Abstract
Abstract: The Bakar Wal community, along with the Gujar community was listed as Scheduled Tribes, in Jammu and Kashmir in
the year 1991. These people mostly live as nomads and enjoy the status of being a Tribe. They are spread over a large area starting
from Pir-Panjal range to Hindukush to Ladakh, located in the Himalayan mountains of South Asia. Bakerwals are mostly goat
herders and shepherds, and for a cause they migrate from one place to another with their herds of goat and sheep to different
seasonal pasture lands, across the valley. They are found in the entire of Kashmir region across the borders of India and Pakistan.
They have a very unique lifestyle and are known for preserving their rich culture for ages together. Gujjars are Bakerwals are the
two sub ethnic groups that are mostly goat herders and shepherds, but at the very same time, there are administrative officers in the
Government, Doctors, Professors, Teachers, and Police officers, etc. that come from these communities. They are known for their
noble and truthful nature and are mostly considered sympathetic towards the fellow beings. These tribal communities are a part of
the rich culture of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Keywords: Nomadic life,
Gujjar, Bakarwals, Upliftment,
livestock, pasture lands,
grazing, Jammu and Kashmir