Kanauras of Kinnaur - A Schedule Tribe in Himachal Pradesh

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Ensconced in the loving folds of the mighty Himalaya live the Kanauras in a land to which they have given their name. Kinnaur is a border district of Himachal Pradesh adjoining Western Tibet with which country it shares its eastern boundary. Nature has been bountiful in bestowing sublime beauty and charm both to the people and the land, which presents fascinating contrasts: the climate is as varied as the face of the country; deep-worn valleys confining turbulent streams divided by precipitous mountains of amazing heights wearing perennial mantle of snow. Here a person may 'experience every change from the heat of the torrid zone almost to the freezing temperature of a Lapland country'. In religion and culture it offers an unrivalled example of harmony and amity: Hindus and Buddhists commonly sharing their gods, their fairs and the festivals. Overly fond of music, singing and dancing, the tribals are truly the 'celestial singers.'

Kinnaur can offer every thing to every one. To the adventure seekers it extends a challenging invitation. It is a heaven for nature lovers and for those who are fascinated by the animal and bird world. It is a sanctuary for those who desire peace and quietude far away from the hectic world.

Shri V. Verma (b. 31.01.1928) retired from government service more than a decade ago, and then severing links with subsequent assignments, is presently leading a much-deserved relaxed life. Leisure time, he devotes mostly to reading and in social service. In between he finds time to observe and write. His present work is continuation of his earlier books on State's tribals. Next, he plans to take up social, cultural and economic life. pattern of Khampas, a lesser known Scheduled Tribe in Himachal Pradesh. His other published works are:

(i) The Emergence of Himachal Pradesh: A Survey of Constitutional Developments;

(ii) Gaddis of Dhauladhar: A Transhumant Tribe of the Himalayas;

(iii) Pangi: A Tribal Habitat in Mid Himalaya;

(iv) Spiti: A Buddhist Land in the Western Himalaya;

(v) Ban-Gujars: A Nomadic Tribe in Himachal Pradesh.

Under the Constitution 543 tribal communities are listed as Scheduled Tribe: their population varying from a few hundred to a few hundred thousand. Other than the very small number of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, which are gradually taking to a settled life, all other communities have one common feature: they are deeply attached to their homeland. The area inhabited by them is nearly one-fifth of the total geographical area of the Country. By and large there are some clearcut segments of tribal areas throughout the Country: in the North-Eastern region, the entire States of Meghalya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. In the remaining States (except Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab which are mostly without tribal population) there is substantial concentration.

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