Pastoralists in the Modern World
Introduction
- Pastoralists are people who depend on livestock (like sheep, goats, camels, cattle) for food, trade, and livelihood.
- They follow a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle—moving from one place to another in search of pasture and water.
- This chapter shows how colonialism and modern changes affected their lives in India and Africa.
Pastoral Nomads in India
Pastoral groups in different regions:
1. In the Mountains:
- Gujjars, Bakarwals – Jammu & Kashmir
- Gaddis – Himachal Pradesh
- Bhutias, Sherpas – Eastern Himalayas
2. On the Plateaus:
- Dhangars – Maharashtra (sheep and goats)
- Banjaras – Central India
3. In the Deserts:
- Raikas – Rajasthan (camel, sheep herders)
Features:
- Moved seasonally between highlands and lowlands.
- Depended on rain patterns for pasture.
- Traded animal products (milk, wool, hides) with settled farmers.
Changes under Colonial Rule (India)
1. Forest Laws:
- Restricted access to grazing lands.
- Many pastures were declared reserved forests.
- Result: Pastoralists had to pay fines or move illegally.
2. Land Settlements:
- British introduced revenue systems and made land private property.
- Pastoral lands were taken over for farming or mines.
3. Criminal Tribes Act (1871):
- Nomadic groups were classified as “criminal tribes”.
- They were watched and controlled by police.
4. Grazing Tax:
- Tax was imposed on every animal grazed on land.
- It became harder to survive for poor pastoralists.
How Pastoralists Adapted
- Reduced movement and became more settled.
- Took up other occupations like farming or daily wage labor.
- Some still moved, but within limited boundaries.
- Negotiated with forest officials to get grazing rights.
Pastoralism in Africa
- African pastoralists like the Maasai, Fulani, and Samburu faced similar problems.
- Europeans took over grazing lands for plantations and mining.
- Set up boundaries, blocked traditional migration routes.
New Laws in Africa:
- Pastoralists restricted to certain areas (reserves).
- Had to pay taxes in cash, not cattle.
- Famines and cattle diseases increased.
The Maasai of East Africa
Lifestyle:
- Lived in Kenya and Tanzania.
- Cattle was their wealth, food, and pride.
- Practiced nomadic herding.
Colonial Impact:
- Lost 60% of grazing land to British and German colonists.
- Became laborers, settled herders, or joined the army.
- Chiefs were made powerful, while others lost authority.
Important Terms
- Pastoralist: A person who herds livestock and moves in search of pasture.
- Nomadic: Moving from one place to another seasonally.
- Grazing Tax: A tax imposed on animals that grazed on pastureland.
- Reserved Forest: Forests where local people had no access without permission.
- Criminal Tribes Act: Law that unfairly labeled nomadic tribes as criminals.
Conclusion
Colonial rule disrupted pastoral life by:
- Taking away grazing lands
- Taxing and restricting movement
- Criminalizing nomadic lifestyle
Still, pastoralists showed resilience, adapted to changes, and some continue their traditions even today.