Ecology and Time-space Dynamics: An Anthropological Study of the Gujjar and Bakarwal Migratory Routes in Jammu and Kashmir

This study explores the migratory patterns of the Gujjar and Bakarwal pastoralists in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on their transhumant lifestyle and its socio-ecological implications. The study presents multiple layers through ethnographic accounts from ongoing fieldwork, emphasising mobility as a crucial social asset for accessing essential resources like water and pastures. The research reveals that their traditional routes, shaped by generations of indigenous knowledge, are static and aligned with seasonal changes, illustrating a sophisticated understanding of the time-space continuum. Despite the ecological benefits of their cyclical movement for resource renewal, the Gujjar and Bakarwal face significant challenges, including government policies that restrict access to grazing lands and migratory routes. These policies often lack community consultation, undermining the sustainability of pastoral livelihoods. This study underscores the importance of participatory planning in policymaking to support the Gujjar and Bakarwal community’s traditional way of life and highlights the need for securing their migratory routes as vital community resources.