Dogras facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dogras

Total population
2.5 million (2011)
Regions with significant populations
Majority: Jammu Minority: Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana
Languages
Dogri
Religion
Predominantly: Hinduism Minority: Islam and Sikhism
Related ethnic groups
Punjabis, Kangris and other Indo-Aryans

The Dogras are a group of people mainly found in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. They also live in nearby parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, and some are in northeastern Pakistan. Dogras speak the Dogri language. Their historic home is known as Duggar.

A long time ago, in the 1800s, Dogra Rajput rulers from the Jamwal family governed Jammu. One famous ruler was Gulab Singh. He became a king of Jammu and later, through a special agreement called the Treaty of Amritsar (1846), he also gained control of Kashmir. The Dogra Regiment in the Indian Army is mostly made up of Dogra people.

What Does "Dogra" Mean?

The word "Dogra" likely comes from "Durgara." This was the name of a kingdom mentioned in an old writing from the 11th century. The word "Durgara" is thought to have changed over time to "Duggar," and then to "Dogra."

Today, "Dogra" refers to anyone who speaks the Dogri language. It does not matter what religion they follow.

A Look at Dogra History

Some historians believe the Durgara people originally came from Rajasthan. Their name, which includes "durg" (meaning fort), suggests they were a strong warrior group. They eventually created powerful kingdoms between the Chenab and Ravi rivers.

Archaeologists say there were about eleven Dogra states in the region. Most of these states eventually joined to form the Jammu state, which became the most powerful.

Dogras of Jammu

The Dogras of Jammu traditionally lived near the Shivalik mountains and the sacred Surinsar Lake and Mansar Lake. Over time, they spread across the entire Jammu region. Many Dogras also moved from the Sialkot area of Punjab.

Most Dogras follow Hinduism. However, some Dogras in Jammu and Kashmir became followers of Islam and Sikhism in the 16th and 17th centuries. Because of this, and people moving into the area, the Dogra population today includes people from all three religions.

The Dogra Dynasty and Kashmir

The Dogra dynasty became very powerful, especially after Maharaja Gulab Singh showed his skills as a warrior. The British government even recognized his people for their bravery. Gulab Singh's rule covered the entire Jammu region, a large part of Ladakh, and some areas of Himachal Pradesh.

In 1846, after a war, the British government gave the Kashmir Valley to Gulab Singh. This was part of the Treaty of Lahore. Later that same year, with the Treaty of Amritsar, Gulab Singh became the Maharaja of the new Jammu and Kashmir State. So, the term "Dogra" also refers to people from Himachal Pradesh, parts of Punjab, and the entire Jammu region that was ruled by Raja Gulab Singh.

The Dogra dynasty was a family of Hindu Rajputs who ruled Jammu & Kashmir from 1846 to 1947. They believed their family came from the ancient Ikshvaku dynasty of Northern India.

Dogra Military History

The Dogra Regiment was an important part of the British Indian Army. They fought bravely in both World Wars across many parts of the world. After India became independent, it became a part of the Indian Army. Another important regiment, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, was formed from the old army of the Kingdom of Jammu & Kashmir. It also has many Dogra soldiers.

Dogra Culture

Folk Dances and Music

• Kud: This is a special dance performed to honor local gods. It happens mostly at night. Everyone, young and old, joins in. Musicians play instruments like the narshingha, chhaina, flute, and drums. The dance continues all night with 20 to 30 people.
• Heren: This is a traditional play performed during the Lohri festival by 10–15 people. It is mostly seen in the hills of Jammu.
• Fumenie and Jagarana: These are dance styles performed by women the night before a groom leaves for his wedding. Groups of 15–20 women sing these songs. These dances show the feelings and emotions of women.
• Paakh/Gwatri/Kark/Masade: These are stories sung by a group of 10 singers without any musical instruments.
• Gwatri: This is a mix of song and dance. Singers tell a story, and dancers act it out.
• Karak: This is a story-telling dance performed by a community called 'Jogies'. Three people dance to a folk instrument called a rubab and tell a popular folk tale.
• Benthe: This is a group singing tradition performed by tribal people called Gujjar and Bakerwal. 5–7 members perform this dance.

Dogra Food

Traditional Dogra food from Jammu and Kashmir.

Wheat, maize, and bajra are common foods, along with rice. A popular tangy dish is ambal or maani, made from mango or tamarind. A sweet dish called Mittha madra is made with milk, dry fruit, and semolina.

For special occasions, some favorite dishes include:

• Rajmash: A special type of red kidney beans.
• Mash da madra: Black lentils in a yogurt-based sauce.
• Auryia: A curd dish fermented with rye.
• Kulth di daal: Horse gram.
• Ambal: Made from pumpkin, jaggery, and tamarind.

Kalari is a type of cheese made from milk. It is often fried. Khatta meat is mutton cooked with sour pomegranate seeds or lime juice. Keyur is a sweet dish made by frying flour batter, served with sugar and curd. It is often given to grooms at weddings. Babbru/pathoru are fried bread served with various dishes.

Kheer is a sweet dish made from milk, rice, and dry fruit. It is served at all special events. Another special dish is guchiyyan (dried black morel mushrooms), often added to pulao. They are very expensive because they grow wild in forests. Saffron is used to flavor sweet dishes. Many types of pickles are made from local ingredients like Kasrod (fiddlehead fern) and mango.

Famous Dogra People

• Banda Singh Bahadur: A brave Sikh warrior.
• Premchand Degra: A famous Indian bodybuilder.
• Monica Dogra: A singer and actor.
• Paras Dogra: A cricketer.
• Ridhi Dogra: An actress.
• Tirath Das Dogra: A well-known expert in forensic medicine.
• Vidyut Jammwal: A popular actor.
• Ajay Singh Jasrotia: A hero from the Kargil War in 1999.
• Zorawar Singh Kahluria: A military general.
• Sargam Koushal: Mrs. World 2022.
• Alla Rakha: A famous tabla player.
• Mukesh Rishi: An actor.
• Somnath Sharma: The first person to receive the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award.
• Bhim Singh: A political leader and activist.

See also

In Spanish: Dogras para niños