APPENDIX I GENERAL INFORMATION ON DISTRICT KINNAUR^

Transcription

1 APPENDIX I GENERAL INFORMATION ON DISTRICT KINNAUR^ Kinnaur called Koorpa/Kurpa inhabited by Kinners existed in the High Himalayas to the west of the Kailash mountain and lake Mansarovar since time immemorial. In Vayu Purana Kinners inhabited the Mahanand Mountains. Kalidasa mentioned it in his famous book Kumarasambhava. Sutpitak mentioned it in Vimanvathu written in 2""^ and 3^'^ century B.C. Kimpurushavarsha or Kimpurushavrata was the name of the Himalayan Kingdom that existed in the ancient part between Kashmir and Nepal. It appears that Kinners (Khasas) had arrived in the Himalayas before the Vedic Aryans. Rig Veda has no mention of Kinners, but there are references of Kinnars in Mahabharta. The five Pandava brothers, heroes of Mahabharata, are said to have passed a good part of their 12 year exile in Kinnaur. It had been earlier pronounced and spelt as Kanawar (Victor Jacqueout), Kunawar (James Bailie Fraser), Koonawur (Alexander Gerard, Edward Thornton) or Kunawur by Thomson and Andrew Wilson. It is also referred as Khunu by Tibetans; Maon in Leh; Mone or Maon in Bushahra state. Kamru a seat of former Bushahr state is also called as Mone. The local populace is called Kanauring, the land of Kanauras or Kinners, who constitute the principal community of the region and the most populous scheduled tribe of the state of Himachal Pradesh. There are many tribes and castes in India which claim there origin from divine sources and the Kinners (Kinnauras, Kimpurusha, Khas or Khasia) is one such tribe. The famous Sanskrit classic 'Amarkosha/Amarkosa' mentions the Gandharvas, Yakshas, Vidyadharas, Apsaras, Sidhas Guhayakas, Pishachas, Bhutas and Kinners. The encyclopedia of religion and ethics depicts the Kinners with 'horses head' and the Kimpurshas with 'horse body'. Probably such descriptions led to the epithet of Kimpurashas, which has Sanskrit origin meaning 'Kim' (what kind of) and 'Nara or Purshas' (human beings). The word Kinner (Kinner = Kim + Nara) also means 'What kind of strange persons they are'? Ancient Bushahr state covered all Kinnaur areas, so the history of Bushahr state goes back to Mahabharata period. According to one legend three Gods (Devtas) 'Tapa Puran', 'Anna Puran' and 'Deva Puran' appeared in Mathura (Anna-Puran Vrindavan). The first one stayed at 'Badrinath', the second one at 'Tehri Garhwal' and 'Deva Puran got 'Kamru Badrinath'. Deva Puran liquidated the Thakurs of Kamru, Sangia and Chinni, besides exterminating the Chuling Thakur. At last he reached Sarahan, where Banasur, the founder of The above account of the district Kinnaur has been jointly prepared by Prof. M.K.Seth, Dr. H.C.Negi and Ms. Swaran Lata. It is based not only on personal observations, but also on the basis of available literature (Ahluwalia, 1992; Attri, 2000; Bajpai, 1991; Balokhra, 1995, 2002, 2003; Champion and Seth, 1968, Charak, ; Chib, 1977, 1984; Deuster, 1939; Gerard, 1824, 1841; Joshi, 1984; Kayastha, 1971; Mamgain, 1971; Mian, 1986, 1988, 1994, 1997; Mittoo, 1978, 1993; Negi, T.S., 1976; Negi, S.S a, 1982 b;1993; Pirta, 2006; Sankrityan, 1994; Sanan and Swadi, 1998; Saraswat, 1970; Sharma, 1976, 1997; Sharma, N.K., 1978, Srikantia and Bhargava, 1998; Sun, 1984, Swarup, 2000; Tegta, 2011 and Verma, 2002). 653

2 Bushahr state was killed. Then He brought Pradyuman, son of Lord Krishna from Varanasi and crowned him the King, who formed Kamru (old name: Sonitpur) his capital. During the rule of Raja Chubal Singh the capital of the state was shifted to Sarahan and Raja Ram Singh shifted it to Rampur. A little is known about the first 109 rulers of the state, but Chatter Singh was the 110"^ descendent, who won many battles and brought surrounding areas under his control. Raja Kehar/Kehri Singh ( ) was another important ruler, who was conferred the title of 'Chatterpati' by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He was also Ajanbhya or Ajanvahu like Lord Rama. Ajanvahu means one who can touch his knees with his hands while standing straight. He supported Tibet ruler during the Tibet-Ladakh war, which was ultimately won by Tibet; in turn the Hangrung valley was offered to him as a Jagir from Tibeti ruler and a free trade started between India and Tibet, which lasted till During Mohinder Singh's reign Gurlthas occupied Bushahr from and destroyed all important documents and archives of the state. By the end of 1814 Government of British India with the help of Fraser, the British Army Commander, Wazir Tikam Dass and Badri Dass of Bushahr forces, declared war against the Gurkhas and compelled Kirti Rana, the Gurkha commander to withdraw forces from all forts in the Hattu range, including the Rawingarh fort. The British-Gurkha conflict concluded in 1815 A.D. with the treaty of Sanguli. The state was granted sanad^ and handed over to Mohinder Singh except Rawin and Kotgarh, which remained under the British control. During the first war of Independence (1857) Bushahr was ruled by Raja Shamsher Singh, who dared to disobey the British orders. William Harry, the then Deputy Commissioner of Shimla hill states wanted to punish the Raja, but the idea was rejected by the Chief Commissioner of Punjab. Tiltlca Raghunath Singh succeeded Bushahr throne in His infant son died after the death of his father and Shamsher Singh again became the ruler. Since his son Padam Singh was considered illegitimate, he adopted Surender Shah, the younger brother of the Garhwal ruler as his son. In 1914 Padam Singh was recognized as the legitimate heir to Shamsher Singh. He ruled the state till India got Independence. On 1^* May, 1960 Bushahr state became a part of the Kinnaur district, which was carved out of Chinni tehsil of Mahasu district. It is believed that the Raja Vir Bhadra Singh is the 131^' descendent of this dynasty. Kinnars are inhabited in Kinnaur district only (Pirta, 2006). Rahul Sankrityan the noted scholar of Himalayan areas opines that district has also acquired its name after principal community of Kanauras living therein and called this area as "Kinner Desh" in his book entitled as 'Kinner Desh'. In local usage the word Kanauring refers both to area and its inhabitants, when separate district came into existence in May, The present name spelt as Kinnaur, was conceived and introduced officially on 1 ' May 1960, when it came into existence being an independent district, comprising Chini tehsil and fourteen villages of Rampur tehsil of the earlier Mahasu district, now a part of Shimla district. It was like submitting to more powerfljl authority. Bushahr contributed Rs /- annually to the Britishers. 654

