Uttarakhand Bhotiya
Encyclopedia
Uttarakhand Bhotiya
are an ethno-linguistic group of people resided in the upper Himalayan valleys of the Kumaon
and Garhwal
of Uttarakhand
Himalayas
. These include the Shaukas of Kumaon
and Tolchhas and Marchhas of Garhwal
. Their name, Bhotiya, derives from the word Bod (བོད་), which is the Classical Tibetan
name for Tibet. Those living in Uttarakhand
are generally referred to as Bhotiya, although they are sometimes also referred to as Bhutia; Bhutia
more commonly means the related people of Sikkim
. The Indian constitution recognises them as Bhotiya which actually is incorrect.
The Bhotiya speak Almora
and other languages belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family, although their dialects are mutually unintelligible to the Kumaoni
s and Tibetans. Owing to social process of Sanskrit
ization, many of them have intermarried with the Hindus over the years. Most of the Bhotiya practice a combination of Tibetan Buddhism
, Bön and Hinduism
, although Hinduism is prevalent among the earlier semi-Indian groups, while Buddhism is prevalent among the recent immigrant groups of purer Tibetan origin, such as the Jadh.
Hindu gods such as the weather God Gabla, Runiya and Suniya, are worshiped to protect their animals from disease. Sidhuwa and Bidhuwa are worshiped as well to find lost animals.
laden with Indian goods when the snow melted. In trading centers, they bartered their goods for local Tibetan merchandise (e.g., wool and salt), to be resold in local markets in India. The merchants would return to Indian just before the start of the winter season in October. Since the Indo-Tibetan border was closed in 1962, the Bhotiya tribes generally adopt semi-agrarian and semi-nomadic lifestyles. Limited trading links were reopened in 1992.
, further consist of several sub-groups, residing in two different river valleys. Joharis live along the Goriganga river valley in Munsiyari Tehsil of Pithoragarh district, while the Rungs live along the Mahakali river valley in Dharchula teshil and Darchula district of Nepal.
where Uttarakhand of India, Ali district of western Tibet and Darchula district of Nepal
meet. Byans (or 'Byangkho'in 'Rung') consists of seven villages (Kuti, Rongkang, Nabi, Gunji, Napalchyo, Garbyang, Budi) in India and two villages (Chhangru and Tinkar) in Nepal. Three more villages in Nepal, Setaula(Syangkang), Dumlin and Rapla(Rapang) come under Rung ethnic group, though not considered Byansis, Darmaanis or Chaudasis.
Their religion leans towards Bön-Animism, with influences from Tibetan Buddhism
and Hinduism
. Each clan, of which there are many in each village, has its own clan god(s). Ancestral worship ('simi thuma') is a very important part of Byansi religion.
Their language falls under Tibeto-Burman group. Three distinct dialects are spoken in Byans region -- Byangkhu lo, Kutpa lo and Tinkar lo.
of Dhauliganga, a tributary of Mahakali river. Along with the Byangkhupas and Bangbanis, they form the three subgroups of Rung. They speak 'Darma lo', which is markedly different from 'Byankho lo' or 'Banga lo', and is considered by many to be the original Rung language. Main villages include Sela, Chal, Soan, Seepu, Bon, Dugtu, Daatu, Nangling, Marchha, Bongling, Gow, Dakar, Filam, Tidang, Baling, Durr.
Johar
The Shauka living in the Johar valley of Goriganga river in Munsyari Tehsil of the Pithoragarh district
are also known as Johari or Johari Shauka. They are one of the few Bhotiya tribes that shows a rich cultural heritage and adhere to the caste system. Shaukas are the followers of Hinduism, and rely on the Hindu Brahmins to conduct religious ceremonies. Their main deity is Goddess Nanda Devi in Martoli and Milam.
The legend of Rajuli - Malusahi relates to Rajuli, daughter of Sunpati Shauka (A local lord/king of Johar) and Malusahi, son of the Katyuri Kings
of Bageshwar
. The famous explorers Pundit Nain Singh Rawat (C.I.E.) and Rai Bahadur Kisan Singh Rawat belongs to the Johar valley.
district in Kumaon
, and as well as parts of extreme north-west Nepal
. They are also known as Rung and speak a distinct Tibeto-Burman dialect [called as RungLo], which is barely intelligible with Magar
. According to legend, they are of Tibetan and Kiranti origin.
