Survival of Drogpa Cultural and Traditional Memes and the Threat of Modern Development

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of modern amenities such as roads, electricity, cell phones, television, and tourism on the two Drogpa communities of Me rag and Sag steng. It also aims to study the misinterpretation of ancient Drogpa history. The paper concludes that the endurance of Drogpa culture is uncertain and thus, loss of their identity is imminent in the near future. Therefore, the future of Drogpa culture and their hospitable behaviour will depend on how well they perceive and respond to the modern developments. Finally, this paper concludes that the government of Bhutan and Drogpa should proceed collaboratively to sustain their valuable culture and traditions. Furthermore, government should also examine methodically prior to executing any development activity to make certain that tribal cultures be endorsed and more tribal youths be encouraged to acclimatize to their cultures and traditions

The future of yak farming and herding culture in Bhutan: A case of the Brokpa herders of Merak and Sakteng

“…SWS (2019) land use analysis indicates that Merak has about 3748.603 hectares of rangeland and Sakteng has about 4747.367 hectares; this land is allotted to the communities on lease in accordance with the Land Act of Bhutan 2007 (National Land Commission, 2007). However, because of climate variability, unpalatable plant species have encroached on the rangelands, and some portions of rangeland have been destroyed because of road construction and extension since 2015 (SWS, 2019; Wangchuk, 2013; Wangchuk, Dhammasaccakarn, and Tepsing, 2013). Additionally, the rangelands are continuously being degraded because of overgrazing and poor management practices (SWS, 2019).…”

“…The Brokpa (Wylie transliteration: ‘Brog pa) of Merak and Sakteng of eastern Bhutan are seminomadic. In Brokpa families, herders called Nag rdze (Wylie transliteration)—pronounced as na ze —in Brokpa dialect practice a traditional seasonal migratory cycle, while nonherder family members remain in permanent settlements elsewhere (Wangchuk, 2013; Wangchuk, Dhammasaccakarn, and Tepsing, 2013; Wangchuk et al, “The Yaks,” 2013). Generally, the number of herders depends on the herd size; however, a typical Brokpa family will have at least one male herder with culturally embedded experiences in managing the herds in the region's rugged terrains and harsh climatic conditions.…”

“…Another distinctive cultural aspect of the Brokpa is their costumes, which are woven predominantly from yak hair (Wangchuk, Dhammasaccakarn, and Tepsing, 2013). According to Wangchuk (2013), the tribes of Tawang, in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, wear similar costumes.…”

“…According to a 2019 report by the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS), more than 85 percent of Brokpa consider yak farming their main livelihood (Wangchuk, Dhammasaccakarn, Tepsing, and Sakolnakarn, 2013; Wu et al, 2016). However, the future of yak farming and the embedded cultures seems uncertain because of several factors, such as climate variability, socioeconomic development, political mismanagement, declining pastoral rangelands or tsadrog (Wylie transliteration: rTsa ‘brog), and the migration of Brokpa youths to towns in search of better livelihoods (SWS, 2019; Wangchuk, Dhammasaccakarn, and Tepsing, 2013; Wu et al, 2016). Countries like Bhutan, where temperatures are expected to increase by 0.8 to 2.8 degrees Celsius between 2021 and 2100 (National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology, 2019), are especially susceptible to even minor fluctuations in average temperature, and previous work has shown that rising global temperatures will dramatically affect people residing in the fragile mountain environment of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region (Bhattacharya, 2020; Chettri, 2008; Joshi et al, 2020; Negi, 2007; Sherpa and Kayastha, 2009; Wangchuk, Dhammasaccakarn, Tepsing, and Sakolnakarn, 2013; Wester et al, 2019).…”

“…Due in part to the ecological factors that diminish the socioeconomic viability of yak farming, countries centered on this economic activity have seen declines in the number of youths wishing to engage in it as well as in traditional herding culture (Dorji et al, 2020; Joshi et al, 2020; Wangchuk and Wangdi, 2015; Wangdi, 2016). If younger generations discontinue yak farming, the associated cultural practices, which principally informs the Brokpa's distinctive identity, would disappear along with it (Wangchuk, 2013; Wangchuk, Dhammasaccakarn, and Tepsing, 2013; Wangchuk, Dhammasaccakarn, Tepsing, and Sakolnakarn, 2013). In the Brokpa communities of Merak and Sakteng, yaks are not just a source of livelihood but are fundamental to the centuries of cultural history that contribute to their shared sense of identity.…”