Pastoralists in the Modern World

Front

What are nomadic pastoralists?

Back

Nomadic pastoralists are people who do not live in one place but move from one area to another to earn their living, often with herds of animals.

Front

Why are pastoralists rarely mentioned in history textbooks?

Back

Pastoralists are often overlooked in history and economics classes, which typically focus on agriculture and industry.

Front

What is a 'kafila'?

Back

A 'kafila' is a group formed by several households that come together for the journey to their summer grazing grounds.

Front

What do Bugyals refer to?

Back

Bugyals are vast natural pastures located on high mountains, above 12,000 feet, that come to life with vegetation after winter.

Front

What seasonal movement do the Gujjar Bakarwals follow?

Back

The Gujjar Bakarwals migrate between summer grazing grounds in the north and winter grazing grounds in the low hills of the Siwalik range.

Front

What is the significance of the Gaddi shepherds' seasonal movement?

Back

Gaddi shepherds also follow a seasonal movement, spending winters in low hills and moving to higher meadows in summer.

Front

What challenges did pastoralists face under colonial rule?

Back

Under colonial rule, pastoralists faced shrinking grazing grounds, increased taxes, and restrictions on their movements.

Front

What were the Waste Land Rules?

Back

The Waste Land Rules allowed the colonial government to take over uncultivated lands, which were often used as grazing tracts by pastoralists.

Front

How did the Forest Acts impact pastoralists?

Back

The Forest Acts restricted pastoralists' access to forests, which were previously important for grazing their animals.

Front

What was the Criminal Tribes Act?

Back

The Criminal Tribes Act classified many nomadic communities as criminal by nature, restricting their movements and requiring permits to travel.