Question

The Gaddi shepherds moved north and spent the summer in _____.
A) Kangra and Hamirpur
B) Lahaul and Spiti
C) Solan and Shimla
D) Una and Chamba

Answer 1

Hint: It is a district in Himachal Pradesh and was formed in 1960. The Pin Valley National Park is located in this district.

Complete answer:
The Gaddi Shepherds are a tribe of people living a nomadic life. They are mainly found in the state of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

The origins of this tribe are lost in time, but it is believed that they are the descendants of the casteless nomadic shepherds of the Indian plains who once lived in the Barmer area of Rajasthan. This conclusion was deduced from their similarity of costumes and accessories to the Gaddis. They are generally worshippers of Lord Shiva and they also prepare a locally made beverage which is used for their devotion towards Lord Shiva.

The Gaddis spend their summer time in the district of Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. As the snow melts they keep moving towards higher altitudes of the Shiwaliks. There the grass and forests are lush green and provide good nutrition for their animals. For the winter season, they move to lower altitudes of the Shiwaliks and spend the season in Jammu.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (B) Lahaul and Spiti.

Note:
-According to the 2011 census, there are 1,78, 130 Gaddi citizens in Himachal Pradesh and 46, 489 in Jammu and Kashmir.
-The literacy rates of the Gaddis in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are 73.3 and 53.5 respectively.
-They have been categorized as a Scheduled Tribe in the constitution of India.