Vasya Bharmour ( ransack of the city of Lahore resulted in the influx of Bharmour )

SOCIAL ASPECT :-

• Of the various hill tribes of Himachal Pradesh, the Gaddi is the most dominant tribe.
• The language of Gaddis is Gadi.
• This tribe includes Brahmins , Rajputs , Thakurs etc
• Inhabit Bharmour Tehsil of Chamba and parts of Knagra

ECONOMIC ASPECT :-

• The major part of the life of a Gaddi is spent in rearing the sheep and goats which is their main profession
• The financial condition of the Gaddis is better than that of their counterparts in other states (Socio-Economic Caste Census, 2011) but since a majority of them lead semi-nomadic, pastoral life practicing transhumance, their standard of living has not improved over time.
• Maintenance of large herds of sheep and goats and to provide fodder for their cattle is the major occupation of this tribe.

CULTURAL ASPECT :-

• Jhind Phunk , Jhanjara , Ghar Jawantri , Batta -Satta are the marriage forms practiced here
• Their religion is Hinduism and they follow Lord Shiva
• Minjar , Sair , Patroru , Manimahesh yatra are their famous fairs and festivals
• Dress : Chola and Dora , Chadaru is used by Gadden to cover head