Dr. Javaid Rahi
Gojri-the language of Gujjars and Bakerwals has been popular with many alternate names like Bakerwali, Gurjari, Gujari, Gujjar Zaban, Gujjar Bhakha/Bhasha and others.
The main dialects of this tribal language are the Allaiwali, Kunhari, Kashmiri-Gojri, Sowati -Gojri, Kaghani Gojri, Muqami Gojri , Kangra gi Gojri, Chamba ki Gojri, Banhari-Gojri and others.
Gojri speakers are mainly found in Indian States like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Delhi, Haryana, Utter Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab and others. Besides, it has speakers in all provinces of Pakistan, Tribal Area on Pak-Afghan Border and in Aghanistan.
If we go by the historic references, the Gojri language has emerged as one of the oldest and significant languages of the South Asian Sub-Continent, having millions of native speakers in many parts of the world.
History reveals that Urdu, Gujarati , Rajsthani and Haryanvi too have evolved from Gojri among other dialects. In earlier days, Gojri was known as Gujjar bhakha and Gurjar Apabhramsha lately. It was used as literary language as early as 12th century in Dakkan and adjoining states. The poet Bhoja referred to Gaurjar Apabhramsha (Gurjar Apabhramsha) in 1014 AD.
According to various census reports compiled by a number of Government and non-Government Organizations, the Gojri language is first language of millions of people residing in three main countries of South Asia i.e. India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Majority of speakers of this language lives in Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Gojri language has a strong case for its inclusion into the 8th Schedule of Constitution of India on the basis of its importance, merit and vivacity. The language is already been included in the 6th Schedule of Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir.
In J&K state the other groups who speak Gojri as first or second language are Muslim Jaats, Pakhtoons, Chopan, all Poonch- Rajouri, Uri -Karnah people, Besides those communities speaking who reside alongside Gujjars and Bakerwals including Kashmiri and Dogri speakers mainly in areas like Udhampur, Raisi, Ramban, Kishtwar, Ganderbal, Annantnag, Baramulla, and Kupwara, area of J&K.
Classical Literature:- According to historic works the Gojri remained common language in north-western belt of India from 6th to 17th Century A.D. Several saints of the time used Gojri to spread their message of peace among masses. They were Saint Noor-ud-Din – Sat Guru (1094 A.D.), Amir Shah Meranji (1194 A.D.), Shah Bajan (1397-1508 A.D.), Gazi Mahmood Daryai (1409-1545 A.D.), Ali Jevan Gam Dhani (1565 A.D.), Burhan-ud-Din Janam (1572 A.D.), Khoob Mohammad Chesti (1539-1614 A.D.), Adil Shah Sani Jagat Guru (1411 A.D.), Kutub Shah (1556-1611 A.D.), Moulana Afzal Panipati (1657 A.D.), Meeraji Hashmi (1688 A.D.) and others.
According to various historical works the above saints used Gojri These poets and saints are known all over Sub-Continent for their unique message of brotherhood and peace.
As it continued to be significant language in the Sub-Continent the Gojri has remained in practice for more than 10 Centuries now.
Folklore and Oral Traditions: Gojri has a strong tradition of a folk and oral-lore which includes folk songs, folk ballad, folk tales proverbs, children literature etc. The folk-lore remained in practice in Gojri for centuries together. Taja, Noora, Meerian Dhandi, Bharisyoe, Noor Beguma, Munshi (Qanchi) were the top ballad of bravery and valour of Gujjars sung by different musicians/folk singers of the time. They are still popular in younger generation of tribal community. From 17th to 20th Century the folk-lore remained main source of their expressions.
Modern literature:- The moment for renaissance of Gojri started in early decades of 19th Century A.D. During last more than one hundred years a number of books were published in Gojri. The topics of these books are Spirituality, Art, Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Modern Literature, Flora-fauna, Medicines, History, Geography, Social aspects, Cultural Ethos and other different subjects.
Sufficient literature is available in Gojri Language as on date which helps in introducing this language at National level by including it in Constitution of India.
Translations:- To enrich its literature and other aspects a number of rare books are rendered in Gojri from Arabic , English, Persian, Urdu and other languages. Some of the important books now available in Gojri includes Masnavi Moulana Rum all the volumes, Rubiyat e Umar Khayam, Gulistan e Sadi, Bostan e Sadi, Plays of Shakespeare, Gandhiji’s Autobiography, Neelmat Purana , Haqayat-e- Rumi, Qisa Chahar Darvesh and others.
Institutions Working for Development of Gojri Language:- A number of Government and Non Government organizations/Institutions are working for the development of Gojri language and literature. The Government sponsored organizations includes Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Sahitya Academy-Academy of literature, New Delhi, Radio Kashmir, Jammu/Srinagar, Doordarshan-Kendras , J&K State Board of School Education. A number of non-governmental Organizations including Gurjardesh Charitable Trust, Jammu, Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, Bazam-e-Adab Gojri J&K, Bhartiya Gurjar Parished, New Delhi, Adbi Sangat Wangat, Kashmir, Anjuman Gojri Zuban Adab Kashmir, Gojri Adbi Majlis, Rajouri and others.
Research, Literature and Communication
* Internationally noted Linguistic Researcher Sir G. A. Gareirson while analyzing various languages of India has written a full volume on Gojri Language. In his work Sir has accepted and outlined universal influence of Gojri and its impact on other Indian Languages.
* The Oxford University U.K had compiled (By T. Graham Bialy) first ever Grammar of Gojri Language in 1905.
* The Linguistic Survey of India has surveyed the various aspects of Gojri Language and its influence on other languages. In its research project, the Linguistic Survey of India has described Gojri as one of the main languages Instrumental in developing and flourishing other Languages.
* The Central Institute of Indian Language Mysore under Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India has been publishing various books on Linguistic aspect of Gojri languages since 1970.
* The National Academy of Letters, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi has also recognized Gojri as one of the major Indian Languages for its prestigious National Award that is Bhasha Samman and other programmes.
* The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages has a well established Gojri Section in its Central Office which is in operation since 1978. Hundreds of books, dictionaries and other research works have been performed and published by the Academy for the development of Gojri Language.
* The Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education has introduced Gojri up to middle standard in Government Schools.
* The University of Jammu, Kashmir University, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University have awarded several Doctorate Degrees on completing research projects on Gojri.
* The Unversity of Jammu likely to open Gojri Research Centre in Poonch camps
The language deserves better treatment for its all round development. Inclusion of Gojri in the language schedule of constitution of India.
Gojri is the source language of many Indian languages which been already included in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitution. These languages include Gujrati and Urdu as well. The Gujjars-main speakers of this ancient languages have been projecting this demand for half a Century.
J&K Government has recommended its inclusion several times. A number of delegations met Prime Minister, Home Minister , J&K Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries from time to time. The Gojri is waiting with 38 other languages for its inclusion in constitution of India. Gojri fulfills all the criteria lay down by Home Ministry of India.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel