Shifting Livelihood Practices Among Sapera Nomadic Community in Haryana, India

Traditionally, nomadic communities have earned their livelihood through community-based occupation with less occupational diversity. However, under the influence of modern development processes, administrative policies and programmes, nomadic communities’ traditional means of livelihood have been severely affected. As a result, they shifted from traditional to modern means of livelihood. Based on data collected from India’s censuses from 1981 to 2011, the present study explores the changes occurring in the occupational domain of one of India’s nomadic communities—the Sapera community—living in Haryana. Traditionally, the community earned a living from snake charming and herbal medicines. The study’s findings reveal a decreasing trend of primary and household industry–based workers. Further, the study finds a significant increase in their engagement in cultivation and other works that are not their traditional occupation. Based on the study’s findings, it is recommended that the researchers and concerned developmental authorities carry out an in-depth livelihood analysis among the nomadic Sapera community to explore and understand the changes occurring in the livelihood domain of the community. Thus, a people-centric policy can be framed by policymakers to promote the welfare and development of Saperas.