3 LOCATION: Kinnaur lies on both banks of river Satluj from 31-05'-50" to 32-05'-15" North latitudes and between 77-45'-to 79-00'-35" East longitudes, it is a secluded region, rugged and mountainous in an extra degree (Figs. 2-3). BOUNDARIES: Kinnaur is bounded on the east by the Ngari region of western Tibet; the district is separated from Tibet by the Zaskar Mountains. The Dhaula Dhar range of mountains forms it southern boundary and it separates Uttar-Kashi district of Uttarakhand and Rohru tehsil of Shimla district from it. Srikhand Dhar separates the district from Kuilu and Rampur regions in the west. In the north Kinnaur district is separated from the Spiti region of Lahaul and Spiti district by the rivers Spiti and Parachu near international boundary with Tibet. AREA: According to Surveyor of India, the total area is 6,533 square kilometers. POPULATION: The total population of district Kinnaur is 84,298, out of which 46,364 are males and 37,934 females. TOPOGRAPHY, HILLS, MOUNTAINS: The entirely mountainous and conspicuously rugged district of Kinnaur is more or less equally divided by river Satluj. It enters the district from north-east at an elevation of 3,050 m, near Namgaya and leaves it at its western end at an elevation of 1,320 m above mean sea level at Chauhra. In its passage through the district, the river successively crosses more or less parallel mountain ranges. The Zaskar mountain, the great Himalayas and the Dhaoia Dhar. The crest of the Zaskar mountain forms the eastem International boundary of the Kinnaur with Tibet; the great Himalayas extends from the north-west to the south-eastern end of the district, roughly bisecting it; while the crest of Dhaoia Dhar constitute the southern boundary of Kinnaur at south-eastern corner of which the last two ranges merge. These mountain ranges support many peaks hsing between 5180 to 6770 m above sea level and are covered with snow throughout the year. The two highest peaks of the Kinnaur, Leo Pargial (6791 m) and Parasala (6689 m) lie in Zaskar range rising from the Spiti river. A peak to its south, the highest in Himachal Pradesh, has overtaken Leo Pargial in fame and height in recent surveys. Named Reo-Purgil it rises from the Satluj bed in one sweep to reach 6816 m. It verily deserves its 655

4 name-peak of the Demon-because of its frightful appearance. The other highest peaks one unnamed (6593) and other Kinner Kailash or Raldang Kailash (6473 m) lie in great Himalayas. The Kinner Kailash, lofty mountain separates the valley of Baspa from that of the Tidong. It is also called Jorkanden, rises from the bed of the Satluj (1900 m) to a spectacular height of 6473 m above the sea level. According to popular belief Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva where He dwells with His consort Durga or Parvati. The peak thus assumes a sacred character. The next nearest peak of Kinner Kailash is named Khaksar. According to the local belief the 45 feet long Shiviiing rock-iingam of Kaiiashpati Mahadev is tinted, while at sunrise, red at midday and green at sunset. SUBDIVISIONS, TEHSILS AND SUBTEHSILS: The number of Tehsiis in district Kinnaur are 5, namely Kalpa and Sangia (in Kalpa subdivision), Morang and Pooh (in Pooh subdivision), and Nichar (in Nichar subdivision). The number of Sub-Tehsils is only one, namely Hangrang (in Pooh subdivision). Tehsiis and subtehsils of Kinnaur district are shown in Figs. Ai.1- Ai.6. Fig. AI.1: Tehsii Kalpa of district Kinnaur Fig. AI.2: Tehsii Nichar of district Kinnaur Fig. AI.3: Sub-Tehsil Hangrang of district Kinnaur Fig. AI.4: Tehsii Morang of Fig. AI.5: Tehsii Pooh of Fig. Al. 6: Tehsii Sangia of district Kinnaur district Kinnaur district Kinnaur 656

5 KINNER KAILASH PARIKARAMA OR CIRCUIT: The devotees usually begin their 'parkkarma or circuit' of Kinner-Kailash from Kalpa via Tirung valley and back to Kalpa via Sangia valley. However, there is a road up to Thangi from where the actual trekking starts. The three different routes of parikarma are: 1) Route I: Kalpa to Thangi (50 Km) by bus -> Lambar (12 Km) - Charang (12 Km) - Chitkul (3450 m, 14 Km) -> Charang Ghati (5242 m) gradual climbing to the Pass -> Rakchham (12 Km) -^ Sangia (14 Km) -> Karchham (17 Km) -> Kalpa (27 Km) by bus. 2) Route II: Shong-Thong -> Ribba (24 Km) ^ Thangi (22 Km) ^ Charang (23 Km) -> Lalanti (18 Km) -> Chitkul (3450 m, 20 Km) ^ Sangia (26 Km, jeepable road and rest house available) -> Karchham (17 Km) > Kalpa (27 Km) by bus. 3) Route III: Kalpa to Thangi (50 Km) by bus -» Kunnu (3375 m, 20 Km) -> Lalanti (18 Km) -^ Chitkul (3450 m, 20 Km) -^ Sangia (20 Km) -y Kalpa (20 Km) via Mehbar across Baspa stream. PASSES, PEAKS AND JOTS: See Table All. Table Al.l: Passes, peaks and jots of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh Name of the Passes, Peaks and Jots Altitude in meters Between Borsa Pass 5360 m Kinnaur-Garhwal Burua Pass or Buran Ghati 4578 m Kinnaur-Gharwal Charang Pass 5266 m Kinnaur-Garhwal Ghunsrang pass Gushu peak Jorkaden peak 5607 m 6473 m Kinnaur Kamilag or Khamilogo Pass 5151 m Kinnaur-Garhwal Kinner-Kailash peak 6500 m Lama Pass 4920 m It literally means 'longer pass' Lamkhaga Pass 5284 m Kinnaur-Garhwal Leo-Pargial peak (Riwo-Phargyul) peak 6791 m Located in Zanskar range Manlrang peak 6597 m It was first climbed by S. African mountaineer Dr. J. dev. Graff in 1952 Nalgaon Pass 5030 m Kinnaur-Garhwal Phawarang peak Pishu peak Rainso Pass Raldang peak Rupin Ghati Pass 6349 m 5672 m 5499 m/6500 m 657

