Bodh people

The Bodh people, also known as Khas Bhodi,[1] are an ethnic group of Himachal Pradesh, India. They are found in Lahaul tehsil, Lahaul and Spiti district,[2] predominantly in the Bhaga and Chandra valleys, but also to a lesser extent in Pattani valley,[1] Miyar Valley, in the upper reaches of Pangi, Himachal Pradesh and Paddar valley, Jammu and Kashmir. Their religion is predominantly Buddhism with animistic/shiva worship practices. Caste wise they are identified as rajput/thakurs/kshetris although caste rules are not as rigid as in the plains. Historically, 3-4 prominent families of the area were accorded "rana/wazir/thakur" titles by the king's of chamba/kullu/ladakh for the purpose of general administration and revenue collection. They have a mix of martial traditions alongside Shaman/lamaistic beliefs and certain families/clans uses to be significant zamindars/jagirdars. Culturally and ethnically there is significant mixing due to the region passing under the hegemony of rulers of ladakh/kullu/chamba over the last many centuries. The language spoken differs from valley to valley with some dialects being very close to Kumaoni, while others are mixed with chambyali and dari. They are progressive, enterprising, honest and were involved in the centuries old india-tibet-Nepal trading routes. Organized into family groups/clans with clan names ending in the suffix "-pa" (eg - barpa, Karpa, tholakpa, cherjipa, gerumshingpa, khingopa) similar to the "-ta" suffix (eg- khimta, zinta, brakta, bragta...)found in the family/clan names of the simla area. [1]

Bodh mother and child near Gandhola Monastery

Art and craft in Himachal

The art and craft of any region is a reflection of its environment, people and traditions. This statement is apt for Negi and Bodh tribes of Himachal Pradesh, which borrows elements from its scenic surroundings to create “pahari” jewellery, breathing a sense of rigour and sturdiness.

While some communities have unique traditions, some ornaments are common to all. These include neck ornaments like hansli or small pendants called toke and the most cherished necklaces called coin necklaces.

References

Himalayan districts of koolo, lahaul and spitti

Bibliography
  • Bhasin, M. K.; Singh, Indera P.; Walter, H.; Bhardwaj, Veena (1983). "Genetic study of five population groups of Lahaul-Spiti and Kulu districts, Himachal Pradesh". Zeitschrift für Morphologie und Anthropologie. 74 (1): 13–38. ISSN 0044-314X. JSTOR 25756637.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  • Singh, Kanwaljit; Bhasin, MK; Singh, IP (2008). "Age changes in biological variables among high altitude Bodh males of Lahaul Tehsil, Lahaul-spiti District, Himachal Pradesh, India". Anthropologist. 10 (3): 193–202.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)


  1. Bhasin et al. 1983, p. 16.
  2. Singh, Bhasin & Singh 2008, p. 193.
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