HIMALAYAN ECOLOGY, TRANSHUMANCE AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATION

GADDIS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

VEENA BHASIN (University of Delhi, Delhi, India)
1988 • Pages: XVI+272 • Figures: 57 • Size: 140 × 220 mm • ISBN 81-85264-01-5 • Binding: Hard •Price: US $ 55/- Rs. 750/-

Veena Bhasin examines closely the lifestyle of Gaddi village in the Bharmour area of Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, and convincingly demonstrates the intricate connections between environmental constraints, economy and social relationships.

                                —JOURNAL OF HUMAN ECOLOGY

North-western Himalayas are traversed by various transhumant groups. In Chamba district, transhumance with or without agriculture becomes profitable where high pastures are available. Where winters are severe, it becomes necessary to retreat or to limit the size of the flocks. This book deals with the Gaddi transhumance. The present study examines and describes those elements of Gaddi culture which are the result of: (a) the demand of the particular system of food production and (b) culturo- historical influences. The main focus is thus on the system of food production (which includes agriculture and pastoralism), Barton relationship (obligatory assistance), caste structure, religion and the position of women in the society. An attempt has been made to reveal different processes and structures which influence and determine social organisation of the area.

CONTENTS

    Preface
01. Introduction •

02. Ecological Setting •

03. Area and People •

04. Ecological influences in Land Settlement and Distribution •

05. House Style, Composition of Households and Social Relations •

06. Managing the Environment for Making a Living •

07. Impact of Economic and Social Interdependence •

08. Ecological influence on the Caste System •

09. Position of Women in Ecological Setting •

10. Development and Change •

11. Conclusion •

      References • Glossary • Index •

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