Nomadic Pastoralism and Social Marginalisation among the Van Gujjars of Uttarakhand: A Critical Review of Secondary Research

Abstract

The Van Gujjars of Uttarakhand constitute a distinctive forest-dependent pastoral community whose social, economic, and cultural life has historically been shaped by seasonal migration, buffalo husbandry, and sustained interaction with Himalayan Forest ecosystems. In recent decades, however, changes in forest governance, expansion of protected areas, conservation policies, relocation programmes, and uncertainty surrounding customary forest rights have significantly altered their traditional livelihood system. This study critically reviews existing secondary literature to examine the relationship between nomadic pastoralism, environmental governance, and social marginalisation among the Van Gujjars. The study adopts a qualitative critical review design and uses thematic analysis to synthesise evidence from scholarly articles, books, doctoral research, government and policy documents, and institutional reports. The analysis is guided by Political Ecology and Social Exclusion Theory, which together provide a framework for understanding how environmental policies, institutional arrangements, unequal resource access, and limited participation in public institutions contribute to marginalisation. The findings indicate that the challenges experienced by the Van Gujjars extend beyond economic deprivation and include restricted access to forest resources, education, healthcare, welfare programmes, legal recognition, and political representation. At the same time, the community possesses substantial indigenous ecological knowledge and demonstrates considerable resilience through livelihood adaptation and community-based practices. The study argues for a shift from exclusionary conservation approaches toward participatory and inclusive forest governance that recognises customary rights, local knowledge, livelihood security, and community participation. It further proposes a socio-ecological marginalisation perspective for understanding the interconnected processes shaping the contemporary experiences of forest-dependent pastoral communities.