Tribes, People and Languages
Scheduled Tribes
J&K and Ladakh have many Scheduled Tribes. The Gujjars and Bakarwals are the largest.
| Tribe | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gujjar | Jammu, Kashmir | Pastoral; Gojri language. Largest ST |
| Bakarwal | Pir Panjal, Kashmir | Nomadic goat and sheep herders; transhumance between Jammu (winter) and meadows (summer) |
| Gaddi | Bhaderwah, Doda | Hill shepherds |
| Sippi | Jammu hills | |
| Balti | Kargil, Gilgit-Baltistan | Tibetan-origin Muslims |
| Beda | Ladakh | Musicians |
| Bot (Boto) | Ladakh | Buddhists; the majority in Leh |
| Brokpa (Drokpa) | Dah-Hanu, Kargil/Leh | Aryan features: the "Aryan Valley" |
| Changpa | Changthang | Nomads, pashmina |
| Garra | Leh | Weavers |
| Mon | Ladakh | |
| Purigpa | Kargil |
Languages
- Official languages of J&K UT (2020 Act): Urdu, Hindi, English, Kashmiri and Dogri.
- Kashmiri (Dardic family) in the Valley, Dogri in Jammu, Gojri among the Gujjars, Pahari in Pir Panjal and Punjabi in the plains.
- Ladakhi (Bhoti), Balti and Purki in Ladakh, Shina and Brokskat (Dardic) in Dah-Hanu and Gurez.
Religion
- Kashmir Valley: mostly Muslim. Jammu: mostly Hindu. Ladakh: Buddhists (Leh) and Shia Muslims (Kargil).
Culture linked to geography
- Pheran and kangri (cold), wazwan (feast), Kehwa (tea), Rogan Josh.
- Dogra architecture, Mughal gardens, houseboats and wooden shrines (Khanqah-e-Moula).
Keep practising
Notes are only half the work. Test yourself with questions and discuss doubts with other aspirants.
Prepared for exam revision from standard sources, official publications and the Census. Figures and recent developments change, so check official sources before relying on them. Found a mistake? Tell us.