They are distinct from the locals due to their well built physique, fair complexion and sharp features marked by high cheek bones and tall height. Identifying themselves as Brokpas, the hill tribe is confined to only four villages, namely, Dha, Hanu, Garkhone and Darchic, all lying along the Indus river in Ladakh.
So what is special about Brokpas apart from their appearance? Their claim to be Aryans and explicitly emphasising that they have preserved the purity of their race by limiting their marriage alliances within the four villages. Considered as part of the Drupkas, mountain dwellers of Ladakh, this community takes particular pride in their area and identity.
The latest short film “The Aryans” directed and scripted by Ranjan Kumar Singh though short in duration, 20 minutes in all, highlights several unknown facets about this community residing in remote areas. Capturing the life of this dwindling tribe, the film documents its history, customs, culture and other aspects. “They identify themselves not as Drukpas but as Brokpas to distinguish themselves,” explains Ranjan.
Ranjan was exposed to this community while making a documentary on the Line of Control in 1999. “I had decided then and there that I will be revisit the region to make a film but could not do so. It was after 10 years that I visited these places,” reveals the director. “I was inspired by two factors to make this film. One, I was intrigued by their claim to be Aryans and two we share a cultural affinity with them as we too claim to be Aryans.”
Starting from 2009 the shooting entailed many visits and finished in 2011. “For visiting Darchic and Garkhone you need Army permission and I definitely wanted to visit all the four villages. As these are not part of the tourist circuit it took time to establish rapport with the villagers there as they were reluctant to interact with us instantly.”
One legend traces Brokpas’ to three brothers who took refuge in Dha, a deserted place where they established themselves. Another theory states that they are the descendants of Alexander’s soldiers who stayed back after their general left. The 2000-odd residents of the four villages have adopted Buddhism though one resident points out that their forefathers were Hindus. “I still remember that my mother used to worship the Shivling and cleaning it with curd and milk,” says Mesken Tsering, a Garkhone resident. They have retained much of the customs and culture of their ancestors.
The documentary highlights some exceptional characteristics of this hill tribe pertaining to marriage and sex. Allowing equal status to women they allow both polygamy and polyandry. Further,couples who are unable to conceive are free to choose other partners to produce an offspring.
With debate raging in the society about restrictions in the matter of sex, the Brokpas are said to celebrate a triennial three-day festival “bonana” which signifies sexual liberation by allowing young men and women to choose their partners for sexual relationship. Yet another event “losar” marks a procession by girls who have attained puberty. “We were never allowed to cover these traditions. Though elders spoke about off the record everybody shied away from the camera,” comments Ranjan.
He tries to explain the reluctance thus: “I think that they never thought that their traditions and customs were abnormal. As they came closer to the outside world they started feeling that it was something awkward which is not accepted outside their community. And that resulted in inhibition to talk about it.” He personally views them as a “highly sexually liberalised community”.
The director strongly feels that an “anthropological study is required to know their proper traditions, religion, language, etc. An academic study is a must to know about this diminishing tribe and for this the areas should be opened to at least the scholars and researchers.” In fact an observation by him that the community seems to suffer from a genetic problem due to limited gene pool definitely calls for considering his view.
