Other Spellings / Synonyms: Dogras, Dogra Community, Dogri people

Religion: Hinduism

Language: Dogri - similar to the Hindko language of Mirpur and is related to the Punjabi language

Regional Spread: Jammu, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in India. Dogris are also present in Pakistan.

Population: Close to 1 million

Food Habits:
Wheat, maize and Bajra are staple food of Dogra people. Non vegetarian food is limited to Rajputs and Vaish (Mahajans). Their favorite dish include 'Mitha Madra' , 'Ambal' and 'Khatta Meat' - mutton cooked with sour pomegranate seeds or lime juice and flavored with fumes of a burning charcoal soaked in mustard oil.

Marriage Preference:
Dogras seek marriage alliance within their community but 'Gotra' and 'Kula' exogamy is maintained. In some parts of the state age old marriage traditions are still followed. One type of marriage is 'Dohry' (Double) - take a daughter and give them your daughter.

Related Ethnic Groups: Other Indo-Aryans - Rajputs, Punjabis, Kashmiris, Seraikis, Hindko

Famous Personalities:

• Raja Jambulochan - Founder of the Jammu city
• Raja Ranjit Dev- Dogra ruler
• Gulab Singh Dogra- Maharaja of the Dogra Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir
• Zorawar Singh Dogra- General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
• Hari Singh- Last ruler of the Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir
• Dr. Karan Singh- Son of Hari Singh and distinguished diplomat
• Padma Sachdev- Modern Dogri poetess rewarded by Sahitya Akademi

History and Origin:
People speaking Dogri are called Dogras. The Dogra culture is descended from that of the Indo-Aryans who settled in and became the main population of India. Dogras are divided into castes on the same lines as Hindus in other parts of India, but have local variations.

About Dogras:
The Dogras are known for their valour. The Dogra Regiment was among the regiments of the British Indian Army and made significant contributions in both the world wars. At Independence, it became an infantry regiment of the Indian Army composed largely but not exclusively of the Dogra people. The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, another regiment of the Indian Army, consisting of mainly Dogras was formed out of the former army of the Kingdom of Jammu & Kashmir after it was absorbed into the Indian Army.