The Shauka have their own scripts, which is now extinct. According to anthropologists, portions of it dating back to the 12th century can be found in the caves of the mountains.
Influenced by and practicing Tibetan Buddhist, Bön and Hindu
religions together, the Shauka are one of the few Bhotiya tribes that shows a rich cultural heritage. Many have adopted a modern lifestyle and are slowly moving out to the more developed areas, however, they also maintain traditional cultural practices and rituals. The Shauka rely on Lamas(priests) to conduct ceremonies and rituals and celebrate Hindu festivals and worship Animist Gods such as Gabladev in Darma, Chaudans and Byans. Another Bön deity, especially in Rolpa, Ramjung is also worshiped. Holy Flags normally of white[red, yellow are used seldom] in color are used during Festivals [pujan] which are hung around the House. These are also used as offering to Deities while on a Journey.
The traditional dress of the Shauka is known as Chyung-bala, which reflects little Tibetan or local influences, but their skills in weaving, spinning and natural dyeing. Major festivals such as Dhhyoula and Kangdali are celebrated, although minor festivals such as Syangthanga-pujan, Syeemi-thhankho (forefathers pujan), Maati (Soil) pooja, and Nabu Samo and the annual Kanda-Utsav are also celebrated. Another fair which celebrates the success of their trade, the Jauljibi and Thal is celebrated, because the Shauka are also reported to have conducted trade between Taklakot in Tibet and Darchula, and to a lesser extent, the Tharu people in the Terai.
The legend of the Kandali Festival
comes a folklore, which tells of a boy who died upon applying the paste of the root from a shrub known as Kang-Dali on his boil. Enraged, his widowed mother cursed the shrub and ordered the Shauka women to pull up the root of the Kang-Dali plant off its ground upon reaching its full bloom, which happens once in twelve years. According to another story, the Kangdali festival is to commemorate the brave women who repelled the enemy while their husbands were away. Hiding in the Kandali bushes, they attacked the bushes, which subsequently destroyed the enemy.
Since then, a victory dance is performed every twelve years upon the decimation this shrub in its blooming period. The women with lead the procession, each armed with a ril, a tool which was used in compacting carpet on the loom. The children and men armed with swords and shields would follow closely behind. As they sing and dance, their music echoes in the valley, and upon approaching the blooms, warlike tunes are played and war cries are uttered. The women, fierce as they were, attacked the bushes with their rils. The menfolk will follow up and the bushes are hacked with swords, who will uproot the bushes and take them back, as the spoils of the war. In turn, victory cries are raised and rice grains are again cast towards the sky to honour the deities with the prayer that the people of Chaundas Valley may be ever victorious over enemies. After the victory dance and the extermination of the shrub, the festival is concluded with a feast.
region of Uttarakhand
, most Jadh can be found in the villages of Nelang and Jadhang between Himachal Pradesh
and Uttarakhand
, who were both situated at an elevation of 3,400m in the Bhagirathi valley. These towns are only as near as thirty miles from the Tibetan border, and a small number have relocated to Harsil
. Their language resembles closely to Tibetan.
Originally traders, the Jadh lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle and maintained social ties with the neighbouring Kinnauries, Jaunsaries and Tibetans. Closure of the trading routes in 1962 led modern Jadhs to take up agarian lifestyles instead for living.
Today, the Jadh graze their sheep and goats in the Upper Jahnvi Valley during the warm summer months, when the alpine vegetation is in full bloom. Upon the coming of autumn, they move down to the lower hills, reaching the temperate forests bordering Rishikesh by October. As of today, each Jadh family could own as many as 200 to 400 animals, principally yak
herds. The number of livestock owned by them is a measure of their wealth and economic condition.
The Jadh used to migrate from these high altitude villages in winter in the past with their entire families. In modern days, some families and a few shopkeepers have decided to stay back in Dunda, which is not far removed from their native homeland, while the rest of them move to the forests around Rishikesh. Upon the coming of spring, the Jadh will return to their homeland.