6 Shibaling pass 3980 m Kinnaur Shilla peak 7026 m Located in Zanskar range. It is the highest peak of H.P. Shimdang Pass Shinka Pass 4575 m Kinnaur-Garhwal Shipki peak 6608 m Shipki-la 4500 m Kinnaur-Tibet Tari-Khango pass Kinnaur DRAINAGE (RIVERS AND STREAMS): The principle river in Kinnaur is the Satluj, which flows through it from one end to the other almost dividing the district into two halves. Taking a south westerly course, the Satluj travels a journey of Km before it leaves Kinnaur near Chaura. Another important river of the district is the Spiti or Lee. It has its source in the far north on the eastern slopes of the mountain ranges which run between Lahul and Spiti. The Baspa River, another feeder of the Satluj, rises from the north-eastern declivity of the Dhaola Dhar Mountain of the Himalayas. It meets the Satluj at a place called Karchham, after traveling a distance of about 72 Km. The other significant tributary streams (Khads) that flow into the main Satluj river from the south or along its left bank are successively the Gyanthang khad (or Gad), Tirung khad. Tangling khad, Baarang khad, Duling khad, Panvi khad and Solding khad and like those that flow into the Satluj river from north or along its right bank are the Ropa khad, Taiti Garang, Khansang khad, Pangi Nallah, Brua Had, Wanger Gad and Shorang Gad. LAKES AND TARNS (SMALL MOUNTAIN LAKES): Nako lake: About one and half kilometers above the left bank of the river Spiti, nestling the lap of Leo Pargial (3662/4300 m) lies the village Nako, famous inter-alias, for its small lake (350' X 175' I X b), which when it freezes in winter provides an excellent skating rink. The other small body of water, a tarn, locally called Sorang, covering a surface of 420 sq.m, to depth of 15 m is situated above the villages of Jani and Ramni in Nichar Tehsil. Small lake is reported during Kinnaur Kailash parikarma route near Lalantee Pabang called Sorang. A small mountainous lake is also reported in Yulla Kanda of Nichar tehsil. HOT WATER SPRINGS: The important hot water springs in Kinnaur are found in Nathpa, Tapri in tehsil Nichar and Thopan in tehsil Moorang. Jeori hot water springs are situated on NH 22 on the right bank of Unnu Nullah. 658

7 VALLEYS: As elsewhere in hilly region, the river valleys in Kinnaur are the new centers of the human population. The important valleys in district Kinnaur are as follows: 1) The Baspa or Sangia valley: It derives its name from the Baspa river that passes through it or through the name of an important village Sangia. It is the most romantic and beautiful valley of the Kinnaur. At the head of the Baspa river lies the Chung- Shakhago Pass. The historic village of Kamru (Mone) is situated in the valley and thus the valley assumes historic importance as well. The valley is about 95 Km long. In addition to the Sangia and Kamru, the important villages of the vauey are Chhitkul, Rakchham, Batseri, Mone, Sangia, Kupa, Shwanhg, Brua, Chansu, Shong and Sapni. The valley is richly cultivated and is known for its fruits and flowers. It is also an important tourist place of the district Kinnaur. Baspa hydro electric project (300 MW) has been executed on the river Baspa. Upper reaches of the valley are covered with snow for all the year round. The lowest part of the valley is 1830 m, where it meets the Sutlej. Temperate climatic conditions restrict the cultivation of crops only for few months. Deodar, blue pine, fir and silver birch are important forest species. General economic conditions of the people are good. 2) The Ropa valley: This valley is also called Shyaso, Sangnam, Shunum or Sunam valley and is drained by the Ropa stream. This valley runs northwest and southeast direction. The valley traverse through inhabited area only for about eight kms. The important villages lying in this valley are Ropa, Giabong, Sunam (Sunnum, Sangnam) and Shyaso. 3) The Satluj valley: It is the largest river valley of the district and the total length of this valley is about 140 Km. It lies mostly in a north- east to southwest direction. The left bank of the river Satluj has comparatively more flat land as compared to right bank. The villages are situated only a few hundred meters above it. The important villages/places of the valley are Sungra, Nichar, Kilba, Powari, Ribba, Morang (Moorang), Namgaya on left bank and Rupi, Bara kamba, Choota kamba, Nathpa, Chagaon, Urni, Kalpa, Kothi, Pangi, Rarang, Jangi, Kanam, Re/Peo, and Pooh on right side. Sanjay Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) formely Nathpa and Jakhri Power Project (NJPC) 1500 MW and Karachham-Wangtu Hydro-Electric Power Project (under construction) 1000 MW have been constructed on river Satluj. 4) The Spiti valley: Next in importance is the Hangrang or Spiti valley drained by the river Spiti or Lee. About 32 Km. Passage of the Spiti river lies in the district which is 659

8 bounded on the south and west by the lofty lime stone ranges of the Hangrang. On Its north lies Ladakh while Tibet Is situated on its east. The face of the valley presents a very sterile and barren picture. There are only eight villages in the valley which appear like Oases (as green spot in a cold desert). The villages are Sumra, Shyalkhar, Hango, Chuling, Nako, Change, Mailing and Leo. 5) The Tidong valley: This valley is without exception the most rugged glen of the district. Being rugged, full of huge boulders, rocks, and caves it is often called a 'scene of savage grandeur'. The length of this valley is about 32 Km and within itself the valley encloses the villages Kuno, Charang and Thangi. The village of Charang being the highest, about 3600m from the mean sea level. There are few dwarf pines, mountain ashes and some bushes except on the north-western slope, when one come across Cedms deodara and Pinus gerardiana.the Tirung stream courses through the valley. 6) The Wangpo or Bhaba valley: The small wooded valley of Bhaba or Wangpo, which is traversed by Bhaba stream, includes about nine villages or hamlets in its fold, namely Katgaon, Hurl, Karaba, Yangpa, Kafnu, and Homte. Sanjay Jal Vidyut project of 120 MW is being executed in the valley. PLACES OF INTEREST: There are several places of interest, which have been visited for plant collection. Their details and importance along with photographs are presented under the chapter on Material and Methods. SOILS AND CROPS: The soils by and large consist of a mixture of sand, sandy loam, clayey loam, gravel etc. in different proportions in different parts of Kinnaur. The clayey loam is favorable to the cultivation of cereals like Barley, Hordeum, Wheat, Buck wheat Fagopyrum and Amaranthus; sandy soils to millets and vine cultivation. The stony, gravellier and sandy soils are suitable for growing coarse grains and horticultural fruits like apple, Prunus sp., apricot and vines etc. Irrigation is provided by harnessing perennial streams and springs. The soil strata are very loose and consequently prone to heavy erosion from glaciers and avalanches. MINERALS: District Kinnaur is also rich in mineral deposits. China clay deposits have been found between Asrang and Lippa to the north of Taiti. Copper veins have been noticed near Rangwar and NW. of Ropa. Flourspar veins of rare occurrence have been found at Wangtu. Gold in 660

