Hanjis/Fishermen Community [Generally speaking a community is a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality; interact with one another on an ongoing basis, and who have a shared sense of identity, interests, values and cultural and historical heritage. For some people, fishing provides not only a source of livelihood but also community and cultural identity. Homes, shops, schools, places of work and worship cluster along the waterfront are an example of a variety within a cohesive unit] the dwellers of water constitute a significant racial group in the Kashmir valley. They are confined to the riverside banks right from Khannabal (District Anantnag-South Kashmir) where from river Jhelum starts its course & flows down up to Khadniyar in Baramulla Township (District Baramulla-North Kashmir). It may be necessary at the outset to explain that fish-workers organized themselves primarily as a class or a subsector within the vast informal sector of the state even though fishing communities in the state are from different religious backgrounds (Hindu, Muslim). Fishing communities are also not of a unified caste and within the community, there can be numerous sub-castes. Hanjis whose population was estimated to be 33870 in the year 1891 and 260000 based on census report of 1981 as against 20340 in 1972. However, their population has decreased to 21740 in 1988 even though the population of other racial groups such as schedule castes and schedule tribes has increased during the same period (Digest of Statistics-1991-92). Although the exact origin of this community is not known but some of the historical records affirm that Hanjis belong to one of the ancient racial groups who were essentially Nishads (boatmen) introduced to Kashmir from Sangla Deep (present Sri Lanka) by Raja Parbat Sen (Raja Parbat Sen was the king of 6th century of Karkota Dynasty as per Kalhan’s Rajtarangni.). However, some of the Hanjis claim themselves as the descendents of the Prophet Noah (peace be upon him). Before their conversion to Islam, they belonged to Kshatriya caste and even now the Hanjis as a section of Muslim community are not being considered among the respectable communities (Islam does not recognize social or economic discrimination yet Hanjis are discriminated and enjoying a lower esteem in the social hierarchy). This community forms the artisanal (traditional) fisheries of Jammu and Kashmir and supply the bulk of the fish consumed by native dwellers. Artisanal fishing communities include some of the poorest and most neglected people and often find themselves outside the mainstream economic and political activities. Based on the occupation/profession/water centric economic activities & social status Hanjis are divided into different sub castes:
v Gad-Hanz (Fishermen):- Gad-Hanz is a sub group of Hanji community whose main occupation is fishing. The lowest section of this community as far the economic and social conditions are concerned is the Gad-Hanz, which is of central importance in the present investigation. This section of Hanjis is poorest of all sections in the valley. Their belongings are very few and life style not much complex as compared to other castes of hanjis or other sections of society. Since this section of Hanjis has taken from ancient years fishing as a soul profession their economic, social and professional conditions are far more pathetic as compared to their counterparts.
v Gari-Hanz (Water Nut Gatherers):- Gari-Hanz is a sub group of Hanji community who extract green & black trapa, fodder & nadroo (Nilumbium) from Walur & Dal lakes to meet their both the ends. They also indulge in fishing occasionally. Collection of vegetation is primarily regulated by the Revenue Department. Areas for nelumbo are auctioned annually by the Revenue Department. Trapa collection is managed by a separate office of Revenue Department titled Nayab Tahsildar (Malsinghara), Sonawari. Licenses are issued for trapa collection in two phases, a fee of Rs. 25 is charged for three months, i.e. August – October (for immature fruits, locally called milech gair) and Rs. 100 for a five months license during November – March (for mature seeds called kamai gair).
Revenue Accrued to Government through Vegetation of Wular Lake
| Vegetation | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 |
| Nelumbo | 655,000 | 1,851,000 | 2,425,000 | 1,060,000 | Nil ( Crop lost due to heavy floods) |
| Fodder | 110,000 | 181,000 | 81,000 | 301,000 | 280,000 |
| Trapa | 80056 | 128320 | 104240 | 125532 | 29508 |
Source: Comprehensive Management Action Plan for Wular Lake, Kashmir- 2007
v Demb-Hanz (Vegetable Growers):- Demb-Hanz is a sub group of Hanji community who cultivate different kinds of vegetables along the banks of Dal Lake to make their living. These vegetables are grown on the floating gardens and are the major source of encroachment to this world famous water body. These vegetable growers vendor their produce such as vegetables and other other items of daily us like flowers, shawls and carpets at an early morning market on Dal Lake. The livelihoods of these people that live on the banks of lake however got setback due to militancy and their future is at risk from pollution, declining water levels and encroachments.
