Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 2: Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation has stated that Gujjars and Bakerwals are one community.
In programme held here today Gujjar researcher, Dr. Javaid Rahi said those Gujjars who rare cattle are termed as Bakerwals but ethnically, racially and linguistically they too belong to Gujjar clan.
He said Gujjars have many names like Ajjadh, Dhangar, Dohdhi and Vanvasi and added that those Gujjars who rear goats are called Bakerwals and the word Bakarwal is derived from the term Bakri meaning goat.
He also said that Gujjars and Bakerwals share common history, culture and language ‘Gojri’ and ethnic identity.
Rahi further said that in the year 1991 Gujjars and Bakerwals were together granted Tribal status in Jammu and Kashmir and a study was conducted by the Government of India before granting the Scheduled Tribe status to them.
The study had revealed that Bakerwal is another name of Gujjars entered in revenue records and that is why both the names Gujjars and Bakerwals were included when the community was enlisted in tribal category in Indian constitutions.
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