9 small quantities is found in all Himalayan rivers. Mica is found in Tangling Khad. Gypsum deposits are reported from Chango and Shialkhar. Pyrite is present in Chargaon, Shiasu and Purbani. Rough slate quarries are found in Sangia valley, where they are utilized for roofing purposes. Talc occurs near Thakthow, a hamlet of Asrang. Quartz crystals, Gemstones like Amethyst and Kaynite have also been reported from Kinnaur. CLIMATE, TEMPERATURE, RAINFALL, SNOWFALL: Kinnaur due to its geographical situation has a long winter from October to May, the snov\/y season and a short summer from June to September. From April to May is spring and from September to October is autumn. It has two distinct climatic zones -the wet and the arid. Only the area south of the great Himalayas i.e. Baspa valley and lower reaches of the Satluj valley receives monsoon rains. The temperature in the different parts of the tract varies according to the elevation. Temperature begins to rise rapidly from the end of February, till June, which is the wannest month. The temperature remains wami during July and August in the arid zone because it lies beyond the reaches of the monsoon. The weather is cool or pleasant in the summer season except in deep valleys. With the onset of the southwest monsoon by the end of June, the temperature begins to decrease gradually. However, the drop is rapid only after October. January is the coldest month. In association with the passage of western disturbance in the cold season, the tract experiences spells of cold weather when the temperature often goes down several degree below the freezing point. Frost occur from October to May. By virtue of elevation, the tract may be said to have a temperate zone climate with winter from November to April, and Summer from May to October, which includes the rainy season from July to September. The transition period from April to May and from September to October correspond to the springs and autumn seasons of temperate zone. Broadly speaking four seasons viz. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn are discernible in the tract (Table AI.2). Table AI.2: Mean temperatures of district Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh Season Period Temperature Winter October-March 5-15 C Spring April-May C Summer June-August C Autumn September-November C The rainfall in lower Kinnaur up to Wangtu does not vary greatly from rainfall in Shimla, i.e. up to 200 cm. it decreases gradually beyond Wangtu. Based on the amount and distribution of precipitation (rainfall and snov\/fall), the region is classified into four climatic zones: 661

10 Table AI.3: Climatic zones of district Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh Climatic Zones Areas Precipitation 1) Wet zone Nichar and Sangla. It comprises of the lower or outer valley extending from Maneoti Dhar in Nichar Range to all forest of Kilba range along the north and up to Wangtu along the southern aspects 2) Dry zone Kalpa and Moorang. It lies between Kilba and Purbani on the left Bank of Satluj and Kalpa on the right bank of Satluj. It extends over parts of Kalpa and Kilba ranges. This zone receives bulk of rainfall during rainy seasons from south west monsoons and heavy snowfall in the winter The rainfall shows a progressive decline, as we go eastwards. The snow fall during winter is heavy 3) Semiarid to Arid zone Area south of the Great Himalayan range It receives the monsoon rains. The rainfall becomes lesser towards Shilla peak, the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh so that the climate of north eastern Kinnaur is semiarid to arid. 4) Arid zone Pooh. It lies beyond Purbani and Kalpa extending to the indo- Tibetan border. It does not get practically any rainfall. The winter is severe and the tract experiences heavy snowfall during winter. Snow melts by the end of the May and thereafter the tract is practically dry for the rest of the year. FOREST TYPES IN DISTRICT KINNAUR: The area of forest in the district Kinnaur according to the forest department is 629 Km^, averaging 9.8% of the total geographical area viz Km^. The chief factor affecting the distribution and quality of forest vegetation are rain fall and elevation aspect. The of the Kinnaur has been classified in to following 'types' (Table AI.4) according to " Revised Survey of the Forest Types of India" by Champion and Seth (1968). Table AI.4: Forest types of district Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh Group Group 9: pine Forest Subtropical Type C.l.b Upper or Himalayan Chil Pine. Group 10: Subtropical Dry Evergreen forest C.I.a Olea fenvginea Scrub forest. 662

11 Group 12: Himalayan moist temperate forest C.I.a Ban Oak forest {Quercus leucothchophora). C.I.c Moist Deodar forest {Cedrus deodara). C.l.d Western mixed coniferous forest (Spruce, Blue Pine, Silver Fir). C.I -e Moist temperate deciduous forest. C.I.f Low level Blue pine forest {Pinus wallichiana). C.2.a Kharsu Oak forest {Quercus semecarpifolia). C.2.b West Himalayan Upper oak / Fir forest. C.2.C Moist temperate deciduous forest. I.S.I Alder Forests. General edaphic and serai type of Himalayan moist temperate. Group 13: Himalayan Dry Temperate C.I Dry broad-leaved and coniferous forest {Quercus ilex-pinus gerardiana). C.2.a Neoza Pine forest {Pinus gerardiana). C.2.b Dry Deodar forest {Cedrus deodara). C.4 West Himalayan high level dry Blue Pine {Pinus wallichiana). Group 14 Sub alpine C.I West Himalayan sub-alpine Birch/ Fir forest (Betula/Abies). C.1.a West Himalayan sub-alpine Fir forest. C.I b West Himalayan sub-alpine Birch/ Fir forest. Serai and degraded types of sub-alpine {Hippopliae-Myricaria /Myricaria brakes) Deciduous sub-alpine scrub. Group 15 scrub Moist alpine C.I Birch/Rhododendron scrub. C.2 Deciduous alpine scrub. C.3 Alpine pasture. Group 16 Dry alpine scrub C.I Dry alpine scrub. In simpler terms the following three types of types can be recognized in district Kinnaur(Table AI.5). 663

