The Gaddi are a tribe living mainly in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. They are Hindus and belong to several castes including Ahir,[1][2] Brahmin, [[Rajput] mugyal,thakur jaryal], Dhangar/Gaderiya, Khatri, Rana and Thakur.
They are widely respected for their honesty, friendliness and peaceful lifestyle. They have great faith in Gods and Goddesses especially Lord Shiva. The language (dialect) spoken within the tribe is Gaddi. Old people used the Tankri script. Crime is almost unknown in Gaddi villages. Gaddi is a generic term used for all of the indigenous population of the Bharmaur area of Chamba district and some regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Gaddis include Savarnas - such as Brahman, Rajput, Khatri, Thakur, Rathi and the non–savarnas like Hali, Rihare and Dom (Rose 1919). Although all are categorised as scheduled tribes by virtue of either their living in a scheduled area or having semi-nomadic lifestyle, the non-savarnas are included separately as scheduled castes. There is custom prevalent among the savarna of calling themselves as Gaddi whereas calling others by their respective caste names. Most common Rajput Gaddi Castes are: Chouhans, mugyal,Lalhals, Purhans, Sanu, Bersain, Jaryal, Sanjan etc.[1][2]
Gaddis usually live in high hills where winter is usually severe and long. They are transhumant nomads moving up and down the hills in summer and winter with their animals to facilitate their grazing. Light utensils, maize flour, salt, and some necessities are carried while migrating. All the belongings are carried in sheepskin bags, and huka and tobacco in a leather pouch. They take shelter under trees during adverse weather and rain. Otherwise, they sleep and live in open areas. The dogs, which are specially bred, are used to watch sheep and goats because of their capacity to drive away the bears, leopards and hyenas.
The Nags, Sidhs, Kailung (father of all snakes), Devis, Birs, and Autars (spirit of person who died childless and causes sickness) are worshipped. The male goats are sacrificed on different stages of agriculture. Widow marriage is allowed except for Brahmans. The Basua on first Baisakh, the Patroru on first Bhadon, the Sair on first Assuj, the Lohri on first Magh, and the Dholru on first Chet are the fairs they celebrate.
Contents |
The Gaddis traditionally live on both sides of the Dhauladhar Range in Himachal Pradesh and remote forest areas of Jammu and Kashmir. They reside mostly in the Brahmaur region and BHATTIYAT REGION in village Chafru of Chamba District, in the upper reaches of the Ravi river and the valleys of the Budhil river. They are also found in the Kangra district, particularly in the villages like Khaniyara, Draman, and Shahpur Tota Rani, near Dharamsala.
In Jammu and Kashmir the Gaddis reside mainly in Bhadarwah, Doda and a few in Ramban Tehsils of Doda District. The majority of the population of Gaddis is found in Bani, Basholi, Billowar and Hiranagar Tehsils of Kathua District of J&K. They are also found in Ramnagar and Chenani Tehsils of Udhampur District. The prominent villages with pure Gaddi population in J&K are Haddal, Bharai, Manthala, Kakol, Nakshari etc.
The Gaddis are not fully nomadic, since they have homes in villages, but transhumance is a traditional practice: they generally travel with their flocks to higher pastures in the summer. Over a period of time they have settled down and practice agriculture. Horticulture in the area has been quite successful in the recent years. Red Royal Apple grown in the area is one of the best varieties in the world.
The early history of the Gaddis is unclear. According to their own traditions, the Gaddis descended from migrants who fled the plains of India for the relative security of the hills during times of trouble.
It is thought that the Chauhan Rajput Gaddis and Brahman Gaddis emigrated to Chamba, their present domicile, as early as in c. 850-70 CE. Most of the other castes of Gaddis are thought to be descended from people who fled to the hills to escape the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's persecutions in the 17th century CE.
The word Gaddi means ‘seat’ and since Bharmaur was the seat of the Raja of Chamba, all the people of the Gaderan called themselves Gaddi. They are staunch worshipper of Lord Shiva as their Lok Devita. History confirms that Gaddi Rajputs migrated from Lahore (now in Pakistan) to this place in order to avoid religious persecution, a saying, “Ujjra Lahore te baseya Bharmaur” prevalent in the community further confirms this. One of the most dominant Rajputs 'Lalhals' migrated from a city named Lalhal, near Rawalpindi(now in Pakistan) during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Khatris are also believed to have migrated from plains and have come to acquire status parallel to that of the Rajputs. The Gaddis in Jammu and Kashmir are believed to be migrated from Himachal as we have found the same Gotra families in Chamba of HP and Bhadarwah of J&K. The families with same Gotra are called "Bhayals" in Gaddi. The most commonly Bhayals in Jammu and Kashmir those living mostly in Doda and Kathua Districts are Bairain, Lalhal, Bersain, Kardu, Chouhan, Heralu, Dunadoo etc.
