Ph. D scholar, Department of History, University of Jammu, India, Email id: rasyalradhika487@gmail.com
The Gujjar is one of the significant ethnic groups within the state and found in most of the districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The origin of the Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir is still clouded in controversy. They are believed to have entered the state territories through the Punjab and N.W.F province. They are said to be dwelling in this region even before the coming of Mughals. The first reference of Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir is found in the Chamba Copper Plates which refers to their presence as early as in the 10th century. Probably, they were converted to Islam before they immigrated to this party of the country. During the Dogra period, the Gujjars had a dignified status in the society and had a good-say in the administration. Although, the few of them got respectful places but they could not ameliorate the conditions of their community as a whole. However, it was during the time of Maharaja Hari the Gujjars had started reorganising themselves for the overall development of the community.
Gujjars, Dwelling, Islam, Administration, Development
