The Jaunsari tribe predominantly resides in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district in Uttarakhand, India. Claiming descent from the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, the Jaunsaris have a distinct cultural identity that sets them apart from neighboring communities. Traditionally, they have been agrarian, cultivating terraced fields on hilly terrains and practicing animal husbandry. The Jaunsari society is organized into clans, with a strong emphasis on kinship and community ties. Unique among Indian tribes, the Jaunsaris historically practiced polyandry, though this custom has seen a decline in recent years. Their vibrant cultural expressions include folk dances like the Barada Nati and festivals such as Magh Mela, which are celebrated with music, dance, and traditional rituals. The Jaunsari language, a dialect of Western Pahari, is widely spoken within the community. While many Jaunsaris follow Hinduism, their religious practices are interwoven with indigenous beliefs and rituals. In recent times, there have been concerted efforts to enhance education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Jaunsari-inhabited regions, aiming to integrate the community into broader socio-economic frameworks while preserving their unique cultural heritage.
