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Kumaon region. Like any other region in India in modern day
Kumaon, there are people for every religion and ethnicity living
in peace and amiable environment. The professions and habits
described below also take a historic perspective as people
from each ethnic background discussed below have found
representation in every modern day profession.
Kols
The original inhabitants of Kumaon are “Kols”. The Kols were
believed to be related to one of the Mund ethnic group of the
pre-Draviduan origin, which migrated to Kumaon (also Garhwal and
Himachal) from the plains after they were defeated by the
Dravidians. The Kols are characterized by their dark complexion
and in early ages lived in the forests of Kumaon, mainly hunting
and food gathering. Later on, they made small clearings and
settled down. The influence of Kols can be seen in various
dialects of Kumaoni language.
The Kol have in older days were mostly cobblers, carpenters, sweepers, weavers and blacksmiths by
profession. The Shilpkars of Kumaon are also said to be the descendants of the Kols. However, in
modern India, like any other tribal society they have found substantial representation in all the
professions
Khasas
The Khasas came from West Asia and settled down in many parts of Himalayas including Kumaon.
Over a period of time the Khasas dominated the Kumaon region and took over control from the Kols.
The Khasas can be called pre - Rigvedic Aryan tribe. The Khasas very strong till Vedic Aryans (Brahmins
and Rajputs) from the plain came to Kumaon. A large number of Khasas adopted Hindu Vedic
traditions. A major portion of the population (about 38%) of Kumaon (Khasa – Brahims and Khasa
Rajuuts) are said to have descended from the Khasas. The influence of Khasas can be seen in the
Kumaoni language.
Rajput
The Rajputs of Kumaon are said to be of Vedic Aryan origin. Initially Rajputs came to Kumaon from
Himachal Pradesh, where they had come from the Hindu Kush through Kashmir. Later Rajput settlers to
Kumaon also came from plain (Mewar, Chitoor etc) to escape from the invasions of the Muslim and
Mughal rulers. In some cases they started naming their settlements/surnames after the name of their
places of origin. The Rajputs took over the control of Kumaon region from Kols and Khasas. Later a
larger number of Khasas imbibed the Vedic traditions, culture and names.
Brahmins
The Brahmins of Kumaon are the descendants of the Vedic Aryan priests who migrated from the plains.
A large number of Vedic Brahmins migrated along with the Rajputs (from Rajasthan and Gujarat), a
large number of Brahmins migrated from Maharastra/Karnatak region and in some cases the Brahmins
who came to visit the religious places in Kumaon decided to settle there for good. Like in case of
Rajputs they started naming their settlements/surnames after the name of their places of origin. Later
a larger number of Khasas imbibed the Vedic traditions, culture and names.
Important tribes of Kumaon
No discussion about the ethnic groups of Kumaon can be completed without the describing various
tribes of Kumaon, who lived in various part of Kumaon. The Kirats believed of mongoloid origin (who
came sometime before the Khasas) are believed to have been the ancestors of the majority of tribes
of Kumaon such as Shaukas, Rajis (Banrajis), Tharus and Buskas. The tribes in Kumaon were greatly
influenced from the 'savarnas' or higher castes that had come from different parts of India.
The most important tribes of Kumaon region are:
Bhotias (Shaukas of Pithoragarh)
The term Bhotia is derived from the word from "Bo" which mean Tibet in the Tibetan language. Bhotias
have mostly been living in the high Himalayan region (North and North Eastern part of Kumaon), close
to the Tibetan border. The Bhotias have distinctive Tibetan-like physical appearance.
The Bhotias in Kumaon region are mostly living around Dharchula area, Pithoragarh region. The tribe
of Bhotia living in Kumaon region are from the “Shauka” tribes and are referred as “Shaukas”. The
other two tribes of Bhotias (Jadhs and Marchas/Tolchas) mostly have been living in the Garhwal region
of Himalayas. The Jadhs are mostly in Uttarkashi region and the Marchas (traders) and Tolchas
(farmers) in Chamoli region.
Shaukas follow their own version Hindu-Buddhist religious traditions and mostly rely on Lamas to
conduct their ceremonies and rituals. Bhotias do have elements the caste system as prevalent in
Kumaoni hindus.
Tharus
The Tharus are a tribal Tibetan-related people that originally inhabited the eastern zone of the Terai
(South part of Kumaon), along the border with Nepal. They were mostly living around the eastern fringe
of Nainital region and are subdivided into two main clans Pradhan and Apradhan, primarily sustaining
themselves on agriculture.
Most of the Tharus have mongoloid features with dark and semi- dark colors. The Tharus believe in
Animism (that every object has a soul) but they also follow some hindu traditions celebrate Hindu
festivals. There are divided into two main clans Pradhan and Apradhan. The Tharus have their
indigenous dialect, known as 'Naja'. But they speak a mixture of local dialects. Most of the Tharu
cremate their deceased but bury them. There is a strange custom of keeping men face down and
women face up during the burial. Some believe that some Tharu women descend from Rajput Ranis of
Chittor, as they enjoy a high position in their society and play a dominant role in families.
Bukshas
The Bukshas are inhabitants of the Terai, although their locality falls in the Western fringes of Nainital
(South western part of Kumaon Hills) and borders that of the Tharus. They are of Tibetan descent), the
Bukshas have merged all their castes and even today, observe only septs (family names) among their
people. Bukshas follow some Hindu traditions including worshiping Hindu gods, accept the existence of
spirits and eat meat. Bhuksas have their indigenous dialect, known as 'Bhuksa', which over period of
time has influence of other local languages including Braj.
Some of the Bukshas claim to be descendants of Rajputs.
Rajis or Banrajis
The Rajis/Banrajis, as the name suggest were mainly residing in the forest of around Askot in southern
Pithoragarh (South Eastern part of Kumaon). Traditionally the Rajis practiced shifting cultivation until it
was banned by the forest department.
The Raji religion has a reputation of living in isolation in relation to their surroundings.. The tribes have
their own separate pantheons but they also worship a few Hindu gods. However their ceremonies are
simple and do not complex rituals and are done Brahmin priests
The Raji construct simple open-air altars with prayer flags and cloth swaying in nearby trees.