Most Jadh women wear their hair in a turban or a plait, owing to its cold weather. They wear a costume which resembles a cross between the Tibetan and Garwhali styles. The men, on the other hand, will wear the nomadic Tibetan clothing.
The Jadh are followers of Tibetan Buddhism
and to a lesser extent, Bön, although minimal Hindu influence can be seen. Adhering to the caste system loosely, the Jadh classify themselves as Rajput. Buddhist Lamas are employed to conduct religious ceremonies and medical treatment.
language, their facial features suggest some intermarriage with the Indians. Because they originally migrated from Tibet
, the Marcha follow Hinduism
. Unlike the other Bhotiya groups, they worship in Hindu temples, and rely on the Hindu Brahmins to conduct religious ceremonies. Doctors, known as Vaidyas, are employed to treat patients.
Traditionally, most Marcha were nomadic shepherds and herders. Typically the men work as shepherds rearing sheep and goats, while the women stay in the villages tending the fields. Crops grown in these high mountain areas include rajma (beans), aloo (potatoes), mutter (peas) as well as several different varieties of grains. These animals graze on the rich alpine pastures in the summer, and move to lower altitudes in the winter. The herders sell wool, meat, and milk to earn a living.
These people are also known as RONGPAs
Rongpas are the people of Tibet, migrated to other parts of India and Bhutan after the 15th century. They migrated through the different passes ("La") in the Himalayas like “Niti La” and "Mana La" which are located in the region of Chamoli, Uttarakhand.
The Rongpas are a group of people living in the trans-Himalayan regions of India - Tibet border. The community name “Rongpa”, derives from the word "Rung", which means valley and "Pa" means inhabitants. Those living in Chamoli, Uttarakhand are generally referred to as Rongpa (includes both Marchas and Tolchas).
Rongpas of Niti and Mana valley (Chamoli, Uttarakhand) are also known as Bhotia. Rongpas practice pure Hindu Culture. Including some Tibetan Gods, all Hindu gods are worshiped. to protect their families. Marchha, Tolchha and Marmacha are common sub-groups of Rongpa community.
The Marchha and Tolchha sub-groups live in the Niti valley and Marmacha live in the Mana valley. Dialect related to Marchha and Marmacha group is somewhat similar to Tibaten dialect. Whereas Tolchha has a different dialect.
Traditionally, Rongpas were traders, farmers, weavers, shepherds and herders. Before 1962, when Indo-Tibetan Border got closed , Rongpas used to trade with Tibet through the Mana and Niti passes, which are at an elevation of 5,800m. In trading centers, they bartered their goods for local Tibetan merchandise to be resold in local markets in India. Large numbers of caravans of mules, yaks, sheep were traded. Ghee, Salt, Beans (Rajma), P otatoes, Peas Gains etc. were other main items for trading. The herders sell wool, meat, and milk to earn a living.
The trading period was limited for four to five month when the snow get melted. The traders would return to India just before the start of the winter season in October. Then all people vacate their villages from the valleys before snow fall and relocate them in lower altitudes where they stay till the summer starts. Animals graze on the rich alpine pastures in the summer, and move to lower altitudes in the winter.
Women stay in the villages weaving woolen cloths and tending the fields. Crops grown in these valleys include beans (Rajma), potatoes, different spices, Peas as well as several different varieties of grains.
Generally Rongpas have two residing places, one in Niti and Mana valleys for Summer and other in lower ranges of Himalayas for Winter.Rongpas practice a unique custom, rituals and traditions.
. Despite the fact that they are of Tibetan origin, Indian intermarriage over the centuries have made the Tolcha tribe resembling much more closely to the Indian Jaunsari than the Tibetans.
