Bhaderwahi people (also Bhaderwahis) are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group native to the Bhaderwah Valley in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, who traditionally speak the Bhadarwahi language.
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 India | 120,000 (estimated)[1] |
| Languages | |
| Bhadarwahi, Urdu | |
| Religion | |
| Majority: Minority: Sikhism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Western Pahari peoples | |
* Population figures are estimates due to lack of official data on Bhadarwahi ethnicity. | |
Language edit
Bhadarwahi belongs to the Western Pahari subgroup of the Indo-Aryan languages, sharing similarities with Dogri and Kashmiri but possessing distinct vocabulary and grammar.[2] It is classified as "definitely endangered" by UNESCO due to language shift towards Hindi and Urdu among younger generations.[3]
Culture edit
Bhaderwahi culture is a vibrant blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions, reflecting the diverse religious makeup of the community. Music and dance are integral to their festivities, with instruments like the dhol, narsinga, and algoza commonly used. Popular folk dances include the Mela Pat.[4][5]
Demographics edit
The majority of Bhaderwahis are Hindus, with a significant Muslim minority. Both communities coexist peacefully and participate in each other's festivals, highlighting the spirit of religious tolerance prevalent in the valley.[6][7]
See Also edit
References edit
- ^ "Meet the Rapper From J&K Who Is Trying To Keep a Remote Language Alive". The Wire (India). 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2024-04-27.
- ^ Koul, Omkar (1992). The Bhaderwahi Language: A Descriptive Grammar.
- ^ Ganesh (2008). "Endangered Languages of India: The Case of Bhadarwahi".
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Pandita, Shyam Lal (1998). Folklore of the Bhaderwah Valley.
- ^ Excelsior, Daily (2023-09-09). "The Nagas of Bhaderwah". Daily Excelsior. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ^ Bazaz, P.N. (1975). The Bhaderwahis: An Ethnographic Study.
- ^ "Bhaderwah deserves status of a district". Early Times Newspaper Jammu Kashmir. 2024-02-21. Retrieved 2024-02-21.