PASTORALISTS Pastoralists are communities who move from place to place with their herds of animals like cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and yaks. Their lifestyle is also known as nomadic pastoralism. Their movement is not random — they follow a seasonal cycle, shifting to areas where fresh grass and water are available. This constant movement is called transhumance. PASTORAL NOMADS AND THEIR MOVEMENTS *In the Mountain Mountain regions in India are home to several pastoral communities. Their entire lifestyle revolves around the seasonal movement of people and animals in search of fresh grazing grounds. Pastoralists in the mountains cannot stay in one place throughout the year because of the following reasons: Therefore, mountain pastoralists move upwards in summer and downwards in winter. 1. The Gujjar-Bakarwals of Jammu & Kashmir 2. The Gaddi Shepherds of Himachal Pradesh 3. The Bhotiyas, Sherpas and Kinnauri *On the Plateaus, Plains & Deserts Pastoral communities are not found only in the mountains.Large groups live in the Deccan plateau, the plains of north India, and the hot deserts of Rajasthan. Just like mountain herders, they too depend on seasonal changes, monsoon cycles, and availability of water and grass. 1. In the Plateaus – The Dhangars of Maharashtra 2. In the Plains – Pastoralists of Punjab, Haryana & Western UP 3. In the Deserts – The Raikas of Rajasthan COLONIAL RULE AND PASTORALISTS’ LIFE Before British rule, pastoralists moved freely with their herds across forests, plains, mountains, and deserts.But when the colonial government took control, their lifestyle changed completely. *Major Changes faced by pastoralists: *How Did the Pastoralists Cope with These Changes? PASTORALISM IN AFRICA Africa has the highest number of pastoralists in the world. The majority of the continent has dry terrain, seasonal rainfall, and little vegetation, giving pastoralism an important way of life. Some well-known Pastoral Groups of Africa include: They rear animals such as cattle, goats, camels, sheep, and depend on them for food, trade, and survival. *The Maasai: A Well-Known Pastoral Community The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania are one of the most famous pastoral groups in the world. Traditional Life of the Maasai: Impact of Colonial Rule on the Maasai:
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