Nomads Movements on the Plateaus, Plains, and Deserts

In India, not all pastoralists lived in mountains. Many pastoralists also thrived in plateaus, plains, and deserts. Let’s explore this fascinating way of life.

The Dhangars of Maharashtra

The Dhangars were an important pastoral community in Maharashtra.

• In the early 20th century, their population was around 467,000.
• Most Dhangars were shepherds. Some made blankets, while others were buffalo herders.

Seasonal Movements

• The Dhangars stayed in Maharashtra's central plateau during the monsoon. This area had low rainfall and poor soil, covered with thorny bushes.

• In October, they harvested bajra, a dry crop, and migrated west to the Konkan for about a month.

• The Konkan is a green area with rich soil and high rainfall. Here, Dhangars helped with fertilizing fields and were welcomed by local farmers. In return, they received rice.

• After the monsoon, the Dhangars returned to the plateau because sheep don’t like wet weather.

Other Pastoralist Groups

Life in Rajasthan

In the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, you'll find the Raikas.

• Their region has low and unpredictable rainfall. They combined cultivation and pastoralism.

• During monsoons, they stayed in villages with pasture. By October, when the grounds dried up, they searched for new pastures and water sources.

• Two groups of Raikas existed – the Maru Raikas who herded camels, and another group that raised sheep and goats.

Communities in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

• In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the Gollas herded cattle, while Kurumas and Kurubas raised sheep and goats.

• They moved from dry plateaus to the coast during dry seasons and returned when the rains came.

The Banjaras

The Banjaras were another group of grazers. They lived across several states.

• To find good pasture, they moved long distances, selling animals and goods in villages for grain and fodder.

Understanding Pastoral Life

Pastoral life was shaped by many factors:

• They had to know how long the herds could stay in one place.
• They needed to find water and grass for their animals.
• They calculated the timing of moves to avoid dry areas.
• Building relationships with farmers was also crucial. This way, their herds could graze in harvested fields.

Questions and Answers

1. Who were the Dhangars?

   • The Dhangars were a major pastoral community in Maharashtra, primarily shepherds.

2. What did the Dhangars do during the monsoon season?

   • They stayed on the central plateau and harvested bajra, their main crop.

3. Where did the Dhangars migrate after harvesting bajra?

   • They migrated to the Konkan, a green area with rich soil and high rainfall.

4. What are the Raikas known for?

   • The Raikas live in the Thar Desert and combine farming with herding camels, sheep, and goats.

5. What is a key activity for Banjaras?

   • Banjaras move long distances in search of pasture and trade cattle for grain and fodder.

Conclusion

The life of pastoralists in plateaus, plains, and deserts shows us how communities adapt to their environment. They balance herding, farming, and trade. Learning about them helps us understand the richness of their culture.