12 Table AI.5: Forest types of Kinnaur district of Himaclial Pradesh Forest types Plants found Places where they Occur Moist or Wet zone 1) On the lower slopes up to 5,000 ft. chir pine {Pinus roxburghi) occur in pure form and higher up gives way to Quercus incana (Ban Oak) and Rhododendron arboreum. 2) In the depressed tracts, broad leaved trees of horse chestnut, hazelnut, maple, bird cherry and walnut are found. 3) On sheltered ravine banks between 5000 to feet Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana with mixture of broad leaf species. 4) Upper forest consist of Picea smithiana, Abies pindrow and Abies spectabilis which merge with top belt of Quercus semicarpifolia along with the alpine pasture Taranda to Tapri range. On the left bank of the river Satluj, the particularly continuous. are Dry zone Arid zone 1) m: Low level neoza or chilgoza pine {Pinus gerardiana) forms a very open forest. 2) Above 2450 m: Cedrus deodara forming pure forest belt with light mixture of neoza. 3) ft: Blue pine {Pinus wallichiana) and spruce {Picea smithiana), followed by silver fir {Abies pindrow and Abies spectabilis) and Ephedra sp. 4) feet: Juniperus macropoda tree and Juniperus shrubs are predominantly present. 5) Alpine zone at the base of snowy mountains: The pastures bear some rare angiospermic flowering herbs such as Saussurea obvallata, Saussurea simpsoniana and Delphenium glaciale. The Deodar forest develops well only on cool aspects and comparatively at higher elevation. Mostly the forest consist of Rose dog, dwarf bushes of Juniperus spp. and scattered forest of Juniperus excelsa in some parts of Pooh tehsil, otherwise vast barren, desolate and rocky stretches devoid of tree cover meet the eye as far as one could see. The of Kilba and Kinner-Kailash (Kalpa) ranges. They extend from Nicharto Chini. The parts adjoining Tibetan border land WILD LIFE SANCTUARIES: In order to protect, propagate and develop the fast dwindling local flora and fauna, 2 National Parks, 3 Ramsar sites and 32 Wild life sanctuaries have been created in Himachal Pradesh. Out of these three wild life sanctuaries have been formed in district Kinnaur. These are: 1) Lippa-Asrang Wild Life Sanctuary, 2) Rakchham-Chhitkul Wild Life Sanctuary and 3) Rupi-Bhabha Wild Life Sanctuary. 1) Lippa-Asrang Wild Life sanctuary: it was first notified a sanctuary in 1962 and 7th renotified on 27'" March It is situated between 31 40' 15" and 31 44' 18" North latitude 664

13 and 78 13' and 78 18' East longitude in the l\^oorang Sub-Division of Tribal belt of Kinnaur district. It extends over an area of 349 sq.km on the high altitude ranges from meters. Mean temperature varies from -10 to 15 C. Mean rainfall is mm. The area is largely flat, like a huge plateau, and a part of it barren cold desert. This sanctuary is among the few in Himachal Pradesh, which is not open to tourist. There are two villages namely Lippa and Asrang having a human population of about 2400 and cattle population of The nearest town is Morang. The nearest rest houses are at Jangi, Akpa and an inspecting hut at Asrang. It is approachable from Akpa Bridge on Sutlej River near Skibba and best period to visit this sanctuary is in the months of May to September. The National Highway No. 22 connects Akpa with Shimla, the latter is 250 Km away from the former. It is among the few in Himachal Pradesh, which is not open to tourist. The alpine pasture is the medicinal storehouse for the local residents. There are hardly any trees in the sanctuary area. Juniper shrubs represent the vegetation. However, in the proposed buffer zone, trees of Deodar and Kail with few broadleaved trees are present. Salient features of Lippa-Asrang Wild Life Sanctuary are depicted below in Table A!. 6. Table Al. 6: Salient features of Lippa-Asrang Wild Life sanctuary Forest types Elevation (in meters) Plants found Places where they Occur Fauna Dry scrub alpine Type 16/B-1 Dwarf Junipems scrub Type 15/C-3 Alpine pasture Type 12/C la Ban-Oak Type 12/C lb Maru Oak forest Pinus gerardiana, Indigofera spp., Fragaria spp., Viola spp. Desmodium, Asparagus spp. Salvia glutinosa, etc Junipems pseudosabina, Junipems macropoda, Artemisia, Maritima spp.. Ephedra spp Junipems communis, Junipems wallichiana Primula spp.. Ins spp., Jurinea spp., Gentiana pp., Aconitum spp., Millium spp., Brachypodium sylvaticum, Brachypodium japonicus, Poa spp Quercus incana, Pinus spp., Cedms deodara, Picea spp Quercus dilatata, Rubus sp., Vibmnum spp.. Rhododendron spp. Porang Kanda Type 13/C- 2b. Dry Deodar Lippakanda Lippa- Asrang -do- -do- -do- Barking Deer, Musk deer, Bharal, Leopard, Snow leopard, Goral, Ibex, Red Fox, Serow, Blue Sheep, Weasals, Tibetan Wolf, Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Thar, Monal, Koklas, Tragopan, Cheer pheasant, Kokalash and White crested Kalij. It is one of the few in India, from where the yak has been reported, though it may be feral Species believed to locally threatened are musk Deer, Leopard, Goral, Brown Bear, 665

14 Type 12/C Id. Western mixed Coniferous Pinus wallichiana, Cednis deodars, Abies spp., Picea spp. and Pinus roxburghii Aesculus indica, Betula spp., Juglans regia, Pyrvs lanata, Ulmus spp., Prunus spp., Cotoneaster spp., Deutzia spp Anaphalis spp.. Iris spp., Saxigrana spp., Senecio spp, Vitis semicordata -do- Ibex, Monal, Himalayan snowcock Type 13/C-l Dry Leaved Coniferous -do- Type 12/C-le. Moist Temperate Deciduous Type 12/Cllb. Western Himalayan Upper Oak/ Fir -do Pinus gerardiana, Cedrus deodara, -do- Quercus, Artemisia mahtima, Dapline, Acer spp., Fraxinus, Pentaponicum, Olea spp., spp., Ephedra spp., Lonicera Type 13/C Ma Neoza pine Up to 2700 Pinus gerardiana, Cedrus deodara, -do- Fraxinus spp., Artemisia maritima. Daphne spp.. Ephedra spp., Lonicera 2) Rakchham-Chhitkul Wild Life Sanctuary: it was first notified in 1962 and renotified on 27''' March It is situated between 28 10' to 79 East longitude, and 31 20' to 31 30' North longitude, is located in Baspa or Sangia valley in Kalpa Sub-Division of Tribal Belt of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. 'Govind Pashu Vihar sanctuary' in Uttar Pradesh fall adjacent to its southern boundary, and little beyond the eastern boundary of the sanctuary lies the Tibetan Plateau of China. It extends from 2800 to 5486 m altitude, over an area of 304 Sq. Km and comprising five villages namely Chhitkul, Rakchham, Batseri, Themgarang and Sangia, having a human population of about 2784 only. Sangia is the zonal headquarter and nearest important town of this sanctuary is Kalpa. It is approachable from Karchham on NH 22, which is connected to Shimla, the latter is 210 Km away from the former. The best period to visit this sanctuary is months of July to September. Mean temperature varies from -10 to 15 C. Mean rainfall is mm and average snowfall is mm. The biological, geomorphological, aesthetic and panoramic views of snow clad mountains make it a tourist paradise and place of insitu conservation of rare plants in Baspa valley. The vast pastures of this sanctuary acts as a storehouse of many medicinal herbs such as Dhoop {Jurinea macrocephalla), Karoo {Gentiana kurroo), Patish {Aconitum heterophyllum), Kuth {Saussurea lappa), Banafsha {Viola canesceris), Kala-Zeera {Carum carvi) and Kesar {Crocus sativus). The thick forest of Deodar {Cedrus deodara), Kail {Pinus wallichiana), Fir {Abies spectabilis), Spruce {Picea smithiana), broad-leaf Betula sp. is the characteristics of this area. Salient features of Rakchham-Chhitkul Wild Life Sanctuary are depicted below in Table Al

