The proposed research paper aims to provide an ethnographic account of the Gujjar tribe in the Kashmir Valley of India, utilizing visual means to document their culture, social organization, and livelihoods. The Gujjar tribe is a historically marginalized and underrepresented ethnic group in the region, despite their significant contributions to the local economy and society. The proposed study will address this gap in knowledge by providing a comprehensive ethnographic account of their way of life. The study's primary objective is to explore the Gujjar community's culture, traditions, and social organization through visual documentation and participant observation. The research methodology comprises a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews, visual documentation, and participant observation to provide a detailed and nuanced representation of the community's culture and way of life. The academic relevance of this proposal lies in its contribution to the body of knowledge on the Gujjar community and the use of visual anthropology in ethnographic research. The proposal aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of visual documentation as a research method and its ability to capture cultural nuances and complexities that words alone cannot fully express. Furthermore, this research will provide valuable insights into the Gujjar community's culture and traditions, contributing to the field of anthropology's broader understanding of the diversity and complexity of human societies. Practically, the proposed research will also benefit the Gujjar community by documenting their culture and way of life. This research will contribute to their representation and recognition in mainstream media and literature, providing a platform for their voices to be heard. Additionally, the proposed study's findings may inform policies and programs aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of marginalized communities, such as the Gujjar tribe.