Bhotiya
The Bhotiya are groups of ethno-linguistically Tibetan people living in the trans-Himalayan region that divides India from the People's Republic of China, and were originally a hill tribe. Their name, Bhotiya, derives from the word Bod , which is the Classical Tibetan name for Tibet...
are an ethno-linguistic group of people resided in the upper Himalayan valleys of the Kumaon
Kumaon Division
For Kumaoni/Kumauni People see Kumauni PeopleKumaon or Kumaun is one of the two regions and administrative divisions of Uttarakhand, a mountainous state of northern India, the other being Garhwal. It includes the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar...
and Garhwal
Garhwal Division
Garhwal is the north-western region and administrative division of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand which is home to the Garhwali people. Lying in the Himalayas, It is bounded on the north by Tibet, on the east by Kumaon region, on the south by Uttar Pradesh state, and on the north-west by...
of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand , formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy Hindu temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship...
Himalayas
Himalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
. These include the Shaukas of Kumaon
Kumaon Division
For Kumaoni/Kumauni People see Kumauni PeopleKumaon or Kumaun is one of the two regions and administrative divisions of Uttarakhand, a mountainous state of northern India, the other being Garhwal. It includes the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar...
and Tolchhas and Marchhas of Garhwal
Garhwal Division
Garhwal is the north-western region and administrative division of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand which is home to the Garhwali people. Lying in the Himalayas, It is bounded on the north by Tibet, on the east by Kumaon region, on the south by Uttar Pradesh state, and on the north-west by...
. Their name, Bhotiya, derives from the word Bod (བོད་), which is the Classical Tibetan
Classical Tibetan
Classical Tibetan refers to the language of any text written in Tibetan after the Old Tibetan period and before the modern period, but in particular refers to the language of early canonical texts translated from other languages, especially Sanskrit...
name for Tibet. Those living in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand , formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy Hindu temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship...
are generally referred to as Bhotiya, although they are sometimes also referred to as Bhutia; Bhutia
Bhutia
The Bhutia are ethnic Tibetans who speak Sikkimese, a Tibetan dialect fairly mutually intelligible to standard Tibetan. In 2001, the Bhutia numbered around 70,300...
more commonly means the related people of Sikkim
Sikkim
Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayan mountains...
. The Indian constitution recognises them as Bhotiya which actually is incorrect.
The Bhotiya speak Almora
Almora
Almora is a municipal board, a cantonment town in the Almora district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Almora was founded in 1568.It is a town bustling with activity and a rich cultural heritage and history. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of...
and other languages belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family, although their dialects are mutually unintelligible to the Kumaoni
Kumauni people
Kumauni or Kumaoni are people from Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India.They include all those who speak the Kumaoni language or any of its numerous dialects, living in the Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Nainital,Bijnor,Udham Singh Nagar,Moradabad, districts of Uttarakhand,...
s and Tibetans. Owing to social process of Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
ization, many of them have intermarried with the Hindus over the years. Most of the Bhotiya practice a combination of Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and India . It is the state religion of Bhutan...
, Bön and Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
, although Hinduism is prevalent among the earlier semi-Indian groups, while Buddhism is prevalent among the recent immigrant groups of purer Tibetan origin, such as the Jadh.
Hindu gods such as the weather God Gabla, Runiya and Suniya, are worshiped to protect their animals from disease. Sidhuwa and Bidhuwa are worshiped as well to find lost animals.
History
Bhotiya tribes long maintained links with the Tibetans by barter trading through the Mana and Niti passes, which are at an elevation of 5,800m. The Indo-Tibetan border was closed in 1962. Before it closed, large numbers of caravans of mules, yaks, and the hardiest men would travel into TibetTibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
laden with Indian goods when the snow melted. In trading centers, they bartered their goods for local Tibetan merchandise (e.g., wool and salt), to be resold in local markets in India. The merchants would return to Indian just before the start of the winter season in October. Since the Indo-Tibetan border was closed in 1962, the Bhotiya tribes generally adopt semi-agrarian and semi-nomadic lifestyles. Limited trading links were reopened in 1992.
Rangkas
The isolated Rangkas tribe, whose population host a meagre 600, is found in the outskirts of the Mahakali valley. According to ethnologue, the Rangkas are ethnically related or are of the Johar tribe.Shauka
ShaukasShauka - Johar
The Shauka living in the Johar Valley of Goriganga river in Munsiyari Tehsil of the Pithoragarh district are also known as Johari or Johari Shauka. They are part of the larger Uttarakhand Bhotiya ethno-linguistic group, and one of the few of Uttarakhand tribes that shows a rich cultural heritage...
