23/10/2022
Chopan- As they are known, the Shepherds of Kashmir, who, by profession serve and breed the sheep and goat of farmers live in almost every village of the valley though most of the times several people from this community live very close to nature in their endeavour to rear sheep that takes them directly into the lap of nature. Their job is to ensure the safety of cattle of farmers, living in almost every village of the valley, which they are later paid for. The process continues throughout the year in some parts while in some snow bound areas, the shepherds rest for the winter months.
Chopan’s are well acquainted with the higher altitudes and different regional pastures as they live roam around the pastures located deep into the forests alongwith the livestock and reside in make-shift tents. Now this is a routine with Chopan’s here who have traditionally been associated with this trade and have been earning their livelihood this way.
At certain places, they live in the roughly made stony, wood and mud huts commonly called ‘Kotha’s or ‘Dok’s’ and no matter how severe weather conditions prevail, they survive and also take good care of the livestock as well. Living a nomadic life, very close to nature, these Shepherds also have a knack for the various natural herbs and shrubs and other medicinal plants that are found in the ranges that the take their livestock.
They traverse across high-altitude mountain passes and different ranges of the Himalayas. and make their seasonal migration towards the pasturelands, located in the Himalayas, which serves as their second home, along with the flock of cattle (sheep, goats & horses). They move into the wild pastures, cut from the modern world in terms of connectivity, (roads & communication) along with their family members from the onset of the summer season, bearing the harshness of fragile weather. The life on the edge is a life no one would ever aspire to. It is a journey that continues from spring, through summer, and until the end of autumn.
Written by Ishfaq Ahmad Chopan.
