Pastoralism in India refers to the practice of herding livestock, often involving nomadic or semi-nomadic movements, as a primary economic activity. This traditional livelihood is deeply integrated into the country's diverse ecological and cultural landscapes. Major pastoral communities include the Gujjars and Bakarwals of Jammu & Kashmir, who practice transhumance, moving their sheep and goats between high-altitude pastures in summer and lower valleys in winter. The Rabaris of Rajasthan and Gujarat are known for their camel and cattle herding, often migrating across arid regions. The Todas of the Nilgiri Hills in South India are unique for their buffalo pastoralism and distinct social organization. These communities have developed intricate knowledge of their environments, sustainable resource management practices, and unique cultural identities centered around their livestock. However, they increasingly face challenges from land-use changes, deforestation, modernization, and shrinking grazing lands, threatening their traditional way of life.