J&K question from Naib Tehsildar exam, 2018 by JKSSB
Which of the following languages is widely spoken amongst the Gujjars and Bakarwal tribes of Jammu and Kashmir region?
Last updated May 15, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option B —
Gojri
Gojri (also known as Gujari) is the mother tongue of the Gujjars and Bakarwals, who represent one of the largest ethno-linguistic groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
Cultural and Linguistic Context:
The Tribes: The Gujjars and Bakarwals are traditionally nomadic or semi-nomadic pastoralists who move between the plains of Jammu and the high-altitude pastures of Kashmir and Ladakh.
Language Roots: Gojri is an Indo-Aryan language. It shares linguistic roots with Rajasthani and Gujarati, reflecting the historical migration patterns of these tribes from western India into the Himalayas.
Official Recognition: In Jammu and Kashmir, Gojri is recognized as a significant regional language and is included in the Sixth Schedule of the erstwhile state's constitution to ensure its promotion and preservation.
Comparison of the Options:
Garo: A Tibeto-Burman language spoken primarily by the Garo people in Meghalaya and parts of Assam/Bangladesh.
Kinnauri: A Sino-Tibetan language spoken in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
Kangri: An Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh, closely related to Dogri and Punjabi.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