, further consist of several sub-groups, residing in two different river valleys. Joharis live along the Goriganga river valley in Munsiyari Tehsil of Pithoragarh district, while the Rungs live along the Mahakali river valley in Dharchula teshil and Darchula district of Nepal.
Byansi/Byangkhupa
The Byansis (called 'Byangkhupa' in 'Rung') are a subgroup of an ethnic group called Rung/Shaukas living along the upper valleys of Mahakali and its tributary Dhauliganga, in the upper HimalayasHimalayas
The Himalaya Range or Himalaya Mountains Sanskrit: Devanagari: हिमालय, literally "abode of snow"), usually called the Himalayas or Himalaya for short, is a mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau...
where Uttarakhand of India, Ali district of western Tibet and Darchula district of Nepal
Nepal
Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
meet. Byans (or 'Byangkho'in 'Rung') consists of seven villages (Kuti, Rongkang, Nabi, Gunji, Napalchyo, Garbyang, Budi) in India and two villages (Chhangru and Tinkar) in Nepal. Three more villages in Nepal, Setaula(Syangkang), Dumlin and Rapla(Rapang) come under Rung ethnic group, though not considered Byansis, Darmaanis or Chaudasis.
Their religion leans towards Bön-Animism, with influences from Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and India . It is the state religion of Bhutan...
and Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
. Each clan, of which there are many in each village, has its own clan god(s). Ancestral worship ('simi thuma') is a very important part of Byansi religion.
Their language falls under Tibeto-Burman group. Three distinct dialects are spoken in Byans region -- Byangkhu lo, Kutpa lo and Tinkar lo.
Chaundasi/Bangbani
Chaundasis live in fourteen (chaudha) villages along the upper hilly area of Mahakali river between India and Nepal. Locally the area is known as Bangba and the residents Bangbani. Main villages include Pongong (Paangu), Rongtau, Rhimjim, Monggong, Soso, Sirdang, Shirkha, Rung and Teejya, which are between the altitude of 7000 and 9000 ft. Chaundasis speak a separate dialect of Shauka called 'Bangba lo'.Darmiya/Darmani
The Darmanis live in the Darma valleyDarma Valley
Darma valley is a Himalayan valley situated in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand state of India. This valley is located in the eastern part of Uttarakhand....
of Dhauliganga, a tributary of Mahakali river. Along with the Byangkhupas and Bangbanis, they form the three subgroups of Rung. They speak 'Darma lo', which is markedly different from 'Byankho lo' or 'Banga lo', and is considered by many to be the original Rung language. Main villages include Sela, Chal, Soan, Seepu, Bon, Dugtu, Daatu, Nangling, Marchha, Bongling, Gow, Dakar, Filam, Tidang, Baling, Durr.
JoharShauka - JoharThe Shauka living in the Johar Valley of Goriganga river in Munsiyari Tehsil of the Pithoragarh district are also known as Johari or Johari Shauka. They are part of the larger Uttarakhand Bhotiya ethno-linguistic group, and one of the few of Uttarakhand tribes that shows a rich cultural heritage...
The Shauka living in the Johar valley of Goriganga river in Munsyari Tehsil of the Pithoragarh districtPithoragarh District
Pithoragarh district is the easternmost Himalayan district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is naturally landscaped with high Himalayan mountains, snow capped peaks, passes, valleys, alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls, perennial rivers, glaciers and springs. The flora and fauna of this area...
are also known as Johari or Johari Shauka. They are one of the few Bhotiya tribes that shows a rich cultural heritage and adhere to the caste system. Shaukas are the followers of Hinduism, and rely on the Hindu Brahmins to conduct religious ceremonies. Their main deity is Goddess Nanda Devi in Martoli and Milam.
