History of Munsiari
The history of Munsiari is actually the history of its tribes, who have been living here since time immemorial. It is believed that the Barpatias were the original inhabitant of this place. They were a nomadic tribe, who lived in different parts of Johar Valley.
Munsiari in Distance Past
As we have said, the area around Munsiari in Uttarakhand was inhabited by Barpatia tribe. They are possibly of Khasa origin and had migrated from Central Asia in distant past. Before the Shaukas came to Munsiari region, they mostly earned their living by doing business with Tibet. Later they were marginalized by the Shaukas, who took over their trade from them. The Barpatias were thus relegated to the position of land tillers and backwards.Munsiari until 1959
We do not exactly know when the Shaukas first migrated to the Johar Valley. However, it is certain that they are part of larger Uttarkhand Bhotiya community and made money by doing business with Tibet. They maintained large number of pack animals solely for transporting goods to and from Tibet. In late August, they would start from Tibet with their animals loaded with wool, borax, gold dust, turquoise and rock salt to travel across the hills to reach the Gangetic plains. From there, they would buy silk, spices and jaggery and set off for the hills by March. Munsiari was an important outpost on this route and hence a significant place even then.Munsiari after 1959
Unfortunately, the trade with China was hampered as the Chinese invaded Tibet. After the 1962 Indo China War the borders were sealed and the trading was totally stopped. However, this had a positive effect on Munsiari town.As the Shaukas were not trained for any other profession, they were faced with a very uncertain future. Without the basic raw materials, which they used to import from Tibet, the carpet industry too came to a standstill. Soon they sold their animals and began to migrate to other parts of the country. Thus many Shauka villages lay abandoned. Many of them settled in Munsiari town, which had by then developed as an important sub divisional town.