The Gaddis are a tribe living on both sides of the Dhauladhar Range in the state of Himachel Pradesh, India. They are mostly found in the Brahmaur region of the Chamba district and the valleys of the Upper Ravi and the Budhil rivers. They are also found in the Kangra District - particularly in villages near Dharamsala.
They are mostly semi-nomadic - that is, while they have homes in villages, they often travel with their flocks to higher pastures in the summer.
Their early history is unclear, but their own traditions assert that they are originated from the migrations of various peoples who have fled the plains for the relative security of the hills during times of trouble. It is thought that the Chauhan Rajputs and Brahman Gaddis came to Chamba in 850-70 CE, while most of the other casts are thought to have fled to the hills during the time of Aurangzeb's persecutions.
They are Hindu and belong to several castes including Brahmin, Rajput, Khatri, Rana and Thakur .
They are widely respected for their honesty, friendliness, and peaceful lifestyle. Crime is almost unknown in Gaddi communities.
Usefull Links
http://123himachal.com/himachal/gaddis.htm
References
- Verma, V. 1996. Gaddis of Dhauladhar: A Transhumant Tribe of the Himalayas. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi.
