Lalit Gupta
In a scenario, where there is
a dearth of books on
history and culture of different sub-regions of Jammu division, the book
titled ‘Pancheri Samaj aur Sanskriti (Pancheri-Society and Culture),
is certainly a welcome micro study
of the backward and remote hilly
pocket of Pancheri, in Udhampur
district of J&K.
Located at the back of Trikuta range of the Shivaliks, the picturesque Pancheri, roughly measuring 45 kilometers in length and 30 kilometers in width, is marked by numerous small valleys formed by number of tributaries of rivers Chenab and Anji, which transverse it.
Divided into 38 villages, inhabited by more than 30 communities, ethnic and tribal groups, Pancheri has remained largely untouched by outside influences. With the result, the culture of Pancheri is unique in terms of the continuing socio-cultural practices, many of which survive only as racial memories from the distant past.
‘Pancheri Samaj aur Sanskriti, one of the latest books by Shiv Nirmohi, penned down after grueling field work, is divided into nine chapters. The opening chapter gives the geographical description of the picturesque area of Pancheri, the surrounding hills, the streams which pass through it, flora and fauna and the climate.
The second chapter, a detailed account of native ethnic and tribal groups and communities, is followed by the chapter on historical background of Pancheri. The next chapter paints a picture of the life-style of inhabitants with reference to architecture, layout of the interiors, artifacts and implements, costumes, cuisine, occupations, games and traditional means of entertainment, villages’ profiles and their population, folk festivals, fairs and Jatars, beliefs and practices, shamanism and superstitions.
Next chapter focuses upon the customs and rituals. It is followed by the chapter on folk deities and associated sacred places. Chapter seven details the dialects and oral art forms. The eighth chapter enumerates the spots of historical and religious importance of Bhamag, Gehilot and Landar area, while the last chapter gives a brief description of arts and list of a few renowned literary personalities of Pancheri.
Shiv Nirmohi, the celebrated Dogra scholar and writer, has already written more than 35 books on various socio-cultural and religious aspects, socio-cultural and religious beliefs and practices of the different ethnic groups and communities of Duggar. He continues his mission by taking up studies of sub-regions of Jammu as ready references for the benefit of students, scholars and laypersons.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