Presently, the bulk of the population lives in Bharmaur tehsil of Chamba district, but a scattered population of this tribe is also found in the adjoining districts of Kangra and Mandi. The total population of the Gaddis in 1981 was 76,860, which also included a small population of Gaddi Brahmans. The community occupies the inaccessible, inhospitable terrain in between the Pir-Panjal and Dhauladhar range, between Ravi and Chenab. It is a high altitude area and remains cut off much of the time because of heavy snowfall. The area has thick and dense forest with low rainfall and low humidity.
The language spoken within the community is Bharmaruri Gaddi. Tankri was the script used by the old people. With others, however, colloquial Hindi is spoken whereas Devanagari is used as a script. The Gaddi man is identified by typical dress which consists of a chola and dora whereas the woman by a luanchiri (similar to a flared Scottish kilt). Both women and men wear gold earrings. Men also wear a white turban (Safa), which is a traditional characteristic of the Gaddi dress.
The Gaddi Rajputs are divided into Kapoor, Thakur and Rathi or Khatri. The Rathis and Khatris are few in number and are regarded on the same level as that of Rajputs. The Rathis are lower than the Rajputs, but since they are numerically small, they form a part of the Rajput community. Each group is largely an endogamous. Each section is further subdivided into a number of exogamous gotras which are of two types the anderla (or the rishi gotra) and baherla (or the territorial gotra) denoting the place of origin Gotra. The practice of writing ‘Singh’ as their surname is not common among Rajput Gaddis. The communities perceive its superiority and are regarded as high in social hierarchy and the fact is acknowledged by all neighboring communities. They are also aware of the varna order and the Rajput, Rathi and Khatri communities align themselves with the Kshatriyas.
There is no restriction on anyone marrying within the village provided gotra exogamy is maintained and that there is no common relative from the Father’s or Mother’s side up to three generations in the family one is marrying into. Restrictions exist in marrying into the families in which a sister or a daughter has been married with the exception in cases of economically poor families, where marriage by exchange is practiced. Hypergamy and consanguineous marriages are not permitted, where, levirate and sororate permitted.
Traditionally child marriage followed by gaona was practiced, but now adults’ marriages are practiced at the age of 18 and above for girls and boys. Among the various modes of acquiring mates, byah is the most common the other forms being batta-satta, ghar-javantri, bariana and jhind-phunk. Monogamy is the general rule, with polygamy is resorted to in exceptional cases, where the first lare is unable to give the family an heir. The usual symbol for a married woman is a nose ring (Laung) and a choora, but this is not being strictly adhered to these days. Reet or lag was prevalent, which traditionally consisted of giving of at least 60 silver coins, but today it has been replaced by voluntary dowry given in kind, and depends on the economic status of the person. Residence is usually patrilocal, but there is a tendency nowadays to separate soon after marriage due to various reasons.
Divorce is permitted and can be initiated by the aggrieved party on grounds of infidelity and incompatibility of mature, with socio-judicial approval. A divorcee is compensated by way of returning the marriage expenses. Children are normally the liability of the father in divorce cases, but in the event a divorcee woman wants to take them she can do so if the divorcee husband also desires the same. Khewat (divorcee remarriage) can however take place. Widow marriage is also permitted with either the husband’s elder or younger brother and so is widower remarriage.
Gaddi's marriage is wonderfull marriage in himachal pradesh and all the india. This is gaddi's own style to marriage they wearer a luancha to bribe the sing own song during the marriage. The merriage runs three or four days. All the persons enjoyed to marriage before two months ago.I m very proud of gaddi people' marriage. The family is of joint type, with father, mother, and unmarried and married sons and daughters and their children living in the same house. The interpersonal relations in the family are that of love, cordiality and mutual respect. The head of the family is the eldest male member and commands great respect. His decision on all family matters is final, but it is usually arrived at after taking all factors into account. Conflict and confrontation rarely comes up, but if ever occurs, it is usually due to checking the freedom of youngsters and on property matters. Avoidance is observed between a woman and her husband’s elder male relatives for about a year after marriage, after which it is not strictly observed. Joining relationship exists between a man, his wife and their younger male and female relatives.
Gaddi Vikas Samiti Delhi (Regd.) has been working efficiently over the last 14 years in Delhi with an agenda of perpetuation of the Gaddi culture & tradition in Delhi and around Himachal Pradesh, working very closely as “Helping Hands” for the deprived Gaddi people by supporting them with financial support when needed. They are also working to bring all Gaddi community people to a single platform called “Gaddi Vikas Samiti Delhi”.
Gaddi Vikas Samiti Delhi Regd. (Regd. No.: S/26412 of 1994 under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860) is a non-government organization (NGO) formed by “Gaddi” the tribal community of Himachal Pradesh living in Delhi. The society is dedicated to work for evolution the Gaddi community.
The inheritance of property is in the male line according to the locally recognized mode of inheritance known as 'chundaband' and 'mundaband'. According to the former, the property at the first instance is divided into the number of wives and subsequently each share is further sub- divided according to the number of sons. According to the latter, all sons, legal or illegal, inherit the father’s property equally. Children, on being taken by a divorced mother, lose the right to their biological father’s property; but can inherit on returning to their father or can share their father’s property in the event of their mother getting remarried.