v Dunga & Shikara-Hanz (Owners of Passenger Boats):- Dunga & Shikara-Hanz is a sub group of Hanji community who carry different consignments from one station to another. They also indulge in desiltation (extraction of silt) of rivers and lakes and work as ferrymen. They carry visitors or travelers and tourists across the Dal Lake to different parts and thus make their source of living. Many of them have purchased mechanized motor boats to lure local and foreign tourists. However, with the spread of the vehicular transport to all parts of the state, their services are not in demand & they suffer from acute economic set back. Another reason for their weaker economic position is the political turmoil, which shattered the tourist influx in the valley.
v Houseboat-Hanz (Owners of luxury Houseboats):- Houseboat-Hanz is a sub group of Hanji community who caters the services of residence to tourist in their luxurious houseboats and earns a good source of living. In Srinagar (in the Dal Lake), this entire community lives on wooden houseboats and depends upon the lake for sustenance emerged. These hospitable boat people of Kashmir live on boats, clinging proudly to their traditional culture and accepting a way of life that was inherited from their ancestors. The houseboat was the British answer to the edict of a Dogra ruler that no alien could buy immovable property in Kashmir. Built of seasoned cedar, the early houseboats were small and highly mobile. They would escape the heat of mid-summer Srinagar by being towed down river to the Walur Lake. Today's houseboats are too large to permit such ease of movement. Like hotels, houseboats vary in degree of luxury and have been accordingly graded by the Department of Tourism. The Tourism Department has accordingly graded the houseboats depending on the degree of luxury they provide. The houseboat categories include Deluxe, A, B, C and D. A luxury houseboat, like a luxury hotel has fine furniture, good carpets and modern bathroom fittings, while the ‘D category’ (the lowest category) of houseboats, like low-budget hotels, is spartanly furnished. Like hotels too, houseboats vary widely in their locations. Some overlook the main road, others look out onto lotus gardens and yet others face tiny local markets and villages, all right in the middle of the lake! All houseboats, regardless of category, have highly personalized service. Among the Hanjis, Houseboat Hanjis enjoy a better economic and social status because of tourist influx in the valley from all around the world. They are counted amongst the wealthy people whose assets run in crores (Hussain, 2006).
Houseboats in Kashmir Valley serve as the best medium to fulfill the dreams of tourists staying in close contact to nature. One can experience the unique beauty of these houseboats and the natural surroundings on Dal Lake, Nagin Lake and Jhelum River. Earlier used by the people of fishing communities only, these boats today are not merely a tourist attraction rather a place where the use of unique Kashmiri handicrafts can be seen (furniture, carpets etc.). They are completely made of wood and provide guests with homely environment, quiet surroundings and enchanting views outside. Quite similar to a fully furnished house, they offer proper living rooms, drawing and dining rooms, carved wooden furniture, and beautifully decorated interiors. Generally one will find two or more bedrooms with attached bathroom, common eating-place and a balcony in a houseboat. The interiors are decorated in typical Kashmiri style with vibrant colors and art. A few boats may have a separate cook boat attached to the main houseboat that serves a variety in Chinese, Continental and authentic Kashmiri dishes. One can find a wide variety of houseboats and can easily find the one that suits his requirements.
Firdous: These houseboats are very grand and huge in their looks as well as construction. The royal Firdous has three double bedrooms with attached bathrooms, hot and cold water, and living room. There are proper facilities for electricity and cooking. The balcony space is big enough to seat a group of friends. The interiors are decorated with Kashmiri handicrafts. The silent atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty and the homely comfort is capable of providing freshness to any exhausted traveler.
Khushal: Khushal is comparatively smaller than Firdous. It has two double bedrooms and all other desired comforts similar to a three or four star hotel room. The design of the rooms and furniture is unique. It is perfect for family holidays.
Nishat: Nishat is the favorite houseboat for honeymooners. It comprises of one double bedroom and offers all the comforts of privacy, facing the lake.
Khushdil: Khushdil is again the favorite of newlywed couples or honeymooners, and it too has one double bedroom. It has all modern facilities for its guests.
Gulshan: It is a two double bedroom boat with a verandah in front. Meant for family vacations, this houseboat provides outstanding view of the snow clad peaks from the verandah.
Clermont Too: Another two double bedroom boat, the Clermont Too offers vacations with ultimate cozy atmosphere and privacy. It is perfect for those who love to spend their holidays on waters in solitude.
