The Gujjars basically belong to the north-western regions of India like that of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Haryana, and Punjab. They are mostly Muslims, the rest being either Hindus or Sikhs. It is also said that Gujarat is said to be named after them as they settled there in the 6th century AD. There are around 15 lakh Gujjar Muslims in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Originally Gujjars are thought to be an Aryan tribe that entered India in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan from the North West. Having been cattle breeders and milkmen, they were usually associated with herdsmen and shepherds. Traditionally, Gujjars are pastoral people with no fixed abode. However, a large number of Gujjars have now settled down in the state of Haryana and have taken to farming and combine agricultural work with animal husbandry. Gujjars of the state of Haryana are considered as simple, thrifty and industrious people. It is a common fact that the Gujjars are cultivators only in the plains but in the hills they are more into keeping cattle than following the plough. Interestingly, the main gotras of the Gujjars found in the Faridabad district of Haryana include Bhadana (near about 14 villages), Nagar (almost 20 villages), Baisla (around 10 villages) and Poswal (1 village). The Bhadana gotra in Faridabad district launched an anti-dowry campaign in the year 2002 for peacefully solemnizing important occasions like marriages. Brigadier Hem Chan Nagar, who was born in the Tigaon village in Ballabhgarh Tehsil of the district Faridabad, was the first brigadier among the Gujjar community of Haryana. |