The Shepherd (Dhangar) community of India: Perspective on the importance of preserving transhumance practices with special reference to Haveli and Daund Tehsil.

Transhumant pastoralism is a critical Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) that supports sustainable resource management, climate adaptation, and cultural continuity among pastoral communities. The Dhangar tribe of Maharashtra practices sheep-goat pastoralism through seasonal migration, a livelihood strategy shaped by climatic uncertainty, drought, and fluctuating access to pasture and water resources. Despite its ecological and cultural value, this system remains under-researched and increasingly vulnerable. This ethnographic study, conducted in 2025, examines the significance of preserving Dhangar transhumance with special reference to Haveli tehsil in Pune district. Using participant observation, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and life histories, the research engaged over 233 shepherds along migration routes from Hingangaon to Handalwadi. The findings demonstrate that herd mobility is central to risk management, sustainable grazing, and the efficient communal use of natural resources in a semi-arid environment. The study further explores pastoralists’ perspectives on resilience, governance, and adaptation, revealing a disconnect between traditional pastoral systems and contemporary policy frameworks. In line with NEP 2020, the paper emphasizes the need to recognize transhumant pastoralism as an IKS that contributes to sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods. Protecting transhumance practices is essential for ensuring ecological balance and safeguarding the cultural heritage of India’s pastoral communities