TheBodh people, also known asKhas Bhodi,[1] are an ethnic group ofHimachal Pradesh, India. They are found inLahaul tehsil,Lahaul and Spiti district,[2] predominantly in theBhaga andChandra valleys, but also to a lesser extent inPattani valley,[1] Miyar Valley, in the upper reaches ofPangi, Himachal Pradesh andPaddar valley,Jammu and Kashmir. Their religion is predominantlyBuddhism withanimistic andshaivite practices.Caste wise, they are identified asRajput,Thakur orKshetri although caste rules are not as rigid as in the plains. Historically, 3-4 prominent families of the area were accorded the titles ofRana,Wazir orThakur by the kings ofChamba,Kullu orLadakh for the purpose of general administration and revenue collection.They have a mix of martial traditions alongside shamanistic and lamaistic beliefs. Certain families/clans used to be significantzamindars/jagirdars. There is a significant cultural and ethnic mixing due to the region passing under the hegemony of rulers of Ladakh, Kullu and Chamba over the last many centuries. The language spoken differs from valley to valley with some dialects being very close toKumaoni, while others are mixed with Chambyali and Dari.They are progressive, enterprising, honest and were involved in the centuries old India-Tibet-Nepal trading routes.Organized into family groups/clans with clan names ending in the suffix "-pa" (eg - Barpa, Karpa, Tholakpa, Cherjipa, Gerumshingpa, Khingopa) similar to the "-ta" suffix (eg- Khimta, Zinta, Brakta, Bragta, etc.)found in the family/clan names of the Simla area.[1]
They use a native tree,Corylus jacquemontii as fuel source (house fires),fodder (for livestock) andtimber but the trees also yield edible nuts.[3] They can be used with parched rice.[4]
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The art and craft of any region is a reflection of its environment, people and traditions. This statement is apt for Negi and Bodh tribes of Himachal Pradesh, which borrows elements from its scenic surroundings to create “pahari” jewellery, breathing a sense of rigour and sturdiness.
While some communities have unique traditions, some ornaments are common to all. These include neck ornaments like hansli or small pendants called toke and the most cherished necklaces called coin necklaces.
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