The ecological basis of the geographical distribution of the Dhangars: a pastoral caste-cluster of Maharashtra

Abstract

This paper attempts to elucidate how the topography, climate, vegetation and other biological and human factors have moulded the distribution of the various Dhangar castes of Maharashtra, India, in general and that of the Gavli Dhangars of Peninsular India in particular. It is concluded that the distribution of each of the Dhangar castes is primarily determined by the suitability of a region for the sustenance of an animal either directly maintained by that group or whose products form the basis of the subsistence of that group.