Pastoral people and shepherding practices in the Western Himalaya (Himachal Pradesh): A historical perspective

Abstract

Shepherding in the Western Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh (India) was carried out primarily by agro-pastoralist. They were an integral part of the socio-economic system of precolonial Himalayan states. Due to environmental and social factors, varied pastoral practices had evolved historically in different parts of Himachal. The establishment of British rule in India represented a fundamental break from the past. Colonial interests now dominated, and pastoral practices were restricted and altered in response to the newly introduced forest laws.