The legend of Rajuli - Malusahi relates to Rajuli, daughter of Sunpati Shauka (A local lord/king of Johar) and Malusahi, son of the Katyuri Kings
Katyuri Kings
The Katyuri Kings were a medieval ruling clan of Uttarakhand believed to have descended from Shalivahan ruler from Ayodhya. This links them with Suryavansha...
of Bageshwar
Bageshwar
Bageshwar is a city and a municipal board in Bageshwar district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is also the administrative headquarters of Bageshwar district....
. The famous explorers Pundit Nain Singh Rawat (C.I.E.) and Rai Bahadur Kisan Singh Rawat belongs to the Johar valley.
Rung
The Rung Shauka live in Chaudas, Vyas and Darma valleys and in the PithoragarhPithoragarh
Pithoragarh, is a city with a Municipal Board in the Pithoragarh district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, was carved out of district of Almora in 1962.-Geography:...
district in Kumaon
Kumaon Division
For Kumaoni/Kumauni People see Kumauni PeopleKumaon or Kumaun is one of the two regions and administrative divisions of Uttarakhand, a mountainous state of northern India, the other being Garhwal. It includes the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar...
, and as well as parts of extreme north-west Nepal
Nepal
Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
. They are also known as Rung and speak a distinct Tibeto-Burman dialect [called as RungLo], which is barely intelligible with Magar
Magar
The Magars are an indigenous ethnic group of Nepal whose homeland extends from the western and southern edges of the Dhaulagiri section of the high Himalayas range south to the prominent Mahabharat foothill range and eastward into the Gandaki basin. In Nepal, there are a good number of people who...
. According to legend, they are of Tibetan and Kiranti origin.
The Shauka have their own scripts, which is now extinct. According to anthropologists, portions of it dating back to the 12th century can be found in the caves of the mountains.
Influenced by and practicing Tibetan Buddhist, Bön and Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
religions together, the Shauka are one of the few Bhotiya tribes that shows a rich cultural heritage. Many have adopted a modern lifestyle and are slowly moving out to the more developed areas, however, they also maintain traditional cultural practices and rituals. The Shauka rely on Lamas(priests) to conduct ceremonies and rituals and celebrate Hindu festivals and worship Animist Gods such as Gabladev in Darma, Chaudans and Byans. Another Bön deity, especially in Rolpa, Ramjung is also worshiped. Holy Flags normally of white[red, yellow are used seldom] in color are used during Festivals [pujan] which are hung around the House. These are also used as offering to Deities while on a Journey.
The traditional dress of the Shauka is known as Chyung-bala, which reflects little Tibetan or local influences, but their skills in weaving, spinning and natural dyeing. Major festivals such as Dhhyoula and Kangdali are celebrated, although minor festivals such as Syangthanga-pujan, Syeemi-thhankho (forefathers pujan), Maati (Soil) pooja, and Nabu Samo and the annual Kanda-Utsav are also celebrated. Another fair which celebrates the success of their trade, the Jauljibi and Thal is celebrated, because the Shauka are also reported to have conducted trade between Taklakot in Tibet and Darchula, and to a lesser extent, the Tharu people in the Terai.
The legend of the Kandali Festival
Kandali Festival
Kangdali Festival is a festival held by the [rung] tribe of the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state in India. This festival coincides with the blooming of the Kandali plant, which flowers once every twelve years. It is held in the Chaundas Valley between August and October. It celebrates the...
comes a folklore, which tells of a boy who died upon applying the paste of the root from a shrub known as Kang-Dali on his boil. Enraged, his widowed mother cursed the shrub and ordered the Shauka women to pull up the root of the Kang-Dali plant off its ground upon reaching its full bloom, which happens once in twelve years. According to another story, the Kangdali festival is to commemorate the brave women who repelled the enemy while their husbands were away. Hiding in the Kandali bushes, they attacked the bushes, which subsequently destroyed the enemy.
Since then, a victory dance is performed every twelve years upon the decimation this shrub in its blooming period. The women with lead the procession, each armed with a ril, a tool which was used in compacting carpet on the loom. The children and men armed with swords and shields would follow closely behind. As they sing and dance, their music echoes in the valley, and upon approaching the blooms, warlike tunes are played and war cries are uttered. The women, fierce as they were, attacked the bushes with their rils. The menfolk will follow up and the bushes are hacked with swords, who will uproot the bushes and take them back, as the spoils of the war. In turn, victory cries are raised and rice grains are again cast towards the sky to honour the deities with the prayer that the people of Chaundas Valley may be ever victorious over enemies. After the victory dance and the extermination of the shrub, the festival is concluded with a feast.
