Gaddi

The Gaddis are a tribe living mainly in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. They are Hindus and belong to several castes including Brahmin, Rajput, Dhangar, Khatri, Rana and Thakur.

These are nomadic herders who keep on moving with their sheep herds (called 'Revad') through the year in Himalayas in search of grazing land. Climate change, construction of roads, hotels, conservation of forest areas etc. have led to shortage of grazing land and made herding difficult for Gaddi people. Also the new generations of Gaddis are showing reluctance to continue their generations old occupation and they are more inclined towards living a settled life.