The sedentarization process of the transhumant Bakarwal tribals of the Jammu & Kashmir (India)

Abstract

The nomadic lifestyle and economy is increasingly under stress from contemporary socio-political and ecological changes through out the globe. On the one hand, they are facing various socio-economic and political pressures, including state policies and interventions, population growth, land-use change and integration into a market economy; and on the other hand, they are exposed to climate change and its impacts on their environment and life. The study has been conducted among the Bakarwal tribals of Jammu and Kashmir. The sedentarization of the Bakarwal tribals in Jammu and Kashmir started in the late 20th century and is still going on. In this study 40 Bakarwal households who were formerly nomadic goat and sheep herders, and have now settled down were interviewed in order to document the reasons to settle and the subsequent changes in the lifestyle of these people. All interviewees expressed their satisfaction with their sedentary life. Pasture scarcity, access to education and health services, unstable political atmosphere etc. were given as basic factors for settlement.