The people of Jammu, often referred to as Dogras, have a rich cultural and historical legacy. Jammu, located in the southern part of Jammu and Kashmir, is home to a diverse population with varied cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds. Here’s an overview of the people of Jammu:
1. Ethnic and Linguistic Groups
Dogras: The Dogras are the predominant ethnic group in the Jammu region. They have a long history of warrior traditions and are known for their valor. The Dogri language, a part of the Indo-Aryan language family, is widely spoken in the region.
Paharis: People living in the mountainous regions speak Pahari, a group of Indo-Aryan languages, and they also share cultural and linguistic affinities with neighboring regions like Himachal Pradesh.
Gujjars and Bakerwals: These are semi-nomadic and pastoral communities, known for their traditional occupation of rearing cattle and livestock. Gujjars primarily follow Islam, and they speak Gojri, a dialect of the Rajasthani language.
Kashmiri Pandits: A small population of Kashmiri Pandits, who fled the Kashmir Valley during periods of unrest, has settled in the Jammu region.
Punjabis and Sikhs: Due to its proximity to Punjab, Jammu has a significant population of Punjabi-speaking people and Sikhs, many of whom migrated to the region during Partition.
