BALTI
This preponderantly Muslim ethnic group of Kargil is found in three villages –Main Hardas, Karkichu and Loto- and few of them are found in Kargil town. Believed to be the antecedents from Baltistan -Pakistan administered area- their culture has roots of Tibetan, Persian and Indian influence. But it is found that Tibetans form the principal ethnic group in the area accounting for 60 per cent of the population. However, people migrated to this area in different periods of ancient times on account of different reasons merged in the prevailing Tibetan society. The Baltis have the reputation of being forbearing, cheerful and hospitable people and speak Balti language. The Balti literature is very rich having many categories in its Literature like Hamd, Qaseeda, Marsia, Noha, Ganzals and many others.
Baltis are agriculturalist. Farming and animal husbandry are the main sources of livelihood for them. They grow wheat, barley, millet and buckwheat, and raise goats and sheep for wool, and yaks for hair, meat, milk and skin. These animals are also traded for cash. Horticulture also forms a significant source of income for the Baltis. However, there is only an average of two acres of land per household available for cultivation. Security issues compel the villagers to store rations for both humans and animals, which is then utilized during the long winters. During the six or seven months of long winter, economic activities virtually cease to exist.
DARDS
They are the people defined by linguist similarities, and not a common ethnic group dominantly found in eastern Afghanistan, in Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan region and Khyber Pakhtunwa province of Pakistan. In Jammu and Kashmir, according to the cultural officer of Kargil Mohammad Ali Tak, Dards by religion are Buddhist dominated ethnic group of Kargil which currently exists in four villages. Darchiks and Garkone in Kargil, and Dha and Hanu in Leh. Dards of Kargil were basically Hindus who later embraced Islam in the 14th century after the Muslim Invasion of India. Isolated from the modern world, they also subsist mainly on farming.
ZANASKARI
Apart from a few thousand Muslims, they are also Buddhist dominated ethnic group and settled in Zanaskar area of Kargil. History tells that Buddhism initially spread its influence in Zanaskar in 200 BC. It was in 7th century that
Zanaskar were overrun by the Tibetans who imposed their new religion. Tak explains, “Buddhism regained its influence over Zanskar in the 8th century when Tibet was also converted to this religion. Between the 10th and 11th centuries, two Royal Houses were founded in Zanskar, and the monasteries of Karsha and Phugtal were built. Until the 15th century, Zanskar existed as a more or less independent Buddhist Kingdom ruled by between two and four related royal families,” he says.
Since the 15th century, Zanskar has been subordinate to Ladakh, sharing its fortunes and misfortunes. In 1822, a coalition of Kulu, Lahoul, and Kinnaur invaded Zanskar, plundering the country and destroying the Royal palace at Padum. The first traces of human activity in Zanskar seem to go back as far as the Bronze Age. Petro glyphs attributed to that period suggest that their creators were hunters.
Despite having a history of rich culture, these ethnic groups are unhappy with the government. They say nothing substantive have been done neither in the developmental arena nor by the way of empowerment of people. “Just have a visit to our villages, you will see yourself that there is nothing that the government has done for us,” locals of different villages told Kashmir Life.
Locals also claim the politicians are also having indifferent approach towards them. “We are just a vote bank for them,” says Aijaz Hussain Munshi, a curator of the local museum in Kargil. When asked, J&K’s consumer affairs and public distribution minister, Qamar Ali Akhoon, who represents Kargil constituency said, “There is a lot of developmental work which has been done in the last years. Work has been undertaken on many projects. If you compare the present status with the past, there is a lot of difference.”
Kargilis may not necessarily agree with him!