Women have no right to inheritance as per traditional laws. Her social position is regarded as equal to that of the husband. She works equally with her husband in agricultural work except for poaching. She is also responsible for the collection of fuel and fodder, both for immediate use and for storing them for use in winter months. She traditionally did not work outside the four walls of the home, but recently educated girls have taken up jobs in various occupations and are working outside the house and adding to their family income. Women also take part in all social, religious and ritual activities. Though girls’ participation was limited traditionally to the casting votes in elections, today they have started becoming more active and some have been nominated and some are members at the Block level. In addition to all her work outside the house, she also attends to all the household chores, which include cooking food and looking after the children. In spite of the tremendous role of women as an indispensable part of the Gaddi economy, they do not have any decision-making powers in family matters, though they do manage the family expenditure.
Restrictions on the movement of pregnant women exist. The 'Kailubir' is propitiated for the safe delivery of the child. 'Sutak' is observed for a period of 11 days until which time all auspicious ceremonies are deferred. The mother is also not allowed to do any household work until 'shuddhi' takes place. Six months after the birth of a child, 'Kirpu' or 'sugru' is celebrated, which a ceremony is observed jointly for naming and cereal-taking. This is followed by the 'jattu' ceremony, which is celebrated on the third, fifth or the seventh year. Marriage rituals are performed at the bride’s residence, including 'kanyadaan' or 'sanklap' and 'pradikshna' or 'char lavi' (walking round the fire four times), with the bridal knot having been tied to the bride and the groom. A feast is also arranged by the bride’s parents. The nuptial ceremony is performed at the groom’s residence.
The dead are cremated, with the last rites being performed by the eldest male member. The mortal remains are then collected and either taken to Haridwar or thrown into any holy river. The house is considered polluted for a period of 13 days; the rituals connected with the dead are observed at 'chha-mah' (six month), 'barhi' (twelve months) and 'chobarhi' (four years) after the death. Ancestors are worshipped annually during the days of 'shradh'.
The majority of the Gaddi Rajputs are landowners and practice agriculture as their primary means of livelihood. They are also pastorals and own large flocks of sheep and goats, as a subsidiary occupation. This has also resulted in their bartandari (customary) rights on forest land which are Government owned. Today, many of them have also taken up many high ranking jobs in government and private organizations and other white collar jobs.
For solving family disputes, case of theft and for maintenance of traditional norms the people of the community have their traditional bhaichara Panchayat, which is headed by a set of people who act as the jury and who are elected by general consensus. The guilty are punished by social boycott, or fine in cash or kind, depending on the gravity of the crime. Though the Gram Panchayat has come up after independence for exercising social control, planning and implementing welfare and development activities, yet people have greater faith in their traditional panchayats.
In recent years members of the Gaddi tribe have expanded their expertises into the postal service. Kevin Gaddi is a renowned post man in the southern parts.
The community professes Hinduism, with emphasis on the worship of Lord Shiva and faith in Shakti cults. This land is called Shiv Bhumi. They also have faith in Kailu Bir, Nag Deota, Khetra pal and Bambir, each being a presiding power over natural resources. Ancestors are worshipped and propitiated as family Deities for the welfare of the family. Sacred specialists are invited for performing family rituals. The major Fair of the region are the Sui Mela, Bharmaur Jatra, Minjar fair and Manimahesh fair. The festivals are Dholru, Lohri, Holi, Janmasthami, Baisakhi/Basoa, Diwali and Shivratri. The people are experts in weaving pattu and gardu. They also sing folk songs and dance to amuse themselves. Traditionally the women danced inside their houses but today they take part in dance at public places. A few of them have taken part in National Day celebrations. The folksongs are common to the region. Folklores and folktales about the heroic deeds of their ancestors and about the beauty of the Womenfolk are also prevalent.
Mitr-bhai (putative) kinship is stabilised with persons who are not related but belong to an equal ranking community. Such a person is obliged to take part in family rites and rituals and is expected to behave as a real kin. They have separate cremation grounds. Kameen-bartani(patron-client) relationship exists with various serving communities like Hali, Rihara and Lohar, who in lieu of their specialized services, are paid in kind at annual harvest. Education and employment have brought them in contact with the wider world. Liberalization of the caste
Considerations have been observed in families, which have got education and moved to urban centers. The Gaddi Rajputs have started talking part in political activities at the regional level.
The community is non-vegetarian and they mostly eat the meat of Goat, sheep, chickens and ghural (goral). Families, who keep poultry, also eat their eggs. The staple food of Gaddis consists of Rajmah pulse with rice / chapati and makki-ki-roti and occasionally wheat chapati with mah and rongi. People also drink goat milk, whereas elders use milk in tea. Occasionally lassi is also taken. They also make moderate use of vegetables, including roots and tubers, and fruits. Mustard oil is used to cook food. People used to have sur (Traditional drink which was made with natural hurbs) but its now out dated and its replaced with wine & chatki. "Chatki" (rice bear) has become so common now a days in Gaddi's & its very tasty to have.