IASSI-Quarterly

In Jammu and Kashmir, alongside the identity assertion of the Kashmiri ethnic group, there is multiplicity of identity assertions that take place at various levels and on various bases. Politics ofidentity assertion of Gujjar tribe, the third largest ethnic community in Jammu and Kashmir has occupied a central position in it. The present paper is an attempt to examine the different phases of identity assertion of Gujjar Tribe of Jammu and Kashmir and to explore the factors which resulted into its evolution and development. The recognition ofGujjars and Bakerwals as Scheduled Tribe by the government ofIndia in 1991 and subsequent advancement and growing awareness amongst the Gujjars became instrumental in the development of the political assertion of their distinctive identity. But the root of their quest for a separate and distinct identity was much deeper and older which can also be found in the pre-independence period. Gujjars felt the need of organising their community on the basis of tribal identity even before independence, and continued their struggle after independence. They made various sociopolitical and cultural organisations to protect and preserve their distinct cultural heritage and articulate and voice their demands and grievances before the central and erstwhile state (Now Union Territory) governments for the socio-economic and educational advancement of the community. In response, both central and erstwhile state governments took various steps for the development of the community which resulted in the advancement of the community and development of a collective consciousness/group consciousness on the basis of their distinct tribal cultural heritage and over all backwardness. Their struggle to assert their identity has undergone through several stages of developments with change and continuity in its nature and manifestation. The present paper tries to analyse this phenomenon.