Umer Jan Sofi

Bakarwals of Kashmir: a Study of Socio-economic Conditions and Development Umer Jan Sofi

Bakarwals are primarily pastoral nomads rearing goat and sheep in high-altitudes of Greater-Himaliyas during summer and spend their winter in plains and foot hills of Shiwaliks. They are special nomadic tribes mainly found in the Pirpanchal range of Mountains located between the two northern Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. This tribal community has however, largely remained unexplored among the academic circles and so far there is great dearth of existing literature about the Bakarwal community. In this micro level study, Umer Jan Sofi, presents the picture of almost all the aspects of socio-economic life and development of the Bakarwal tribals not only in a descriptive manner but also explains this with the help of numerical facts and figures. The analysis and findings presented in the book are its net contribution in enhancing a holistic understanding of the Bakarwals of Kashmir Valley. The book holds immense potentiality for its practical suggestions which can go a long way in responsible policy making. The book is useful for researchers, academics, socio-economic analysts and policy makers.