Kanauras of Kinnaur: A Schedule Tribe in Himachal Pradesh

Ensconced in the loving folds of the mighty Himalaya live the Kanauras in a land to which they have given their name. Kinnaur is a border district of Himachal Pradesh adjoining Western Tibet with which country it shares its eastern boundary. Nature has been bountiful in bestowing sublime beauty and charm both to the people and the land, which presents fascinating contrasts: the climate is as varied as the face of the country; deep-worn valleys confining turbulent streams divided by precipitious amountains of amazing heights wearing perennial mantle of snow. Here a person may ‘experience every change from the heat of the torrid zone almost to the freezing temperature of a Lapland country’. In religion and culture it offers an unrivalled example of harmony and amity: Hindus and Buddhists commonly sharing their gods, their fairs and the festivals. Overly fond of music, singing and dancing, the tribals are truly the ‘celestial singers’. Kinnaur can offer every thing to every one. To the adventure seekers it extends a challenging invitation. It is a heaven for nature lovers and for those who are fascinated by the animal and bird world. It is a sanctuary for those who desire peace and quietude far away from the hectic world. All this and much more the author has packed in the Book Kanauras of Kinnaur to present a chronicle of the past, the portrait of the present, and a glimpse of the future.