Paper Details

Name: Kajal Devi & Harish K. Thakur
Country: India

Year: 2026
Volume: Volume No: 13, Issue No: 1, Year: 2026
Page Number: 91-99
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20352028

ABSTRACT:
Gaddi tribe is one of the major and an important tribes in Himachal Pradesh that
predominantly inhabits Chamba, Kangra, and Bharmour regions of Himachal Pradesh. The present study explores the difficulties and societal transformations faced by the Gaddi tribe of Himachal Pradesh, utilising secondary data sources, including published research, census records, and government reports. This paper examines the influence of modernisation, government interventions, and socio-economic changes on the traditional pastoral and cultural practices of the Gaddi community, using education, employment, development, and political rights as indicators. The results reveal notable changes in livelihood patterns, increased literacy rates, and broader employment opportunities; however, enduring inequalities persist in areas such as cultural preservation, infrastructure development, and fair access to political engagement. The study argues that although secondary data highlights adaptive resilience among the Gaddi tribe, it also reveals persistent vulnerabilities that necessitate context-sensitive policies for inclusive tribal development.

Keywords: Gaddi tribe, socio-economic development, employment, political participation, education and tribal development.