The Gujjars' history is evident that Gujjars ruled over a large part of the Eastern area of the world. This nation includes many sub-sects and tribes. The migratory nomads or sheep herders, are commonly known as Bakarwal.
Bakarwal origins and ethnicity
Bakarwals are an indigenous people without permanent residence who migrated from Indian-controlled Kashmir to Pakistan. They are also known as “Gujars” or “Gujjars.” Recent population estimates range from 2-3 million, although there is no reliable source to indicate an accurate number of Gojri speakers because the Gojri language was not included in language information collected in the last six censuses.
The word ‘Bakarwal’ is found in the Gojri, Urdu. Dogri, Kashmiri, and Punjabi languages. The word consists of two parts ‘Bakar’ and ‘wal.’ ‘Bakar’ means goat and ‘wal’ means owner. The term “Bakarwal” has been widely used for migratory nomadic shepherds for centuries; its origin has not definitively been determined. (Rehman 2022: 4)
The origin of this ancient culture is also highly debated. Dr. Ahmed Dar Muzamil (2019: 90) states:
The antiquity of Gujjar is obscure and blurry. There are numerous theories with regard to their origin. Modern researchers have evinced that Gujjars may be the descendants of Gurjis (Georgians). While a big chunk of the scholars held the view that they are of +foreign stock representing those pastoral nomads from Steppes of Central Asia who migrated to the Subcontinent either with Huns or a little later, others are of the opinion that they are the descendants of Kushan and Youchi tribes of former Soviet Union. Yet there are other scholars who are of the opinion that they descended from original Indian stock. Intensive and expensive research alone can decipher the enigma.
Bakarwal Culture
The Bakarwal lifestyle is unique. In the summer Bakarwals travel to the high mountains of northern Pakistan for cooler weather and good pastures, while in winter they migrate to lower lands for warmer weather and less snow and live in far-flung areas. Their tribal celebrations, religious, social, and cultural events are distinctive and have existed since time immemorial. Along with their herds, horses are a critical part of the Bakarwal community and even the small children are skilled riders. Traditional Bakarwal dress is elaborate, featuring bright colors and intricate embroidery. The Bakarwal diet is mainly based on milk and yogurt, along with edible plants foraged in the wild. They are also expert herbalists and collect and use herbs for medicinal purposes. The Bakarwal nomads are true environmentalists who have much to teach the modern world about the majestic land they cherish and carefully steward.
Challenges facing the Bakarwals
Historically, the Bakarwal nomads have been marginalized and currently live on the economic and cultural edge of society in Pakistan. They are wary of cities and the social ills of civilization. Bakarwals currently face challenges from all directions and are struggling to retain their culture, language, and nomadic way of life in this rapidly changing world. (Janjua 2014)
With the passage of time, the Bakarwal are losing their identity due to their semi-annual migrations. None of the government departments or NGOs have taken notice of this tribe to help in saving its distinct cultural heritage or to provide for critical basic human needs like health and education. The nomadic lifestyle precludes regular school attendance so families seeking education for their children typically either sell their flocks and settle in poor urban areas or send their boys to fundamentalist religious seminaries. In both cases, children thus educated do not remain in the community but rather assimilate to the sedentary lifestyle of the urban lower classes and lose their ethnolinguistic and cultural identity.
Transhumance practice is the biggest impediment for those who want to ensure formal education for their children. Frequent seasonal migration is one of the biggest hurdles in the education of Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. Due to climatic conditions, which vary from place to place in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujjars and Bakarwals have adjusted themselves to different patterns of life and adjustment. Gujjar and Bakarwal community have their own cultural and linguistic identity.” (Tufail 2014: 24).
The Bakarwal community faces many struggles, but literacy is one of the biggest. Access to primary education is severely limited among the herding communities that speak Gojri, with many clans lacking even a single literate person. It is estimated that probably less than 1% of Bakarwal women and girls can read. (Rehman 2022: 6)
Lack of functional literacy in the nomadic community is directly related to:
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Inadequate health facilities result in poor general health and high maternal/infant mortality rates.
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Lack of veterinary facilities and prevalence of livestock diseases
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Marginal business skills (contributing to poverty)
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Inability to adapt/modernize livestock operation
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Loss of grazing access
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Prevalence of extremist views and the subjugation of women
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Daily struggles with the interface of traditional and modern cultures
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Exclusion from voting and advocacy for other rights
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Lack of protection and promotion of Gojri language & culture by the government
