Dhangar Community

Aug. 22, 2024

A large group of Dhangars recently marched to the office of the sub divisional officer in Khamgaon of Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, demanding a “grazing corridor” for their sheep and goats.

The Dhangars are a community of shepherds with populations in several states. They live in Gujrat, karnataka and Andhra Pradesh besides Maharashtra.
The Dhangar community is on the Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) list in Maharashtra.
They live a largely isolated life and wander mainly in forests, hills and mountains.
Households and Population:
- Dhangar households are typically small, close-knit units, where family plays a central role.
- The community is estimated to have a population of around 1 crore, which is about 9% of Maharashtra's total population.
Clusters and Sub-Castes:
- Within the Dhangar tribe, there are around 20 sub-castes and clusters, each with its own distinct customs and traditions.
Occupation:
- They are relying on their sheep and goat herding practices as a primary means of livelihood.
- They practice both nomadic pastoral and semi-nomadic and agrarian lifestyles in rural areas.
Seasonal Migration: With the end of the bajra harvesting season in October, the Dhangar tribe starts their annual migration in search of greener pastures for their cattle.
Culture:
- They practice a variety of customs and rituals in this journey, like-the Worship of their ancestors.
- The tradition of singing songs, especially during the night, is a significant aspect of Dhangar culture and serves multiple purposes.
- They use these songs called sumbaran- an oral tradition of Dhangars.