Mohammad Sayeed Bhat
The beauty of a region lies in its cultural diversity and traditions. Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh stand as proof of this, where different cultures have lived together for over centuries, shaping the region’s political, cultural, and economic landscape. One of the most fascinating aspects of this region is its tribal communities and their unique identities. Among them, the Dard tribe of Kashmir and Ladakh holds a special place, as detailed in the book Cultural Encyclopedia of Dard Tribe: A Journey through Gurez and Ladakh by Suheel Rasool Mir.
This book is a significant contribution to cultural and anthropological studies, shedding light on an ethnicity that has not been extensively studied in recent times. It offers fresh insights for researchers and academicians interested in tribal cultures.
Written in a simple and descriptive style, the book explores the socio-linguistic, cultural, religious, and economic aspects of the Dard tribe. It also covers topics such as festivals, music, sports, ornaments, cuisine, and climate. Divided into sixteen chapters, the book presents anthropological insights with the help of ethnographic pictures, making it an engaging read.
At the beginning, the author outlines the geographical spread of the Dards, their historical connections to Dardistan, and the cultural differences among the Dards of Gurez, Kargil, and the Dha-Hanu valleys. The book highlights that the Dards of Gurez speak ‘Shina,’ while the Dards of Ladakh (Brokpa) speak ‘Broskat,’ both of which belong to the Indo-Aryan language family.
The book emphasizes the central role of language in culture, providing an in-depth linguistic profile of the Dard tribe. The different dialects spoken in Gurez and Ladakh make this aspect particularly intriguing.
The cultural richness of the Dards is reflected in their festivals. The book describes festivals like Losar and Bona-na celebrated by the Brokpas, and Katch Laait (an agricultural festival) and Shishir Looni (a winter ceremony for cattle) observed by the Dards of Gurez. The author also explores the mythological connections of these festivals to deities and spirits. Besides traditional celebrations, the book also discusses modern festivals like the Gurez Festival.
Religious traditions and beliefs add another layer to the Dardic cultural tapestry. The book highlights the significance of the Juniper tree, which plays an important role in the Juniper Festival. The use of Juniper in rituals suggests a connection between ancient Dardic traditions and Islamic influences.
The Aryan origins of the Dards are linked to the symbolic importance of Juniper in Mesopotamian cultures. The book also notes that while Buddhist Brokpas follow Vajrayana Buddhism, the Dards of Gurez are Sunni Muslims, whereas their Brokpa counterparts in Ladakh are Shia Muslims. This religious diversity makes for an interesting study.
Religion has also influenced the social structure of the Dards. The book discusses caste divisions, marriage customs, and dowry practices, comparing them with other cultures in the region. The impact of modernity on family structures and traditional customs is also explored, highlighting how cultural practices evolve over time.
A special focus is given to Dardic women. The author describes them as “symbols of resilience and beauty” due to their hard work and contribution to the economy. The book also examines the different status of women in Gurez, Kargil, and Dha-Hanu, providing a detailed perspective on gender roles within the Dardic community.
One of the most engaging sections of the book is its exploration of Dardic cuisine. The traditional crops of the region, such as millets and barley, have been replaced by potatoes, peas, and maize. The book describes how millets and potatoes were traditionally stored in cylindrical pits called Zeus. Special attention is given to unique food items like Ghur-Ghur tea and Chhang (a grape-based wine), which are central to the Dardic diet. However, the book also points out that globalization is changing food habits, with fast food becoming more common.
Globalization has also impacted agriculture and livelihoods in Gurez. The growing number of restaurants and hotels catering to tourists indicates a shift from traditional agricultural and pastoral occupations to a “mosaic of livelihoods,” as the author describes it. Education and skill development have led many Dards to professions in education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Unlike some tribal communities that resist modernization, the Dards of Gurez view development as an opportunity rather than a threat to their cultural identity. However, the rise in tourism has brought challenges like waste management, which the book discusses in detail.
Despite these changes, efforts to preserve Dardic heritage continue. The book highlights initiatives like Shinon-Meeras (Shina Cultural Centre), which was recently established by the government to safeguard the cultural and historical legacy of the Dards. It also discusses Dha-Hanu Fort (Aryan Heritage House), a collection of Dardic artifacts, symbols, and ornaments. One surprising revelation in the book is that the Dards of Tulail Valley are of Mongoloid origin, a claim that adds a new dimension to the study of Dardic ancestry.
At a time when ethnic tensions are rising in many parts of the world, the author emphasizes the importance of communal harmony. He refers to past ethnic conflicts in Dha-Hanu as a reminder of why preserving cultural unity is essential.
In the final chapters, the book calls for further study and research on diverse cultures. The author also acknowledges Dardic literary figures who have played a role in shaping the literary culture of the tribe in both Gurez and Ladakh.
About the Author: Dr. Suheel Rasool Mir is a senior researcher specializing in the study of Kashmir’s borderlands, ethnicity, and marginalization. He holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology and an M.Phil-PhD from the University of Kashmir. He has contributed to numerous national and international research publications.
Book Reviewer Mohammad Sayeed Bhat can be reached at sayeedbhat57@gmail.com
