Folk Culture of Gujjar Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir

Name of Author : Robina Akther

Abstract: India is regarded as the country where the majority of the worlds tribes and communities reside. Currently, there are tribal populations in thirty Indian states and union territories, which are broken down into 705 distinct ethnic groups. With 11.9% and 14.7%, respectively, of the population of schedule tribes, Jammu & Kashmir is second only to Madhya Pradesh. Twelve different tribes make up Jammu and Kashmirs population of 14.9 lakh Schedule Tribes. In terms of population, Gujjar ranks third behind Kashmiri and Ladakhi. The Gujjar community was originally established in Gurjistan (Georgia), but later they began to migrate eastward, through Afghanistan and Suleiman, into the Indus valley, where they eventually arrived. Then they began to migrate southward once more, arriving in Gujarat after that it spread in different places of India. A distinctive linguistic identity characterizes the Gujjar communitys culture. They wear clothing that is reminiscent of Pakistans Pashtu ethnic group. Gujjars can very effectively be represented culturally through dancing, religious ceremonies, and traditions. Jammu and Kashmir is home to a majority of Muslim Gujjars. Old customs and traditions are rigorously observed by these tribes. The practice of having both boys and girls get married young is still practiced by them. The Gujjars observe a variety of holidays that set them apart from other groups, including Baisakhi and the lighting of lamps at graves and shrines that are closely related to north Indian Hinduism. Their religious practises and traditions are integrated. Gujjar community members use distinctive clothing and accessories. Gojri is the name of the native tongue of the Gujjars. Secondary source of data are used in this study. This research intends to highlight the language, dress, food, folk dance and songs, marriage ceremony, festivals, religious belief of Gujjar tribe of Jammu and Kashmir. The main objectives of this research paper are to highlight the folk culture religious belief of Gujjar community of Jammu and Kashmir. Secondary sources of data from books, journals, newspaper, census, Google, other social site etc is been used in this research. This study is analysed from theoretical perspective have used to access the folk culture of Gujjar community in jammu and Kashmir.

Keywords : Tribe, Gujjar, Culture and folk, Jammu and Kashmir

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