Duggarpedia

Traditional Veterinary Wisdom of Jammu’s Gujjar Bakarwal Tribes Who are Gujjar Bakarwal? The Gujjar Bakarwal are a major nomadic tribe in Jammu & Kashmir, tending goats, sheep, buffalo all year round. They migrate seasonally summering in high altitude meadows, wintering in foothills while also maintaining thier rich cultural traditions. A Treasure Trove of Medicinal Plants A landmark ethnobotanical survey from Poonch documented 31 medicinal plant species used by shepherds(bakarwals) to treat diverse livestock ailments like wounds, digestive issues, reproductive problems, fever, and more, of these 71 % were herbs and 35% were roots and 32% leaves. Herbal Remidies  1)Rumex nepalensis : Antiseptic and anti‑wound care, applied as paste or decoction to clean and heal cuts. 2)Allium cepa : Employed to prevent  snakebites. 3)Smoke smudging ritual :Burned powders (e.g., Rumex, Juniperus, Morus) are smoked around livestock pens to ward off illness,old yet effective quarantine metho...

Nested in the hills of Shivalik hills between Naaz and Bhini nallah,lies the erstwhile capital of Duggar. A royal legacy Founded by Raja Bhog Pal, Billawar then called Vallapura was the capital of house of Balouria a branch of Chandravanshi Rajputs, ruling hills region before basholi took over by 11th century. Mentions of Vallpura can be found in Rajatarangini(Rivers of Kings). Reference from the Devi-ri-Kothi Inscription The Devi-ri-Kothi inscription from Chamba (11th century CE) it reflects a feudal and hierarchical system that shaped governance across the region. Feudal Relations: Local rulers like Naga-pala were granted titles (e.g., Rajanka) by higher monarchs, creating a network of vassalage and tribute. Administrative Practices: Such structures influenced how regions like Billawar were governed, ensuring loyalty while maintaining relative autonomy. Cultural Influence: Religious scholars (Rajagurus) played key roles in administration, an influence that extended to Billawar’s loca...