The People of H.P.

1.    The Khasas were democratic in nature. They organized themselves into families and villages and elected ‘Mavi’ / ‘Mavana’ meaning a strong person among themselves.

2.    Poltu and Siddu are special dishes of Khasas.

3.     Biyah, Praino and Gadar – are three forms of marriage in Khasas.

4.     Khoond -  a warrior group in Khasas.

5.    Swangla is a ST exclusively living in the Pattan Valley along the Chandra Bhaga in L &S. There are two types of languages spoken by the Swanglas namely ‘Manchhad’ and ‘Chinali’. ‘Bhoti’ is also prevalent but only spoken by the Bodh inhabitants of the valley. ‘Chang’ (local drink) is consumed almost daily by Swangla men.

6.     ‘Garu’ and Mundro’ are the two groups of Swangla which are believed to have come as a result of the Rajput marrying a Bodh and Rajput marrying a girl socially belonging to the lower strata.  ‘Chheti’ ( giving money to the bride) was prevalent in the community. The property is inherited in the male line with all the sons inheriting the father’s property equally. This is known as the law of Pagwand.. A separate room called ‘man’  is kept for worshipping ancestors. The two famous temples of Swanglas are – Triloknath & Markual at Udaipur. Their main sacred centre is Manimahesh in Bharmaur.

7.     Sehna is the chief of Swangla traditional council.

8.      Those professing the Buddhist faith in Swangla community belong to Gelugpa sect.

9.    Gaddis are ‘Seminomadic,’ ‘semi pastoral’, & ‘semi agricultural’ tribe. N.T. Exam – 2009 H.P.P.S.C.

10.  Raja Sansar Chand fell in love with ‘Nokhu’, a pretty Gaddi girl and made her his queen.

11.  Gugga is associated with cattle and is considered the protector of cattle.