In the midst of this complexity can be found the 12,700 Shin. They are located mainly in the northern states of Jammu and Kashmir. Their language, Shina, is a member of the Indo-Aryan language family. Little is known about their specific lifestyle and culture. Many are farmers barely growing enough to survive.
Farms are extremely small in size and often very fragmented.
The raising of livestock, particularly horned cattle, buffalo, horses, and mules, is a central feature of the economy. Because of Hindu influence, however, these animals are used almost exclusively as beasts of burden rather than sources of meat. Indian culture is primarily Hindu-oriented. Castes may be defined by occupation or by kinship and lineage, although there are exceptions. Nevertheless, caste is so fundamental to the social organization of India that it prevails in all parts, except some of the tribal populations.