15 Table Al. 7: Salient features of Rakchham-Chhitkul Wild Life Sanctuary Forest types Elevation (in meters) Plants found Places where they Occur Fauna Type12/Ca.Ban Oak forest Quercus incana, Picea spp., Pinus wallichiana, Cedrus deodara, Pinus roxburghii Brua, Chansu Shong Type12/C-IC Moist deodara forest Quercus incana, Picea, Pinus wallicliiana, Cedrus deodara, Pinus roxburghii Brua, Chansu Shong Type12/C Western mixed coniferous forest Cedrus deodara, Quercus incana. Rhododendron, Picea, Pinus wallichiana, Abies Chansu, Sangia, Batseri. Seringche, Rakachham Type 12/C-le Moist Temperate deciduous Type 12/C.I Low level Blue pine Type 12/C-lla Kharsu Oak Type 13/C-l Dry broad leaved and coniferous Type 13/C-2a Neoza Pine Acer spp., Aesculus indica, Betula ainoides, Juglans regia, Pyrus lanata, Ulnus spp., Prunus cemuta, Deutezia spp Rakachham, Chhitkul Pinus wallichiana Batseri, Seringche Quercus semicarpifolia, Pinus wallichiana Pinus gerardiana, Cedrus deodara, Quercus spp., Acer spp., Fraxinus spp., Artemisia spp.. Daphne spp., Agropyron spp., Agrostis alba Pinus gerardiana, Cedrus deodara, Fraxinus spp.. Daphne oleoides. Ephedra spp. Baturi, Shong, Karachham, Sapni Brua, Chansu, Sangia. Karachham, Sangia Low level of sanctuary This sanctuary is located at high altitude and is a good habitat for endangered musk Deer Other fauna includes Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Bharal, Barking Deer, Musk deer. Leopard, Snow leopard, Goral, Ibex, Red Fox, Serow, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, Monal, Koklas, Wastern Tragopan, Cheer pheasant, Kokalash, White crested Kalij and Brown trout fish. Type 13/C-2b Dry deodara Type 15/C-3 Alpine Pastures Pinus gerardiana, Plectranthus spp., Indigofera spp., Fragaria vesca, Asparagus spp.. Salvia spp Herbs: Anemone spp.. Iris spp. Gentiana spp., Juinea spp., Agrophron spp. Poa ^'^ spp., Spp., Miliiumspp Snow bound alpine areas High altitude zone of sanctuary Type Dry scmb 16/C-1 alpine 4500-above Juniperus pseudosabina, Juniperus macropoda, Artemisia, Caragana spp.. Ephedra spp. High altitude zone of sanctuary 667

16 Forest types Elevation (in meters) Plants found Places where they occur Fauna Type 9/C-la. Upper or Himalayan Chil pine Forests Type 12/C-la. Ban Oal< forest Type 12/c-ld. Western Mixed Coniferous Forests Type 12/c-le. l\^oist Temperate deciduous Forests 3) Rupi-Bhabha Wild Life Sanctuary: It was first notified a sanctuary on 28* [\/larch, 1982 and renotified on 30* June, It is situated in Satluj valley and lies in between 77 50' to 78 51' East longitudes, and 31 11' to 32 40' North longitudes. The Great Himalaya and Pin Valley National Park are located on its western and northern boundaries, respectively. The altitude of the sanctuary varies from 909 to 5650 m. Mean temperature varies from -10 to 20 C. Average rainfall is 45 mm and average snowfall is 300 mm. It has an area of 738 Sq. Km and comprise 28 villages. The nearest town is Rampur Bushahr. It is approachable from Wangtoo Bridge on Sutlej River near Bhabha Nagar and best period to visit this sanctuary is months of May to June and September to October. The National Highway No. 22 connects Wangtoo with Shimla, the latter is 200 Km away from the former. This sanctuary is under the control of Sarahan Wild Life Division, which is 35 Km away from it. The headquarter of the sanctuary is at Katgaon, 16 Km away from Wangtoo. A remarkable wide variation in altitude supports a large diversity of habitats and wild life in this catchment area of the Satluj river. The biological, geomorphological, aesthetic, snow-clad mountains and scenic beauty of Rupi- Bhabha Wild Life Sanctuary make it a tourist paradise and conservation of rare and endangered plants. The of Pinus wallichiana, Cednis deodars, Abies and Picea with broad leaf patches provide vegetation diversity. The broad leaf species mainly include oaks, walnut, horse chest nut, maples, bird cherry, Betula, wild poplar and Pyrus species. Sanjay Vidyut Hydal Scheme is great threat to the sanctuary. Other salient features of Rupi-Bhabha Wild Life Sanctuary are depicted below in Table Al. 8. Table Al. 8: Salient features of Rupi-Bhabha Wild Life Sanctuary Trees: Pinus roxburghii, Undergrowth: Indigofera spp., Woodfordia floribunda, Rhus cotinus, Rubus ellipticus 2400 Trees: Quercus incana, Pinus wallictiiana, Cedrus deodara, Picea smithiana and Pinus roxburghii Picea sp., Abies sp., Cedrus and Pinus wallichiana Quercus incana, Acer spp., Aesculus indica, Betula spp., Juglans regla. Pyrus lanata.ulmus spp., Prunus spp., Cotoneaster spp., Deutzia spp Along Satluj at Neol (opposite Hurva village), Kachrang, Nathpa up to Wangtoo Rokcharang has a pure patch of ban oak. It is infact the name of a local deity (Devta) Majgaon, Gurguri Rupi-Shorang The highly endangered species of pheasants and animals such as western Tragopan, Cheer Pheasants, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Fox, Ibex, Snow Leopard, and Sarrow are found in this sanctuary. Similarly other species such as Monal, Koklash, White crested Kalij, Himalayan Thar, Bharal, Ghoral and Leopard have been brought under protection of this sanctuary 668

