MITHDI AYE DOGRAIN THE BOLI TE'

"MITHDI AYE DOGRAIN THE BOLI TE' KHAND MITHE LOG DOGRE"
   "Sweet is the language of people of Jammu and sweeter are the people"

The Dogras inhabiting the hilly tract bounding the mountains of the Kashmir Valle on the south and extending to the plains of the Punjab, are descended from Aryan stock. They speak the Dogri language- a mixture of Sanskrit, Punjabi and Persian- whose origin goes back to the Indo-Aryan branch of Sanskrit.

A sturdy people, the Dogras are divided into several castes and classes. A common attribute of the Dogras of various denominations is their physical sturdiness. Their staple food consists of rice, wheat and pulses. Their dress is simple- a short coat or a flowing shirt, with pyjamas loose at the knees and tight fitting at the ankles. the men's turban on the head is generally complemented by a 'kamarbandh' at the waist. With a shawl or a 'dupatta' thrown over the head, women put on tight-fitting bodice or jumpers over pyjaamas which resemble those of the men folk. The Dogra Rajputs, who have traditionally made the army their profession, do not, however, have a big built; their average height being five feet four inches (160 cms). They are average to the point of being indefatigable and can stand long marches over hilly terrain. The men's complexion is light brown, the women's lighter still. A simple and almost childish people, the Dogras tend to be traditionally clannish more so in the rural areas. The Brahmins of the Jammu region are mostly engaged in agriculture. A minority among them comprise the priest class. The Chibbalis and the Sudans- the chief sects among the Muslim Rajputs- are also a martial race.

Jammu province is inhabited by diverse castes and sects. Khatris and Mahajans are of Punjabi stock. They are less handsome than the Rajputs and are not hardy like them. They generally follow sedentary occupations like trade and commerce. Harijans constitute another large segment of the population. They are agriculturists and pursue semi-skilled professions.

Strong-muscled, virile, simple and truthful, the Paharis inhabit the hilly tracts of the 'middle mountains'. Theirs is a very hard life, rearing sheep and cultivating the sparse available tracts of land on hilly, sloppy terraces for barley, wheat and maize. This area also supplies a considerable number of recruits to the Army. Lack of communications to the outside world has isolated them and contributed to their comparative poverty, as well as to their remaining practically untouched by what are called by them "the vices and vulgarities of town". Their hospitality is exemplary. Frugal in habits, their diet is simple and sparse- wheat bread with whey and lentils. their language is a mixture of Dogri, Punjabi and Hindi. Generally dressed in gray woolens and loose pyjamas, they also flaunt a 'kamarbandh'. Women wear long loose tunics, close fitting 'churidars' and 'dupatta' or cap to complete their charming ensemble. The Dogras are deeply attached to their land. Much of their folklore- myths and legends-relates to their Shrines.