The Jaunsari Tribe of Uttarakhand: A Socio-cultural Overview

Every community in this world adopts its unique way of life for its sustenance. It develops its own social institutions, sets its norms and limitations, adopts cultural practices, beliefs, mores etc. The Jaunsar-Bawar region of Uttarakhand has been seat of beautiful culture since time immemorial. The Jaunsari people are known for their peculiar style of dressing and exclusive culture. Because of their deplorable economy and backwardness they have been given the status of Scheduled Tribe in 1967. This paper highlights the socio-cultural aspects of the Jaunsari tribe.

This lucid account is the outcome of the studies undertaken during the doctorate work from Patna University in the years 2011–2012. The researcher had adopted purposive sampling method for data collection covering 20 villages in Chakrata and Kalsi blocks in Dehradun district. These villages were Bhandroli, Koti-kanasar, Jadi, Lohari, Malaitha, Mungad, Haja, Chilar, Kulahaand Masak in former block, and Koruwa, Chhatau, Samalta, Thana, Udapalta, Rikhar, Mangrauli, Bisoi, Lakhwarand Dhanpeu in later block. For collecting information about the fairs and festivals, deities, life cycle ceremonies, marriages, food and drinks, dresses 600 respondents’ (300 males and 300 females) were interviewed.