21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
The Last Brokpa

This is the portrait of Tsering Zomskit, of the Brokpa ethnic group The Brokpa are a small community of Dards residing in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir, who claim to be the last of the Aryans. They maintained their purity of race and culture without being hostile to the influence of the outside world. Strong social rules and pride in their ancestors have helped preserve their way of life and genetic uniqueness. The Brokpa remain isolated and closed in their four villages. Any mixing with strangers by way of marriage and kinship is prohibited. They are predominantly Muslims with a significant minority following Vajrayana Buddhism. A small percentage follow Hinduism. They have distinct features – tall and statesque, with green eyes, high cheek bone, fair with flawless skin and some with blonde hair. They consider themselves to be the pure bloodline of the Aryans. The community also claims to be the direct descendants from the Alexander’s Army, some of whom reportedly stayed back after Alexander abandoned his campaign at the banks of river Indus in 326 BC. Brokpa have almost a fanatical attachment to purity. Mountains, trees, water and flowers are considered very pure. Thus every Brokpa household grows flowers. The flowers are considered auspicious and are worn on head gear.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2023
Date Uploaded: 10.2023
Photo Location: Dha, India
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Copyright: © Lorenzo Perotti