Sarazis Explained
The Sarazi people are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group inhabiting the Saraz region of the Jammu division in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Their primary language is Sarazi, classified as a member of the Western Pahari language family. While primarily Muslim, the Sarazi people also include a small minority of Hindu communities who speak Sarazi as a second language.[1]
History and Culture
The Sarazi people have a rich history and tradition deeply rooted in the mountainous terrain of the Saraz region. Their culture is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim practices, reflecting the region's diverse religious landscape. Traditional occupations include agriculture, animal husbandry, and craftsmanship. Music and dance play like Dakku dance a significant role in Sarazi cultural celebrations.[2] [3]
Language
The Sarazi language shares similarities with both Kashmiri and Western Pahari languages.[4] Although historically considered a Kashmiri dialect,[5] Sarazi is now recognized as distinct with its unique grammar and vocabulary. While primarily spoken, efforts are underway to promote literacy and documentation of the language.[2]
See Also
References
- . Some Muslim communities are speakers of Gojri or Watali.
- Web site: Folk Songs of Saraz in Chenab Valley . Sahapedia . 2018-11-05 . 2024-02-24.
- Web site: Hassan . Tahir . Musical night under Nasha Mukt Bharat held in Doda . JK News Today . 2023-05-15 . 2024-02-24.
- , "Sarazi should be classed as a Western Pahari language. It would still make a very aberrant member of the group."
- a recent example is in .
Sources
- Encyclopedia: Ashiqehind . Vikalp. 2018. Sarazi: Endangered Language of the Chenab Valley. Sahapedia. https://www.sahapedia.org/sarazi-endangered-language-of-the-chenab-valley.
- Book: Bhat. Shabir Ahmad. Niaz. Sahar. Siraji. 2014. Devy. G. N.. Koul. Omkar N.. The Languages of Jammu & Kashmir. People's linguistic survey of India. 12. Orient Blackswan. New Delhi. 978-81-250-5516-7. 291–302.
- 432–57.
- Book: Kaul, Pritam Krishen. 2006. Pahāṛi and Other Tribal Dialects of Jammu. 1. Delhi. Eastern Book Linkers. 8178541017.
- Encyclopedia: Mahajan . Chakraverti. 2018. Saraz and Sarazi: Situating a Language and Linguistic Zone in Jammu and Kashmir. Sahapedia. https://www.sahapedia.org/saraz-and-sarazi-situating-language-and-linguistic-zone-jammu-and-kashmir.
- Book: Wali. Kashi. Koul. Omkar N.. 1996. Kashmiri : a cognitive-descriptive grammar. New York. Routledge. 0-415-05868-6.