How Did the Pastoralists Cope with these Changes?
The reaction of the pastoralist to these changes came to be varied. Some of them reduced the number of cattle and others discovered new pasture lands. After 1947, new political boundaries between India and also Pakistan stopped the entry of camel and sheep herding Raikas, for grazing at the banks of the Indus. In other years, the richer pastoralists bought lands and also settled down, giving the nomadic lifestyle. Through the cultivation of lands, many became peasants, others started trading. Also, the poor pastoralists borrowed some money from the moneylenders for survival. Their presence was present and for some areas, the population of pastoralists expanded, and in others, new laws and also settlement patterns forced the pastoral groups to alter their lifestyle.
Colonial Rule and Pastoral Life
Pastoralists are people who do not stay in one place and keep moving from one place to another to earn a living. Pastoralism has been influential in the societies of India and Africa for a long time. Under colonial rule, the pastoralists’ life has changed completely. Regulated movements, grazing grounds reduced and the revenue payment has increased considerably. The agricultural stock declined and their trades and crafts were affected considerably.