Beyond nomadism: media, modernity and the Gujjar tribe in Himachal Pradesh India
SURESH KUMAR is s R s srnh snholsr, d psrto iat oI Jomriasliso siad dr stiv Writiiag, d iatrsl Uiaiv rsity oI Hiosnhsl Prsd sh. eosil: sksmr sh446@gosil.noo M. RABINDRANATH is assonist ProI ssor siad H sd oI d psrto iat oI Jomriasliso siad dr stiv Writiiag, d iatrsl Uiaiv rsity oI Hiosnhsl Prsd sh. The 21st century has witnessed the incorporation and pervasion of technology in the daily life of every Indian citizen. Several studies have been conducted on the impact of media and technology on people's lifestyles. But only people with high media exposure and who are to a great extent media literate are usually included in such research. There is a wide scope for research on communities who are marginalized and not much acquainted with media culture. We have tried to study media culture among people who are marginalized and belonging to Scheduled Tribes, specifically the Gujjar tribe. Gujjar is one of the dominant tribes in Himachal Pradesh and one of the largest pastoral communities of India. The Gujjar community mainly resides in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra. It may be pronounced Gujjar, Gurjara, Gujar, and Goojar, but these names represent the same community. The Gujjar tribal population in Himachal Pradesh is scattered throughout the state. According to the Census 2011, Himachal Pradesh has a population of 6,864,602. The total tribal population is 392,126, out of which 92,547 are Gujjars. Out of this population, 47,576 are male and 44,971 are female. Hindu Gujjars are found mostly in Mandi, Kangra, Sirmaur, Solan, Bilaspur, and Una districts of Himachal Pradesh, while Muslim Gujjars are scattered in Chamba, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, and Una districts of Himachal Pradesh. Gujjars of Chamba and Kangra are mostly nomadic; while those in other parts of Himachal are semi nomadic or permanent settlers. Gujjars have kept their traditional profession alive. They rear animals for their domestic and commercial activities, including buffalos, goats, and sheep. In summer, they migrate to the upper Himalayas along with their cattle; in winter, they walk down to plains, which makes their lives extremely arduous. Selling ghee and milk is the chief source of their income. Despite their nomadic and transhumant life, they have their own traditions and unique lifestyle. Known as a strong and courageous community, Gujjars ruled for centuries over large parts of India. But with the passage of time, they became unfortunate victims of intrigues and were plunged into the inhuman circle of poverty and illiteracy.