ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews sparsely available secondary historical sources on the migratory patterns of the two main ethnic groups from Tejam, which are now classified as the Bhotiya scheduled tribe (Johari Shauka) and scheduled caste (Shilpkars). These groups have had a century-long history of migration to Tibet for trade and transhumance. Oral histories from Tejam form the basis for representations of local histories. Interpretation of history by the different groups in the village depends on their own positioning within it. While the Shilpkars (SCs) are generally pleased that the ‘old times’ of migration to Tibet are over – and with it intense poverty and inequality – the Shauka (ST) population has mixed feelings. Post-1962, when trade came to a halt with the Indo-China War, new opportunities for economic prosperity through modern forms of migration and access to preferential policies have arisen for the powerful Shaukas, which laid the foundations for their success in government employment. At the same time, among the older generations there is mourning over the loss of old hierarchies and the flourishing life during trade. The chapter shows that a view of history as ‘the good old times’ versus ‘the bad old times’ can exist in parallel, which points to the multidimensionality of migration impacts past and present.
