Rongpa

A Rongpa woman from Uttarakhand in traditional clothing
Regions with significant populations
Languages
Rongpa

The Rongpa (also known as Bhotiya) are an Indigenous people from the trans-Himalayan region of India. They are one of the oldest native tribe of the upper Himalayan belt, close to the Tibet-Garhwal border. It was once believed that the Rongpa community had been wiped out. Their native language is Rongpa, a West Himalayish language.

Anthropological evidence suggests that the word "Rongpa" translates to "valley people".^[1] An alternative translation proposes that 'Rong' refers to a rigid valley, while 'pa' refers to the commuters.^{[clarification needed]} While the Rongpa^[2] have their own distinct history, tradition, and customs, they are similar to the Garhwali people.

According to the late Hayat Singh Pal, a recognized influence in Rongpa culture, the people of these valleys are Suryavansi, Chandravansi, Rajputs and Thakars, as described in ancient texts. Marchha, Tolchha, and Jadhs are the three sub-groups of the bhotiya (Rongpa)community in Uttarakhand. The Marchha inhabit the Niti and Mana valleys the Tolcha the Niti valley and before 1962 war, Jadhs resided in the Nelong and Jadung valleys in the Uttarkashi district of Garhwal.

The Jadh sub-group, in particular, are among the warrior clans(Kshatriya), as they were the ruler of the Gartang Garh,^[3][4] one of the 52 garh (forts) of the Garhwal Kingdom. Jadhs now reside in the Bagori, Ganeshpur and Veerpur villages of Uttarkashi. These villages have a diverse population consisting of upper caste Jadhs, Fias (alleged lower caste), Kolis (weavers of Himachal Pradesh), Khampas (natives of Tibet), Nepalis, and Garhwali's. Dialect of Jadhs is almost similar to the dialect spoken in villages of Kinnaur district (like Kanam, Nesang, Poo, etc.) of Himachal Pradesh, probably due to geographical proximity and cultural ties that still continue.^{[citation needed]}

The Rongpa community practices strict Hinduism. Hindu Gods and Goddesses are worshipped by the community, in hopes of gaining protection for their families and villages. However, the people of this community mainly worship Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Pandavas, apart from their Isht devs and devis.

Rongpas historically preferred to marry within their own community, though recently inter-community marriage has become common.

The traditional dress worn by the people of Bhotia is made with layers of wool, designed to provide warmth during the cold winters. Women traditionally wear a woolen skirt, shirt, waistcoat, or overcoat. They usually adorn their necks, ears, and noses with beads and rings of gold or silver. The men typically wear trousers over which they layer a loose gown tied to the waist with a cloth, called a patta. They may also don a woollen cap.

• Bhotiya
• Jad people