Jadh
Inhabiting in the UttarkashiUttarkashi
Uttarkashi, meaning Kashi of the north, is a holy town in Uttarakhand, India. It is the district headquarter of Uttarkashi district. Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1352 m above sea level. Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams and temples and also to...
region of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand , formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy Hindu temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship...
, most Jadh can be found in the villages of Nelang and Jadhang between Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a state in Northern India. It is spread over , and is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Punjab on the west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on the south, Uttarakhand on the south-east and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east...
and Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand , formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy Hindu temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship...
, who were both situated at an elevation of 3,400m in the Bhagirathi valley. These towns are only as near as thirty miles from the Tibetan border, and a small number have relocated to Harsil
Harsil
Harsil is a village and a cantonment area, on the banks of Bhagirathi River, on the way to Hindu pilgrimage, Gangotri, in Uttarkashi district of Indian state of Uttarakhand )....
. Their language resembles closely to Tibetan.
Originally traders, the Jadh lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle and maintained social ties with the neighbouring Kinnauries, Jaunsaries and Tibetans. Closure of the trading routes in 1962 led modern Jadhs to take up agarian lifestyles instead for living.
Today, the Jadh graze their sheep and goats in the Upper Jahnvi Valley during the warm summer months, when the alpine vegetation is in full bloom. Upon the coming of autumn, they move down to the lower hills, reaching the temperate forests bordering Rishikesh by October. As of today, each Jadh family could own as many as 200 to 400 animals, principally yak
Yak
The yak, Bos grunniens or Bos mutus, is a long-haired bovine found throughout the Himalayan region of south Central Asia, the Tibetan Plateau and as far north as Mongolia and Russia. In addition to a large domestic population, there is a small, vulnerable wild yak population...
herds. The number of livestock owned by them is a measure of their wealth and economic condition.
The Jadh used to migrate from these high altitude villages in winter in the past with their entire families. In modern days, some families and a few shopkeepers have decided to stay back in Dunda, which is not far removed from their native homeland, while the rest of them move to the forests around Rishikesh. Upon the coming of spring, the Jadh will return to their homeland.
Most Jadh women wear their hair in a turban or a plait, owing to its cold weather. They wear a costume which resembles a cross between the Tibetan and Garwhali styles. The men, on the other hand, will wear the nomadic Tibetan clothing.
The Jadh are followers of Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and India . It is the state religion of Bhutan...
and to a lesser extent, Bön, although minimal Hindu influence can be seen. Adhering to the caste system loosely, the Jadh classify themselves as Rajput. Buddhist Lamas are employed to conduct religious ceremonies and medical treatment.
Marcha
The Marcha live in the Mana and Niti valleys on the cold and dry tracts of Upper Chamoli, which is also known as the Painkhanda tract. Though they speak a GarhwaliGarhwali
The Garhwali language is a Central Pahari language belonging to the Northern Zone of Indo-Aryan languages. It is primarily spoken by the Garhwali people who are from the north-western Garhwal Division of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand in the Indian Himalayas.The Central Pahari...
language, their facial features suggest some intermarriage with the Indians. Because they originally migrated from Tibet
Tibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
, the Marcha follow Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
. Unlike the other Bhotiya groups, they worship in Hindu temples, and rely on the Hindu Brahmins to conduct religious ceremonies. Doctors, known as Vaidyas, are employed to treat patients.
Traditionally, most Marcha were nomadic shepherds and herders. Typically the men work as shepherds rearing sheep and goats, while the women stay in the villages tending the fields. Crops grown in these high mountain areas include rajma (beans), aloo (potatoes), mutter (peas) as well as several different varieties of grains. These animals graze on the rich alpine pastures in the summer, and move to lower altitudes in the winter. The herders sell wool, meat, and milk to earn a living.
