The Gaddi is a semi-pastoral Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic tribe living mainly in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. they are descendants of ancient Abhira warriors.[1]
The people of Gaddi tribe living mainly in the India states of Himachal Pradesh in Bharmour region, District Chamba.
The term Gaddi is derived form Sanskrit word 'Gabdika' which is a Sindhvadi Janapad mentioned by Panini, which later on during the reign of Sahil Verman (700ce) termed as "Gadbika-aheran" in today's it is spelled as Gaddheran.
Some believe that people migrated during Mughal Muslim reign due to the fear of conversion of their religion.
People of Bharmour and Holi region are firm believer of Goddess 'ADI SHAKTI' AND 'Lord SHIVA'.
According to the 2011 Census of India, the Gaddi population was 1,78,130 in Himachal Pradesh and 46,489 in Jammu Kashmir. The Gaddis of Himachal Pradesh had an adult sex ratio of 1014 and literacy rate of 73.3, whereas those of Jammu and Kashmir had a sex ratio of 953 and literacy of 53.5. reservation system.[2]
Gaddis' traditional practices and habits are changing rapidly with India's modernisation.[3]