Customary Law of Lahaul and Pangi

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The book presents an overview of the history of customary laws of Lahaul and Pangwal societies in the district of Lahaul Spiti and Chamba in Western Himalayas. The text is largely based on my own research on customary laws, and on a large number of scholarly works published in this area.

The book examines the origin, evolution and nature of the customary laws and how even the present judicial system/ administration in the Lahaul & Spiti is deeply rooted within the traditional customs and traditions. The judicial system has evolved through many a changes and gradually established a harmonious relationship with general administration barring a few exception.

Book also delves on the changes which British has rule has brought in the judicial administration after the district came under colonial rule in 1846. Since 1960, the modern judicial system has been incorporated in the region. The customs relating to inheritance, marriage, adoption and divorce in Pangwal and Lahaul tribes are based on polyandrous and non-polyandrous system of marriage that was prevalent in Lahaul region but not in Pangwal. I have also tried to examine the comparison between the customary laws of the Lahaula and Pangwal tribes in the light of present legal laws and reflect how the present customs Prevailing in the society are lagging behind mainstream society. Similarity & differences can be seen in Pangwal and Lahaula tribes in terms of inheritance regarding customary rights. In both the tribes, women are excluded. from any kind of ownership of inherited landed property. The customary laws of inheritance in both the tribes are patriarchal in nature. Similarly, similarities and differences can be seen in various other customs like marriage and divorce system.

It is a matter of great pleasure that book entitled "Customary laws of Lahaula and Pangwal societies in Western Himalayas" has been written by assistant professor Rajender Kumar Sharma, a son of Himachal and published by Himachal Academy of Art Culture and Languages Shimla. It has been an endeavour of academy to publish book of noted author's of Himachal Pradesh on varied subjects.

This book contributes in enrichment of the present literature regarding the culture and customary law prevalent in the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh. This work trace the evolution of these customary law and their subsequent acceptance by the outside ruling authorities. How even in the present time these custom regarding marriages, divorce, inheritance, adoption, are still accepted as laws by the modern Indian state in the context of these tribe's. also depicts the community driven and easy to access nature of these laws as compared to mainstream legal system. That is something which mainstream legal system should be willing to learn. The author also point out the patriarchal nature of the present inheritance laws which debars females owing Land right and how this aspect disempowers tribal women. This is a path breaking book for young minds which are eager to understand the tribal societies and for legal luminaries it is out of box approach to laws.

I strongly feel that this book will be interesting and useful to research scholar, student's and teachers. While I appreciate the efforts of the author, I also congratulate the Academy to publish such books of interest.

**Contents and Sample Pages**