These people are also known as RONGPAs
Rongpas are the people of Tibet, migrated to other parts of India and Bhutan after the 15th century. They migrated through the different passes ("La") in the Himalayas like “Niti La” and "Mana La" which are located in the region of Chamoli, Uttarakhand.
The Rongpas are a group of people living in the trans-Himalayan regions of India - Tibet border. The community name “Rongpa”, derives from the word "Rung", which means valley and "Pa" means inhabitants. Those living in Chamoli, Uttarakhand are generally referred to as Rongpa (includes both Marchas and Tolchas).
Rongpas of Niti and Mana valley (Chamoli, Uttarakhand) are also known as Bhotia. Rongpas practice pure Hindu Culture. Including some Tibetan Gods, all Hindu gods are worshiped. to protect their families. Marchha, Tolchha and Marmacha are common sub-groups of Rongpa community.
The Marchha and Tolchha sub-groups live in the Niti valley and Marmacha live in the Mana valley. Dialect related to Marchha and Marmacha group is somewhat similar to Tibaten dialect. Whereas Tolchha has a different dialect.
Traditionally, Rongpas were traders, farmers, weavers, shepherds and herders. Before 1962, when Indo-Tibetan Border got closed , Rongpas used to trade with Tibet through the Mana and Niti passes, which are at an elevation of 5,800m. In trading centers, they bartered their goods for local Tibetan merchandise to be resold in local markets in India. Large numbers of caravans of mules, yaks, sheep were traded. Ghee, Salt, Beans (Rajma), P otatoes, Peas Gains etc. were other main items for trading. The herders sell wool, meat, and milk to earn a living.
The trading period was limited for four to five month when the snow get melted. The traders would return to India just before the start of the winter season in October. Then all people vacate their villages from the valleys before snow fall and relocate them in lower altitudes where they stay till the summer starts. Animals graze on the rich alpine pastures in the summer, and move to lower altitudes in the winter.
Women stay in the villages weaving woolen cloths and tending the fields. Crops grown in these valleys include beans (Rajma), potatoes, different spices, Peas as well as several different varieties of grains.
Generally Rongpas have two residing places, one in Niti and Mana valleys for Summer and other in lower ranges of Himalayas for Winter.Rongpas practice a unique custom, rituals and traditions.
Tolcha
A small Bhotiya tribe living in the Niti valley among the Marcha tribe, the Tolcha, like the Marcha, are HinduHindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
. Despite the fact that they are of Tibetan origin, Indian intermarriage over the centuries have made the Tolcha tribe resembling much more closely to the Indian Jaunsari than the Tibetans.
See also
- Kumauni peopleKumauni peopleKumauni or Kumaoni are people from Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India.They include all those who speak the Kumaoni language or any of its numerous dialects, living in the Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Nainital,Bijnor,Udham Singh Nagar,Moradabad, districts of Uttarakhand,...
- KumaonKumaon DivisionFor Kumaoni/Kumauni People see Kumauni PeopleKumaon or Kumaun is one of the two regions and administrative divisions of Uttarakhand, a mountainous state of northern India, the other being Garhwal. It includes the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar...
- Darma ValleyDarma ValleyDarma valley is a Himalayan valley situated in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand state of India. This valley is located in the eastern part of Uttarakhand....
- Rang Bhang
- Shauka - JoharShauka - JoharThe Shauka living in the Johar Valley of Goriganga river in Munsiyari Tehsil of the Pithoragarh district are also known as Johari or Johari Shauka. They are part of the larger Uttarakhand Bhotiya ethno-linguistic group, and one of the few of Uttarakhand tribes that shows a rich cultural heritage...
- BhutiaBhutiaThe Bhutia are ethnic Tibetans who speak Sikkimese, a Tibetan dialect fairly mutually intelligible to standard Tibetan. In 2001, the Bhutia numbered around 70,300...
- Tibetan peopleTibetan peopleThe Tibetan people are an ethnic group that is native to Tibet, which is mostly in the People's Republic of China. They number 5.4 million and are the 10th largest ethnic group in the country. Significant Tibetan minorities also live in India, Nepal, and Bhutan...