Native speakers 38,000 (2001 census) ISO 639-3 prx | Writing system Urdu script | |
Native to Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir Region Kargil, Baltistan, Western Himalayas Language family Sino-Tibetan
Tibeto-Kanauri ?
Bodish
Tibetic
Ladakhi–Balti
Purgi | ||
The Purgi language (alternative spellings: Purki, Purig, Purik and Burig) is spoken by the Purikpa, a group of Tibetan Muslims, with a slight mixture with Dardic. The Purikpa live south of the Balti in Ladakh.
Most of them live in Ladakh and Baltistan, especially in Kargil although significant numbers reside in Leh. Many Puriks are also present in China.
Because they inhabit the higher reaches of the arid Himalayas, they depend on glacial runoff for irrigation of their crops. Barley, wheat and millet are grown where water is sufficient, especially along small rivers. The hot summer temperatures also allow for a wide variety of fruits to be raised.
Unlike the Dards and the Shina, the Purikpa are not nomads. They transfer their livestock from one grazing ground to another upon the arrival of autumn. During the summer months, they drive the cattle to alpine pastures. All households own at least one female dzo, which is a cross between a cow and a yak. That animal produces milk.
Most of them are Shia Muslims by religion although significant Sunni Muslims and a small minority of Buddhists and Bön followers reside in isolated areas. Like the Balti, they speak an archaic Tibetan dialect closely related to Balti and Ladakhi, but they are not easily intelligible with each other.