CBSE Class 9 History Chapter 5: Pastoralists in the Modern World

Gujjar Bakarwals (J&K): They move annually between their winter grazing grounds in the low hills of the Shivalik and summer pastures in the high mountains of Kashmir.
Gaddi Shepherds (Himachal): They follow a similar cycle, spending winters in the scrub forests of the low hills and summers in the high meadows (Lahul and Spiti).
Bhotiyas, Sherpas, and Kinnauris: All these Himalayan communities adjust their movements to the seasonal changes to make the best use of available pastures.
Bugyals: These are vast natural pastures located on high mountains (above 12,000 feet) that become accessible once the snow melts in summer.

Dhangars (Maharashtra): They stay in the semi-arid central plateau during the monsoon to grow bajra and move to the Konkan coast in winter for better grazing.
Gollas, Kurumas, and Kurubas (Karnataka/Andhra): They herd cattle, sheep, and goats, moving according to the rhythm of the rain and dry seasons rather than cold and heat.
Raikas (Rajasthan): In the Thar desert, they combine cultivation with pastoralism, moving out of their villages during the dry season to find water and green grass.
Banjara: A well-known group of graziers found in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, who moved long distances trading goods for grain.

Waste Land Rules: The British viewed uncultivated land as "waste" and took it over to expand agriculture for more land revenue.
Forest Acts: Herders were prevented from entering "Reserved" forests, and their movements were strictly monitored in "Protected" forests with entry permits.
Criminal Tribes Act (1871): The British distrusted nomadic people and classified many pastoral communities as "Criminal Tribes" to keep them under constant police surveillance.
Grazing Tax: To increase income, the colonial government introduced a tax on every head of cattle, which the herders had to pay to enter grazing tracts.

Reducing Herd Size: Many herders reduced the number of cattle they kept because there simply wasn't enough forage to feed them.
Changing Paths: When old grazing grounds were closed, herders discovered new routes and pastures in different regions.
Changing Livelihoods: Some rich pastoralists bought land and settled down as farmers, while the poorer ones became laborers in towns.

Loss of Land: The Maasai lost 60% of their pre-colonial lands when European powers carved up Africa and turned the best grazing grounds into "Game Reserves" like Serengeti.
Restricted Movement: Confined to small, arid reserves, the Maasai could no longer move their cattle to different areas during droughts, leading to massive livestock deaths.
Social Changes: The traditional authority of "Elders" and "Warriors" was disrupted as the British appointed chiefs to manage the tribes.
Economic Divide: A new distinction emerged between the "rich" pastoralists (who had land and money) and the "poor" who lost everything during droughts and wars.

Adaptability: Pastoralism is not a "relic of the past" but a highly functional and sustainable way of living in dry, hilly, or harsh environments.
Global Presence: Even today, millions of people worldwide continue to practice pastoralism as their primary source of livelihood.

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