17 Type 12/c-lf. Low level Blue pine Pinus wallichiana, Cedrus deodara Rupi-Salaring Type 12/c-lla Kharsu Oak Pinus wallichiana, Quercus semicarpifolia, Abies spp. Kandhar, Shorang, Kandar Type 12/F.S.I Alder Up 2700 to Pure nitidula of Annus Salaring,Shorang, Chhota Kamba Type 14/C-1 Western Himalayan, Sub- Alpine Up 3050 to Abies spetabilis, Betula utilis Muling and Wanger Khad Type 15/C-3. Alpine pastures Herbs; Primula spp., Anemone spp., Gentiana spp., Jurinea spp., Aconitum heterophyllum. Alpine zone Rupi- Bhabha valley Grass; Agrophron spp., Bromus spp.. Shrubs and Trees: Juniperus macropoda, Artimisia Type 16/C-1. Dry Alpine scrub 4550 m and above Martima, Caragana, spp., Lonicera, Ephedra spps. NE. portion of sanctuary contiguous wnth Pin valley of Lahul & Spiti ECONOMIC ASPECTS: Kinnauras are primarily an agro-pastoral tribe. Sheep and goat as well as ponies and horses have always played an important role in their economy. In the past they had trade links with Tibet. 1) Agriculture: It is still the main source of livelihood for very large majority of the people of Kinnaur. Due to fancy profits the people are switching over from the traditional crops to high yielding and remunerative cash crops. Like apples and dried fruits. Also the farmers are rising off season vegetables like cabbage, peas, tomatoes, beans, seed potato and pulses. Spectacular results have been reported and areas under high yielding varieties of wheat, barley and maize have gone up from 842 hectares to 1,442 hectares. Likewise the area under vegetables and pulses has jumped from 286 to 848 hectares. Altitude determines the time of sowing and reaping of the different crops. Rabi crops are usually sown from the middle of the September to middle of the December and are reaped in April and July in the lower and higher regions respectively. Kharif crops are sown from March to middle of the July and reaped from September to the end of the November. (A) Rabi or spring crops: These crops are cultivated on all kinds of soils. The following kinds of Rabi or spring crops of Kinnaur are as follows: 669

18 1) Wheat (Rajat, Jod or Jad, Oja, Tho or Do): It is mostly grown under rainfed conditions or where water irrigation facilities are available. 2) Barley (Tag, Cha, Chak, Tang, Nan, Tak-swa): It occupies place of staple food in the district, i.e. used as a bread cereal. It is also used for brewing, i.e. for processing into a kind of local drink. 3) Lentils (Kerche masur): It is sown in October and harvested in May and June. 4) Coriander seed (Bugo): It is usually sown from the end of the September to middle of November and ripens in April and May. 5) Field peas (Nyar) P/sum species: It is sown in November and harvested in May and June. (B) Kharif or autumn crops: These crops are sown from March to middle of the July and reaped from July to September. The types of crops are as follows- 1) Panicum milliaceum (Chiche, Chit, Chay, Chid): It is sown in July and harvested in September. It is usually cooked like rice. 2) Maize (Chhalia, Chabba) Zee mays: It is sown in July on Bakhal (soil of manured fields located near the homesteads) lands and is harvested in September. 3) Penisetum italicum (Shag, Koni): Sown in May and ripens in September. It is boiled and eaten as rice. 4) Amaranthus (Dankhar): Sown on bakhal and karali land at the same time as Koni but it ripens a little later. It is of two varieties, red and white, but the grain yielded by both is white. Its leaves when are eaten as vegetables. Grains are made into flour and bread. Its species Taka is also used in similar way. 5) Eleusine coracana (Kodro, Kokdra): This millet is sown from April to June and ripens in October. It is eaten as bread and chilta or made into thuppa or phanting. 6) Olg or Ogia, Gyamras, Gyamray {Fagopyrum poligonus), Brass dao {Fagopyrvm esculantum) and Chalorya are varieties of buck-wheat. Olgo or OgIa grows everywhere but the others are mostly confined to higher lands. Bras is the principle autumn crop. 7) Botang (Cajans bicolor), a pulse, sown and cut at the same time as dankhar. Usually eaten as dal, but sometimes baked into chapattis. 8) Potatoes, Welu, Halu {Solanum tuberosum) are also cultivated mostly in middle Kinnaur. 9) Rice (Ral, Dhan) Oryza sativa: It has been an important crop of sole village of Kilba since unknown times. 670

19 10) Kala-zeera (Cumin) is cultivated in Kinnaur, especially in Sangia valley. 11) Sugarbeet is cultivated in Kinnaur. 12) Saffron is cultivated in Kinnaur, especially in Sangia valley. 2) Horticulture: Kinnaur now occupies a place of pride on the horticultural map of Himachal Pradesh. The climate of the district is cold and dry and ideally suited for production of temperate fruits that can be dried. The district is endowed with excellent climatic and soil conditions for the production of variety of fruits. Apples, apricots, almonds and walnuts are grown all over the district. Peaches, plums, pears, cherry, and hazelnuts are widely grown in Nichar, Kalpa and Morang areas. Kagzi almonds grown here match the best quality of almonds grown anywhere in India. Grapes are grown in Kalpa, Morang and Ribba. The area under fruit cultivation has been consistent increase from 560 hectares to 1,742 hectares in last 20 years. The economic condition of the people has improved as compared to the past. Near about 67% of the families are dependent on agro-horticultural activities in Pooh sub division. Apples have recorded about sixteen times increase in last 15 years, and are mainly responsible for raising the economic status and upliftment of the life style of the common people. 3) Animal Husbandry: Live stock husbandry has always played an important role in the economy of this arid and hard region of the state. At present it generates approximately 12% of the total income of the development block. Of the entire live stock population, the sheep and the goats account for 69%. Chief among the domestic animals are horse, mule, donkey, yak, cow, ox, sheep, goat, mare, dog and goat. A horse and mule breeding scheme has been taken up and a farm is located at Jeori (in Shimla district) at the border of the Kinnaur. The breeding programme in this farm is broadly based on the crossing of Spiti and Chamurthi mares with Connemara stallions. Poultry farming has also been taken up with the opening of the farms at Tapri and Re/Peo. The Fisheries Department has made efforts to improve the fishing in district. Now fishing has been brought under a national licensing system. Construction of a new Trout fann at Sangia was undertaken in The object was to raise sufficient number of fishes every year to provided game to the anglers and the tourists and to the local people. A yak and sheep breeding farms have been established in Karcham and Sangia respectively. 4) Food: In Kinnaur district the breakfast and dinner are called 'Khaoo' and lunch as 'Shiir. Barley, ogala, phaphra, chini, chalai, wheat, rice, maize, kada and bami are the commonly used cereals of Kinnaur district as mentioned above under agriculture. Out of these cereals Rote, Poitu, Aalu rang Chutney, Brasskan, Ctioyakan rang Brasu hod,, Dup, Kodro roti rang ragkan, Yud, Phanitang, Zorbokan rang Ral, Mar rang Dhu, Remo thukpa, Sutrale, Kanoi, Ral, Skur and Sunpole (Joote in Pooh subdivision) are important dishes prepared with special care and mixtures. Joote (or Sunpole) is prepared like Jalebis of the ogala flour in frying pan. They are taken along w/ith tea during festive occasions Kaoni, similar to saltish barfi, a sweet is 671

