Nanubhai Oral History Interview

AR-009-0006

This oral history segment describes pastoral life in and around Devsar, where herding of small ruminants and bovines continues but traditional migration routes and forest access have become increasingly restricted. The speaker recalls community practices such as making vedhi from sheesham wood, while noting that younger generations are less interested in learning these skills. They link Bharwad identity to Momai Maa, a forest-resident deity, and to Dwarka traditions. The interview highlights the loss of vidi commons, grassland degradation, and shifting monsoon patterns affecting fodder. Coexistence with carnivores is described as largely non-conflictual, but invasive species (Prosopis juliflora, Senegalia senegal) now dominate. Traditional medicinal knowledge is fading, and local leadership helped stop quarrying to protect village commons.00:00:20 — Pastoralism and restricted routes

Herding systems include small ruminants and large bovines; traditional pastoral routes are increasingly restricted and controlled.

00:02:10 — Making Vedhi from sheesham wood

Craft practice of making vedhi using sheesham; concern that younger generations are no longer interested in learning the skill.

00:03:12 — Momai Maa and Bharwad identity

Momai Maa described as a forest-resident deity; links between Bharwad community identity and Dwarka/Dwaraka traditions.

00:04:16 — Loss of Vidi commons in Devsar

Vidis are no longer accessible/owned; Devsar now has only a small village commons; aspiration for forest/common land access for Devsar.

00:05:21 — Grassland decline and changing monsoons

Fewer grasses than before; grassland degradation; monsoon patterns perceived as changing and affecting fodder availability.

00:05:52 — Migration as collective life

Migration historically done in groups; cannot be managed alone—night vigilance, shared care, and mutual support during months spent in forests.

00:06:32 — Migration geographies: past and present routes

Seasonal movement through nearby forests and villages toward Kheda and Baroda; earlier migrations also extended toward Gir.

00:07:08 — Carnivores and everyday coexistence

No major negative interactions reported; carnivores usually avoid people and move away when humans are present.

00:07:49 — Forest expansion and invasive takeover

Forest cover is perceived to have increased with shifting monsoon patterns, but is dominated by invasive species, especially Senegalia senegal and Prosopis juliflora.

00:09:20 — Decline of medicinal plant knowledge

Traditional medicinal uses of native species are less practised; knowledge is not widespread and is seen as less necessary due to modern healthcare.

00:12:12 — Access restrictions and protecting village commons

Villages receive little/no forest access now; Devsar has been denied access to nearby forest for ~30 years; a supportive village head helped stop a stone quarry, protecting the village commons.

2025-06-08

The Science of Pastoral Life: Maldhari Oral Histories and Material Culture

Nanubhai Oral History Interview

Sub-Series 1: The Science of Pastoral Life - Maldhari Oral Histories