KASHYAPS (JHEER) OF LADORI
Kashyaps of Ladori who believed to have come from Chamba area, Himachal Pradesh, has always been laborious, hardworking and tough community who have also contributed their best in building and development of Ladori in terms of various services rendered towards their own and other communities of the village. Their first generation was almost illiterate with the exception that few of them could read or write Urdu or Taakri. Apart from odd petty jobs, masonry, carpentry, blacksmith and catching fish, their main occupation had been to run Gharat (Atta Chakki). There were number of gharats situated along Jabbar Khad in an area spread up to Telian-da-Pind on one side and Chakki River, downhill Mallkuwal, on the other.
To name a few gharats would be interesting e.g. Dassuen-da-Gharat, Trilokinathan-da-Ghartat, Ghaluin-da-Gharat, Karkingere-da-Gharat, Hindore-da-Gharat, Tina-da-Gharat, Chakki-da-Ghatrat etc. etc. These were generally makeshift shelters with thatched roof which used to be very cozy and cool from within. An improvised temporary 'bund' was used to be erected at an appropriate narrow point, upstream and excess water was thus diverted through a drain leading to the gharat. At the finishing point, the water was allowed to fall down through a wooden channel from a measured height and gushing down underneath the GARD that rotated the stone wheel up inside the gharat. These gharats functioned round the clock, sometimes for weeks, until otherwise not needed to. Tik-tik musical sound made by the ghori while in contact with moving upper stone wheel made the lone attendant go to deep slumber as and when required.
When the gharat is not functioning or needed to be stopped, the water was diverted to the rivulet through another outlet provided a little short of the main inlet. Each gharat was run by a group of two or three families on mutually agreed terms and conditions. Atta of a gharat was considered healthy, tasty, aromatic and nutritious. There is a saying "Gharat da atta, Naun da pani, Nau par Nau rahe jawani.
Waterwheels or gharats have ground wheat since 7th Centaury, but are now dying a slow death. Traditional watermills or gharats, as they are called in the hilly region of Himachal Pradesh, were found in nearly every village. Today these mechanisms that use running water to grind wheat, rice and maize and also occasionally to extract oil, have now been replaced by electricity run mills.".
Until few years ago, most villages in Kangra and other districts of Himachal Pradesh boasted of 3 to 4 gharats, many on the same stream. Now, it is the older generation who speak about them. The younger generation lot, do not even recall seeing any!
The flour from the gharat is perceived to be healthier as the grinding is both slow and gradual. As a result of lack of water where river water is channeled by 'hydro power' that causes disruption, leaves the gharats with fewer takers every year. Living proof of how energy can be harnessed without environmental degradation, these gharats need a new lease of life!.
Gorkhu, Gosanta and Churo Ram of this community were known for their expertise in running the gharat at Ladori. Not too long ago, when the spread of power chakkies reached Ladori and adjoining villages, these gharats had to be abandoned being uneconomical as people were attracted to power chakkies being situated at their door steps.
Shri Yakko Ram, who had largest joint family, was considered wise and grand old man of the community who lived up to the ripe age of 110 years. He was most sought after a person in decision making meetings (Panchies).
Fikko, a tall, humble, soft spoken lady always clad in chooridars was a busy Dai Maa. She was proud to have to her credit, the privilege of handling numerous births in the village including the writer's. Everyone fondly called her Amma.
Second and third generation of the community is, however, well informed and educated. Almost every family has one or more members in service. Recently acquired OBC status, has indeed, thrown open more opportunities for them. Living standard of the community has apparently improved as compared to the recent past. Sub Maj & Hony. Capt. Gian Chand is proud to be a member of the community which is constantly marching ahead!
To name a few gharats would be interesting e.g. Dassuen-da-Gharat, Trilokinathan-da-Ghartat, Ghaluin-da-Gharat, Karkingere-da-Gharat, Hindore-da-Gharat, Tina-da-Gharat, Chakki-da-Ghatrat etc. etc. These were generally makeshift shelters with thatched roof which used to be very cozy and cool from within. An improvised temporary 'bund' was used to be erected at an appropriate narrow point, upstream and excess water was thus diverted through a drain leading to the gharat. At the finishing point, the water was allowed to fall down through a wooden channel from a measured height and gushing down underneath the GARD that rotated the stone wheel up inside the gharat. These gharats functioned round the clock, sometimes for weeks, until otherwise not needed to. Tik-tik musical sound made by the ghori while in contact with moving upper stone wheel made the lone attendant go to deep slumber as and when required.
When the gharat is not functioning or needed to be stopped, the water was diverted to the rivulet through another outlet provided a little short of the main inlet. Each gharat was run by a group of two or three families on mutually agreed terms and conditions. Atta of a gharat was considered healthy, tasty, aromatic and nutritious. There is a saying "Gharat da atta, Naun da pani, Nau par Nau rahe jawani.
Waterwheels or gharats have ground wheat since 7th Centaury, but are now dying a slow death. Traditional watermills or gharats, as they are called in the hilly region of Himachal Pradesh, were found in nearly every village. Today these mechanisms that use running water to grind wheat, rice and maize and also occasionally to extract oil, have now been replaced by electricity run mills.".
Until few years ago, most villages in Kangra and other districts of Himachal Pradesh boasted of 3 to 4 gharats, many on the same stream. Now, it is the older generation who speak about them. The younger generation lot, do not even recall seeing any!
The flour from the gharat is perceived to be healthier as the grinding is both slow and gradual. As a result of lack of water where river water is channeled by 'hydro power' that causes disruption, leaves the gharats with fewer takers every year. Living proof of how energy can be harnessed without environmental degradation, these gharats need a new lease of life!.
Gorkhu, Gosanta and Churo Ram of this community were known for their expertise in running the gharat at Ladori. Not too long ago, when the spread of power chakkies reached Ladori and adjoining villages, these gharats had to be abandoned being uneconomical as people were attracted to power chakkies being situated at their door steps.
Shri Yakko Ram, who had largest joint family, was considered wise and grand old man of the community who lived up to the ripe age of 110 years. He was most sought after a person in decision making meetings (Panchies).
Fikko, a tall, humble, soft spoken lady always clad in chooridars was a busy Dai Maa. She was proud to have to her credit, the privilege of handling numerous births in the village including the writer's. Everyone fondly called her Amma.
Second and third generation of the community is, however, well informed and educated. Almost every family has one or more members in service. Recently acquired OBC status, has indeed, thrown open more opportunities for them. Living standard of the community has apparently improved as compared to the recent past. Sub Maj & Hony. Capt. Gian Chand is proud to be a member of the community which is constantly marching ahead!
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