Changing Dimensions
The changing dimensions of the Bakarwals' religiosity can be seen in the light of the changing social and physical landscape. The tribal world is neither static nor closed; rather, it has always been dynamic in incorporating new parts and reforming the old, as seen by the development of myths and general beliefs.
Historically, the Bakarwals and other economic groups in the Kashmir Himalayas had little association among each other. However, in the last several decades, as a result of technological advancements and globalisation, Bakarwals have been in regular contact with the outside world, resulting in the dissemination of new cultural components into their way of life. There has been the syncretisation of both religious and cultural elements among the community, and this has led to the denunciation of things that were formerly seen as vital characteristics of Bakarwal culture. When speaking with younger generations, they do not believe in or adhere to all of the rites and taboos outlined in this chapter. Additionally, there has been a trend of social mobility among the region's new generation tribal members, which has helped define the concept of the stated belief systems. There has been a significant change with respect to the rituals pertaining to yearly and life cycles and that change is evident while studying the different social institutions among the tribe. Suppose in case of marriage, love marriage was seen as a taboo by the Bakarwals, but in contemporary times, there have been many such incidents and there has been no negative response by the community. Similarly, taboos related to animals have also died out and have been seen as the happening of the ‘past’.Despite these considerable modifications, observation of essential rites remain with them whether at the household or community level. As a result of the impact and incorporation of other cultural characteristics, their rituals have evolved into a synthesis of old and new.
The traditional practices have not been abandoned, but the inclusion of new elements forces the tribe to either adopt new rules in the course of economic development and modernisation or face the loss of a generation that bears little or no significance to such phenomena. As a result, this study may contribute to the preservation of such cultural characteristics.Acknowledgements
We would like to offer our heartfelt appreciation to the Bakarwals for their assistance and time in the field. Additionally, we would like to express our gratitude to Dr Santanu Mitra of the Anthropological Survey of India for his inspiration and encouragement,
Notes
1 Scythians were a group of ancient nomadic warrior tribes who originally lived in present-day Siberia.
2 Between the sixth and eighth centuries AD, the Chalukyas ruled the Deccan. And then, in the tenth century AD, they reclaimed their dominance and ruled until the twelfth century. The Chalukyas' fabled history casts doubt on their origins. However, following Chalukya rulers' usage of the terms Gurjar Nath and Gurjeshwar it is abundantly evident that they were Gurjjars by origin. They were previously feudatories of the Maitrik Gurjars but later declared independence.
3 Georgians are an indigenous Caucasian ethnic group native to Georgia and the south Caucasus.
4 The term "Gujjar" is thought to have originated from the Turkish word "Go^er," which refers to seasonal pastoralist nomadic settlements.
5 As per the Britannica, Sunni is one of Islam's two primary branches, constituting the majority of the religion's believers. Sunni Muslims see their denomination as the majority and traditional branch of Islam - in contrast to the Shia minority.
6 Mohd Yousuf Khatna, at Bandipora, J &K, on 16 July 2021.
7 Circumcision is one among the rites of Islam and holds religious importance among the Bakarwals as well. It is considered obligatory to circumcise the child before he attains the age of puberty.
8 According to Islamic belief, Allah is the word used to represent God.
9 Mahr is the groom's commitment to the bride in the form of money or possessions at the time of Islamic marriage.
10 Walima is the second of two customary Islamic wedding components, the other being Nikah.
11 In Islam, Sunnah are the traditions and practices related to Prophet Muhammad.
12 It is an Islamic pledge, one of the five pillars of Islam, and a component of the Azaan.
13 Fatiha Khwani is a local name for an Islamic tradition whereby the closely related people like relatives and friends assemble to pray for the deceased's better afterlife.
14 As per the Bakarwal belief, the soul goes to the Almighty after death and it will be given back to the body on the day of resurrection. If a person has done good, then his soul will live happily in the world created by Allah for the souls and if it has done wrong in this world, then it will be tormented in that world as well.
15 Namaz, also known as Salat, are the prayers offered by the Muslims.
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