Gaddis

For the surname, see Gaddis (surname).

The Gaddi is a semi-pastoral Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic tribe living mainly in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

A group of Gaddi shepherds

Gaddi herd of sheep and goats, Bharmour

Overview

The origin of the Gaddi Tribe

Gadariya) they also additionally believe that their ancestors fled from plains because of lack of security or foreign Invasions. The fact regarding their origination lies within the popular myths in the state. There is no accord of the views from where Gaddis migrated to this hilly state. Bharmour is additionally known as the abode of Gaddis. Some views are commonly held among these folks like Kailash is the throne (gadi) of the Lord Shiva. Therefore, those people who took refuge and settled in Brahmaur also came to be referred as Gaddis.

Gaddis are semi nomadic, semi-agricultural and a semi-pastoral tribe. They have a defined culture, expressed through language, dress, food, marriage, song, and devout celebrations. Gaddis have their empyreal history deep- rooted in their endemic culture. In order to preserve their cultural heritage, they take pride in their culture and maintain cultural coherence from generation to generation. Gaddi is the language of Gaddi community and Tankri is the script used by the old people of the community. Other people spoke Hindi, whereas Devanagari is used as a script Caste system prevalent in gaddi community. They are classified as a Scheduled Tribe in both areas under India's reservation system.

Gallery

• 
  Gaddi woman cutting grass. Painting by Alfred Hallett c. 1980
• 
  Gaddi village men with hookah, on a mountain path near Dharamshala, India
• 
  Gaddi artisans at Suraj Kund fest

Further reading

• Verma, V. 1996. Gaddis of Dhauladhar: A Transhumant Tribe of the Himalayas. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi.

External links

• Gabdika.com