Oral History Interview : Khambla Valabhai Laxmanbhai

Content Description

This oral history with Vala Kaka, a senior Rabari Maldhari from Reshamiya village, documents a rich account of pastoral life across generations. Lasting 43 minutes, the interview delves into his childhood memories, seasonal migrations with livestock, spiritual and ecological relationships with the land, and shifting grazing patterns over the decades. He speaks of his disappointment with government-led forest demarcations that excluded the voices of pastoral communities, as well as his fears that Maldhari traditions may vanish as younger generations move away from herding. The interview is a valuable testament to the lived experience of a pastoral elder and was recorded in Gujarati by Govindbhai Tramta, following a pre-prepared questionnaire by the Conservation indica team. Formal consent was obtained as per NCBS protocols.

Condition Description

The interview is preserved in good condition with a clear recording of the speaker’s voice. As it was conducted at the respondent’s residence, some background sounds like conversations and domestic activities are intermittently audible. The recording includes short pauses to manage noise, and the final file has been compiled from multiple audio/video segments. Stitching has been done with care, and the content remains coherent and continuous. There is no significant loss of information or clarity.

Accession Date

2025-06-05

Dispostion

The oral history audio/video record has been shared with NCBS.

Acquisition Type

Gift

Provenance

The interview was conducted on 5th July 2025 at the residence of Vala Kaka in Reshamiya village, Chotila. The audio will be shared with Archives at NCBS.

Retention Rule

Permanent retention. Ci will keep a copy of the audio file for future research references.

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

Yes

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for access unless mentioned in specific folders of the finding aid.

Use Restrictions

Copyright may not have been assigned to Archives at NCBS. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). See access guidelines for more information (https://archives.ncbs.res.in/access). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.