Context:
A large group of Dhangars recently marched to the office of the sub divisional officer in Khamgaon of Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, demanding a “grazing corridor” for their sheep and goats.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Dhangar Community
- The Dhangar community, primarily shepherds, resides across multiple Indian states including Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and predominantly in Maharashtra.
- Classified under the Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) in Maharashtra, they lead a secluded lifestyle, roaming forests, hills, and mountains.
Family Structure and Demographics
- Household Dynamics: Characterized by small, tightly knit family units, with familial bonds playing a pivotal role.
- Population Insight: The Dhangar community comprises approximately 1 crore individuals, constituting about 9% of Maharashtra’s total population.
Cultural and Sub-Caste Distinctions
- Sub-Castes: The tribe consists of about 20 sub-castes, each with unique traditions and customs.
Livelihood and Economic Activities
- Primary Occupation: Dependence on sheep and goat herding for livelihood, embracing both nomadic pastoral and semi-nomadic agrarian lifestyles.
- Seasonal Migration: Post-bajra harvest in October, they migrate annually seeking fertile pastures for their livestock.
Cultural Practices
- Customs and Rituals: The journey includes ancestral worship and a variety of traditional rituals.
- Cultural Significance of Music: Night-time singing plays a critical role, serving both cultural and communal functions.
- Oral Traditions: Engage in ‘sumbaran,’ a traditional form of storytelling integral to their cultural identity.
-Source: The Hindu
