Changing man environment relations the case of Gaddi tribe

Abstract

The present research exercise dwells on the change in human environment relations in the Gaddi inhabited region spread over the districts of Chamba and Kangra in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The aim was to delineate the social, cultural and physical transformation of the landscape of the region in the light of an accompanying change in human environment relations. It was assumed that there existed a dialectical relationship between the socio-cultural landscape of the region and its physical environment whereby any change in one influenced and modified the other. Social transformation was judged through a change in the population characteristics, the structure of the workforce and the injection of social infrastructure. Cultural transformation was analysed along the parameters of house types, livelihood practices and lifestyle practices. The physical transformation in the landscape was studied in terms of land use land cover change and shifting trends of climatic variables.The analysis shows that the shift in human environment relations manifested itself in the social, cultural and physical transformation of the landscape. The changing human environment relations in the Gaddi area as manifest in the social, cultural and physical newlinetransformation of the region has been brought about through an increased interaction with exogenous influences. These influences initially took the form of administrative arrangements and developmental efforts made by the Indian state in an effort to mainstream marginalised groups like the Gaddis. The social and cultural transformation has led to an alienation of the Gaddis from their local environment and has made them more vulnerable to physical disasters as well as social and economic insecurity. newline