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.
