Gujjar-Bakarwals of Rajouri

Dr Javaid Rahi

javaidrahi@gmail.com

When Rajouri emerged as a separate district from Poonch in 1968, it was a moment of great jubilation for the people of Rajouri. The creation of a new administrative unit for them was viewed as an important milestone in the socio- political and developmental history of the region. However, despite nearly six decades of administrative separation, Rajouri and Poonch continue to share a common socio-cultural identity. The two districts are often collectively referred to as the "Twin Border Districts" owing to their shared history, geography, and strategic location along the Line of Control.

Ethnically, Rajouri district is home to a remarkable diversity of castes, clans, tribes, and communities. Broadly speaking, two major social identities are visible in the district, the Gujjars and the Pahari-speaking people. The Gujjars, along with the Bakarwals who declared Scheduled Tribe in 1991, are recognized as a community sharing a common ancestry, cultural traditions, and the Gojri language.

On the other hand, the Pahari-speaking who are also listed as Scheduled Tribe in 2024 , represents a broader linguistic and cultural identity that encompasses numerous Muslim castes and clans, including Rajputs, Kashmiris, Mughals, Pathans, Qureshis, Maliks, Maliars, Ghakhars, Khokhars, Syeds, Qazis, and many others. The term "Pahari-speaking people" is not restricted to any particular religion and also includes Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and Jains who speak Pahari languages in the district.

According to the Census of India 2011, the demographic composition of Rajouri reflects this social diversity. Gujjars including Bakarwals constitute approximately 37 percent of the district's population, making them a single and distinct caste in the district (Though the community claim that a large portion of population of Gujjar-Bakarwal remained uncounted as they were in upper reaches when census 2011 held). While Pahari-speaking communities collectively account for about 55.4 percent of the population -a largest linguistic identity with Kashmiri speakers constitute around 2.22 percent, Dogri speakers account for approximately 1.69 percent.

The religious composition of the district further highlights its pluralistic character. As per the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute about 62 percent of the population, Hindus approximately 36 percent, while Sikhs and other religious minorities together account for the remaining 2 percent. Based on these demographic figures, Gujjars constitute a 60 percent proportion of the district's Muslim population and represent the largest single tribal community in Rajouri, as per census report 2011.

The Gujjar-Bakarwal community of Rajouri has a rich spiritual and religious tradition deeply influenced by Sufi saints. Among the most revered figures is Mian Abdullah Larvi, popularly known as Babaji Sahib (RA), whose teachings and spiritual legacy continue to have a profound influence on the community. Another highly respected saint is Sain Ganji (RA), who enjoys immense popularity among Gujjars across the Rajouri district. The community also pays deep reverence to Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (RA), whose shrine at Shahdra Sharief near Thanamandi in Rajouri attracts thousands of devotees from Gujjar-Bakarwal community every year. Besides these prominent shrines, almost every Gujjar locality has its own local saints, sacred places, shrines, and sites where people perform rituals, offer prayers, seek blessings, and observe traditional religious practices. These institutions play an important role in preserving the community's cultural heritage, social cohesion, and spiritual identity.

Rajouri has produced a remarkable number of Gujjar writers, Gojri poets, and artists who have made immense contributions to the history, literature, and culture of the community. Ch. Israel Asar was the first writer from the area to receive the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award, the National Academy of Letters Award, in 2002 for his outstanding contribution to Gojri poetry and prose.The Bait poetry of Ismail Zabi Rajouri remains immensely popular among the Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir. Such is its influence that even many illiterate community members can recite large portions of his poetry from memory. Ismail Mehjoor Rajouri enriched Gojri literature through his acclaimed collection Naghm-e-Kohsar. Rana Fazal Hussain, one of the most celebrated Gojri poets, has contributed eleven poetry collections to the language.

Iqbal Azeem, another legendary Gojri poet born in Kalakote, Rajouri, occupies a distinguished place in Gojri literature, and his contribution will be remembered for generations. Ch. Nazir Ahmed Nazir, the renowned humorous poet from Kalakote, Manzoor Gulshan and Qasim Shameem have also rendered valuable services to the development of Gojri language and literature.

