Centre for Pastoralism

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Centre for Pastoralism, an initiative by Gujarat-based Sahjeevan Trust, addresses many aspects of pastoralism in India through research, breed conservation, policy advocacy, outreach, and livelihood initiatives.

From the forests of the Shivaliks to the alpine meadows of Uttarakhand, the Van Gujjars follow seasonal migration routes...
10/08/2026

From the forests of the Shivaliks to the alpine meadows of Uttarakhand, the Van Gujjars follow seasonal migration routes that have sustained their way of life for generations. 🐃🏔️

Their journeys with the Gojari buffalo reflect a deep knowledge of landscapes, grazing systems and the rhythms of the Ganga, which remains at the heart of their pastoral identity.

Photo Credits: Ramesh Bhatti and CfP Archives

In the heart of the Banni grasslands of Kachchh, the Banni Maldharis have spent generations breeding livestock uniquely ...
17/07/2026

In the heart of the Banni grasslands of Kachchh, the Banni Maldharis have spent generations breeding livestock uniquely adapted to one of India's most dynamic landscapes. Their famed Banni buffalo—renowned for its resilience, productivity, and ability to withstand droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures—is a testament to centuries of pastoral knowledge and care.

For the Maldharis, healthy grasslands and healthy herds go hand in hand. Their deep understanding of breeding, grazing, and the rhythms of the Banni ecosystem continues to sustain both livelihoods and landscapes.

Photo Credits: Ishaan Raghunandan Aniruddh Sheth and Sahjeevan archives

Across the meadows and mountain passes of Jammu & Kashmir, the songs of the Bakarwal community echo through centuries of...
06/07/2026

Across the meadows and mountain passes of Jammu & Kashmir, the songs of the Bakarwal community echo through centuries of migration, memory, and belonging. A transhumant pastoral community of the western Himalaya, the Bakarwals travel over 200–300 km seasonally with their herds of sheep, goats, horses, and mules between the winter plains of Jammu and the alpine pastures of Kashmir and Ladakh.

From the collective grass-cutting tradition of Ghaas Katai to life in high-altitude dhoks (seasonal pastoral settlements), their way of life is rooted in resilience, ecological knowledge, music, and shared labour. Following ancestral migratory routes across forests, rivers, and mountain passes, they continue to sustain both fragile Himalayan landscapes and pastoral economies.

Photo Credits: Rikh

Did you know that Raika pastoralists travel more than 2,000 kilometres on foot with their herds across India?The Raika o...
29/06/2026

Did you know that Raika pastoralists travel more than 2,000 kilometres on foot with their herds across India?

The Raika of Rajasthan are among India’s largest pastoral communities, known for their deep connection with camels, sheep, cattle, and migration across deserts, forests, and grasslands. Their journeys follow rain, forage, and long-standing relationships with landscapes shaped through generations of movement.

From colourful turbans to camel breeding traditions and indigenous animal healing practices, pastoral life continues to shape Raika identity across western India.

Photo Credits: Sahjeevan Archives

The Gollas trace their lineage to the Yadavas associated with Krishna, with the word Golla deriving from Gopala, meaning...
12/06/2026

The Gollas trace their lineage to the Yadavas associated with Krishna, with the word Golla deriving from Gopala, meaning “protector of cows.” For generations, pastoralism has shaped their journeys, rituals, and relationship with the Deccan landscape.

Spread across southern India, the community includes several subgroups such as Yerra Golla, Karna Golla, and Kadu Golla. Oral traditions remember pastoral heroes like Katamraju as ancestors and protectors of the community. Even today, livestock keeping and seasonal migration continue to shape Golla life across the Deccan. Some Golla groups were also historically known for guarding valuables during trade and travel because of their reputation for trustworthiness.

Photo Credits: Ramu Aravindan

Grasslands and rangelands cover nearly half the Earth's land surface, support around a billion people, store enormous am...
05/06/2026

Grasslands and rangelands cover nearly half the Earth's land surface, support around a billion people, store enormous amounts of carbon, and are home to unique plants and animals, yet they remain among the least understood ecosystems on the planet.

This World Environment Day, we're celebrating the value of grasslands and the pastoral communities that help keep them thriving.

Photo Credits: , , and archives

Gawli buffaloes can find their way back on their own, returning to the same grazing sites year after year, even without ...
30/05/2026

Gawli buffaloes can find their way back on their own, returning to the same grazing sites year after year, even without a herder.

Once called the “Denmark of India,” Vidarbha’s grasslands supported a thriving dairy economy led by the Nand Gawli pastoral community. Their herds produced large quantities of milk and ghee, some even reaching international markets.

Rooted in stories of migration and Krishna’s journey, many Nand Gawlis are believed to have settled in these grass rich landscapes. Even today, they move seasonally across forests, grasslands, and farmlands, sustaining livelihoods through milk production and close ties with farmers.

Their culture, rituals, and knowledge reflect a deep connection between livestock, land, and identity.



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Known as the “people of the pasture,” the Brokpas are yak herders within the Monpa community who move across high-altitu...
26/05/2026

Known as the “people of the pasture,” the Brokpas are yak herders within the Monpa community who move across high-altitude grasslands with their herds. Their lives, shaped by seasonal movement, livestock, and landscape, reflect a pastoral system rooted in resilience and deep ecological knowledge.

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The Mathura Lamans, with roots in Uttar Pradesh, continue a pastoral way of life shaped by seasonal movement, cattle rea...
16/05/2026

The Mathura Lamans, with roots in Uttar Pradesh, continue a pastoral way of life shaped by seasonal movement, cattle rearing, and long-standing trade practices. Their livelihoods today centre around cattle, dairying, and relationships with farmers, while their cultural practices reflect deep connections to livestock and tradition. Festivals such as Janmashtami, Diwali, and Pola hold particular significance during Diwali, white cows are decorated and worshipped as part of Lakshmi Pooja, while during Pola, bulls are similarly adorned and honoured for their role in agriculture.

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The Bharwads of Maharashtra continue a pastoral way of life rooted in movement, livestock, and community. From their mig...
06/05/2026

The Bharwads of Maharashtra continue a pastoral way of life rooted in movement, livestock, and community. From their migration from Gujarat to their present-day routes across Vidarbha, Gir cattle remain at the centre of their livelihoods and identity.

Through dairying, seasonal migration, and shared herd systems, they sustain both their families and local agricultural landscapes. Their traditions, knowledge, and adaptability reflect a deep connection with the land that continues to evolve with changing times.

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