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Synopsis This is the first sociological study of the shepherds of India who are known as Dhangars, Kurubas, Palkshatriyas, Baghels, Kurumbas, Rabaris, Gaddis, Gwalas, Gadariyas and Yadavas or Marathas in particulars areas. Though socially and economically backward, they claim to be the decendents of the Holkar dynasty, Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore, the Pallavas, the Maharajas of Vijaynagar and Karoli. Shepherd means a sheep-rearer; it is more a profession than a caste as such. Even the Brahmins and Rajputs in hills rear sheep and goats. In fact, their Gotras show that more than 70 per cent of them are Rajputs and 30 percent belong to various castes and tribes. They live in jungles, in hills, in villages and in towns. Here is an authentic and interesting study of nomads who once ruled. But what they are today. A most significant contribution to the field of Social Sciences..