In recent times, Prof. M. K. Waqar and M. Mansha Khaki have emerged as prominent literary figures. The contribution of M. Mansha Khaki received national recognition when it was appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his radio programme Mann Ki Baat. Other notable writers and poets from the district include Rafiq Soz, Yaeen Naz, Tariq Fahim . Shokat Naseem, Liaqat Chowdhary, Dr. Rafiq Anjum, Hassan Parwaz (J&K Government Awardee), Munshi Khan Chowdhary, Anwar Hussain, Ahmed Shanas, Shazia Chowdhary , Sadaqat Bajran and Mehmood Chouhan. Along with hundreds of other literary personalities, they continue to strengthen and promote the Gojri language and its rich cultural heritage in Rajouri district.

Rajouri has produced many prominent Gujjar community leaders who have played significant roles in the political and social development of Jammu and Kashmir. Among them are Chaudhary Dewan Ali Khatana, Chaudhary Mohammad Hussain Dhakar (former Minister), Chaudhary Talib Hussain (former Minister and Member of Parliament), Chaudhary Gulzar Khatana (former MLC), Chaudhary Qamar Hussain (former MLA), Ch. Naseem Liaqat former Chairman District Development Council Rajouri, Chowdhary Liaqat Ali Advocate prominent community leader, Chaudhary Zulfikar Ali (former Minister), and Chaudhary Javed Iqbal (MLA). Their contributions have strengthened the political representation and socio-economic advancement of the Gujjar community in the region.

Rajouri also occupies an important place in the history of organized Gujjar movements. In 1931, the Gujjar-Jat Conference was established under the leadership of Mian Nizam-ud-Din Larvi (RA). The first conference of the organization was held in Rajouri in 1932 and was attended by eminent Gujjar leaders, including Ghulam Hussain Lassanvi, popularly known as "Gujjar Gandhi," Wazir Mohammad Hakla, and several other community representatives. The conference laid the foundation for socio-political awareness and collective organization among the Gujjars of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rajouri has also produced several distinguished civil servants, social reformers, and journalists who have emerged as inspirations for the community. Prominent among them are Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, Seerat Baji, Mohd. Mumtaz Choudhary, and Shehnaz Choudhary JKAS. Renowned author and journalist Zaffar Choudhary, whose contributions have received national and international recognition, was also born and brought up in Rajouri.

The Gujjar-Bakarwal community, owing to its pastoral way of life, continues to make a significant contribution to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Rajouri district witnesses one of the largest seasonal tribal migrations in the region. Twice every year, thousands of Gujjar and Bakarwal families, along with their sheep, goats, buffaloes, horses, and other livestock, migrate between the plains and the alpine pastures. A substantial section of this population moves towards the upper reaches and into the Kashmir Valley through traditional migratory routes crossing the Pir Panjal range. The major passes used for this biannual migration include Jamiyan Gali, Noorpur Pass, Darhal Pass (Nanaansar Gali), Rupari Pass, Budhal Pass, Konsar Nag Pass, and Zoji Marg Pass. These traditional routes have been used for centuries and remain vital to the pastoral economy and cultural heritage of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community.

The Gujjars of Rajouri are traditionally known for their agropastoral economy and contribute significantly to the local rural economy. Besides agriculture and livestock rearing, they produce a variety of dairy products, including ghee, butter, milk, curd, and the famous Kaladi, which is widely consumed across the region. A large section of the community continues to engage in agro-pastoral activities, combining farming with animal husbandry.

The community also utilizes forest resources for the preparation of various household and commercial products. Among these, Pine (Cheed) Art products are particularly noteworthy and reflect the traditional skills of local artisans. Gujjars are also known for producing a range of traditional arts and crafts, including Gujjar caps, kurtis, nada (woven cords), beadwork, embroidery, and several handmade items of daily use.

Similarly, the Bakarwals possess a rich tradition of wool-based handicrafts. Bakarwal women skillfully prepare namdas (felt rugs), chaths (traditional woolen coverings), caps, sheets, blankets, and various other utility items from sheep wool and goat hair. These traditional crafts not only fulfill domestic needs but also represent an important aspect of the cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge system of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community of Rajouri.

The Gujjar and Bakarwal community of Rajouri District has made significant contributions to the social, cultural, economic, educational, and political development of the region. Over the years, members of the community have achieved notable progress in diverse fields, including public administration, education, literature, entrepreneurship, and public service. Their rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge continue to enrich the multicultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.

Owing to their presence in remote and border areas, the Gujjars and Bakarwals have also played an important role in safeguarding national interests. Their familiarity with difficult terrain and their cooperation with security agencies have often contributed to maintaining peace and security in border regions. The community has demonstrated patriotism, resilience, and a strong commitment to the nation, while actively participating in its developmental journey.