20 considered as sacred food taken on religious festivals and is also distributed to Harijans on such occasions. Ral (or Rice) is taken either as boiled rice or Ralu-thupa (Khichari), the latter being a mixture of rice, water, salt, spices and animal fat. Sutrale is a festive dish. Drinking is quite common by men in Kinnaur. Women, barring as an offering of the deity as a religious practice, do not drink. However, distillation is the business of women folk; and practically every household is a mini distillery, for which a permit is granted for personal use by the appropriate authorities. Alcohol has an important place in the life of Kinnauras and is an essential article required for the performance of any Puja and in the worship of deities. Distilled or fermented liquor is prepared for house hold use by employing indigenous method and implements out of all kinds of fruits and grains. Arak (rakh or Phasur) and Dakhanguphasur (Anguri) are prepared by distillation, the latter especially at Ribba. Ningo, Chhang (Shudung) and Boja are prepared by fermentation. Chhang prepared from barley is extensively used in Hangrung valley. Ghanti is the local wine of Kinnaur prepared from barley, apple, apricot, nashpati and other cereals. Brandi is distilled in Nesing village SOCIAL STRUCTURE: 1) Languages and Dialects: The Kinnaur dialect, Homskad, is the mother tongue of nearly 75% of the population of Kinnaur. In addition to this as many as nine different dialects are spoken in Kinnaur. Kinnauri or Kannauri dialect (Sub-dialects are Sunnami, Chitkul and Rakchame) of Tibeto-Burman family i.e. Homskad, Sangnaur, Jangiam and Shumecho. Besides these dialects, the educated people of Kinnaur can speak Hindi and English. In ancient time Kinnaura Rajputs were primarily divided into Kanaits and Jads. The people living in the Hangrang valley and some other villages lying near the Indo-Tibetan border speak dialects quite similar to Tibetan' whereas the Kannauras Iving in the Nichar tehsil and lower parts of the Sangia valley speak dialects quite different from Tibetan. 2) Castes: There are two principle castes in district Kinnaur. They are Kanets or Khasia or Rajput and Scheduled castes. The scheduled castes include Chamang and Domangs. Chamangs formerly made and mend shoes and weave cloths. The Domangs are primly blacksmiths and goldsmiths. There is a third caste called Ores, whose main profession is carpentry. 3) Dresses: Kinners are famous for their own distinctive dresses and omaments. The traditional dress of Kinnaura women resemble pannier worn by English woman long back. The dresses used in Hangrang valley are clearly distinct from the dresses worn elsewhere in Kinnaur. Because of the cold climate in all parts of Kinnaur, people wear woolen cloths throughout the year. Originally three types of wool are available locally. Byangi wool has the longest staple of about five inches. Lamboo wool is the soft 672

21 wool from the first shearing of the lamb. Desar wool is of coarser quality and is from the sheep, which do not migrate. Both men and women wear Thepang (called Kinnauri or Bushahri or Himachali cap), which is decorated by the seasonal fiowers and Chamkha. Kinnauri bride wear special cap in marriage called Kherthepang or Pradthepang along with chamkha ( oroxylum seeds). The men wear wollen shirts (Chamu kurti), long woollen coat/cloak (Chhuba or Chhoba) and woolen payjama (Chamu sutan) mostly of gray color, sometimes white, but never black. Ladies wear woolen sari with a girdle (Dhori), full sleeved blouse (Choli), woolen rope (Gachang) and shawl (Chhanii). Dhori is a blanket that folds partly round the body and partly comes up around the shoulders and across the breasts, where it is fastened by a large metal broach. Dark red or dark brown coloured clothes are preferred in Hangrang valley. The important gamients of male dress are: 1) Ragu (shirt); 2) Ghoya (woolen cloak); 3) Suluka (waist coat); 4) Sutan (woolen trousers); 5) Shew (cap); and 6) Kera (woolen rope tied around waist). The important garments of female dress are: 1) Ra-Ghaja (ordinary shirt); 2) Golak (also called Ghoye, Yangluk or Ligche) (woolen shawl); 3) Sutan (woolen trousers); 4) Shew (cap); and 5) Kera (woolen rope tied around waist). Children wear Chutan, which is akin to a baby shawl. Modernity has also affected the mode and kind of dresses of Kinners. 4) Ornaments: Ornaments (thick bracelets, large ear-rings, heavy silver chains, various kinds of beads and precious stones) are the most valuable possession of Kinnauri women. They are generally made of silver and gold. The important head wearing ornaments made of silver are Chak, Chiri, Tanol, Zuti, Pipla, Tunki and Dabmige. The silver made Mul-u, Kantai, Jumku, Tarimol, Kantae and Kontai are ear wearing and gold made Murkee, Tili, Launge, Balu, Kundoch and Balak are nose wearing ornaments. The coral or precious stones made Likcha and Shulikcha and silver made Chandra-har are neck-wearing ornaments. The Daglo (Dakloo), Kagun, Gurshangling and Digra which are made of silver or gold are wrist wearing and silver made Digra (Deegra) and Tomukch are breast wearing ornaments. Kinnaura men do not use ornaments generally, but in the older days they used to wear Daglo (steel bangles) and Botone-se-Shanglya (silver chain with buttons). Men and shepherds of Upper Kinnaur usually possess Chakman (a piece of steel for striking fire), a knife, a hatchet, a smoking pipe (Hukka) and goats hair round waist. RELIGION: Local Deities or Devtas-The local deities called as Shoo are represented by idols in village temples in Kinnaur. Like the Greek or Roman immortals, they are cable of expressing 673