Pastoralists of Maharashtra and Karnataka
We are closely working with different pastoral groups in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka as part of our larger project to bring visibility to marginalised and invisible livestock rearing communities.
In Maharashtra besides the Dhangars we are also closely working with groups such as the Nanda Gawlis, the Melghat Gawlis, the Mathura Banjaras, the Kurumars, the Golkars and the Maldharis. In Karnataka we are working with the Kurubas and the Krishna Gollas.
Besides looking at their livestock, their livelihoods and the landscapes they inhabit we are also concerned about their access to education and health especially for their women and children. We are also trying to estimate their populations as well as the populations of the livestock they keep.
In partnership with the Centre for Pastoralism we are conducting a detailed study to see how many individuals from these migratory groups have Aadhaar cards and how it helps them.
