The 'untouched' village of India: This Himalayan village has no roads, no outsiders, and a unique democratic system

Time of India

a day ago

Hidden high in the Himalayan peaks lies Malana, a village that feels more like a living legend than a typical mountain region with human settlements. There's a very famous story of ancient customs, mysterious origins, and a society that has resisted outside influence for centuries.
This hidden gem has no proper roads and only a sense of forbidding privacy.
This is one of the oldest places on Earth that houses an old and unique democratic system. Here, decisions are influenced by a local deity, directional wisdom prevails over modern politics, and their mother tongue is a language spoken by no one else in the world. Malana is not just about rolling hills or potent hash.
Where is Malana located?
This unique village is located in Himachal Pradesh's Parvati Valley, and spreads to around 2,652 m, which is accessible only by a steep four-hour trek from Jari.
With around 1,700 inhabitants, the villagers are famously private, and outsiders aren't allowed to touch anything, and fines of ₹2,500–3,500 are imposed if rules are broken.
What is famous about this 'untouched' village?
What draws attention first is Malana Cream, a prized hashish known worldwide. Made through traditional hand-rubbing techniques, it's considered sacred by locals and legendary among cannabis users. But a closer look into the pages of history leads to many legends associated with this village, and it's governance is different from any other place in India.
What are the legends and myths associated with it?
Local lore claims Malanis descend from Alexander the Great's troops, who may have remained after his 326 BC battle with Porus, in Punjab, though genetic evidence suggests Indo-Aryan ancestry instead, according to East Coast Daily. Linguistically, the villagers speak Kanashi, a Sino-Tibetan tongue with no script, shared only within the community.
An
ancient democracy
ruled by a spirit
Malana is often called one of the world's oldest democracies. Its governance is bicameral, with a lower house called Kanishthang and an upper house known as Jayeshthang, but ultimate authority lies with Jamlu Devta, the village deity. A spiritually connected oracle or Gur, who relays his decisions. As explained on local council workings:
'Devta is the ultimate word and we have a set‑up of a council and three political figures … one of whom – the Gur, or the vessel who is possessed by Jamlu – communicates to us the decisions of Jamlu Devta,' said a local to onlinehimachal.com.
A guarded society preserving purity
According various reports available online, the Jamlu Devta-directed council had also banned overnight stays by outsiders to protect traditional culture. Strangers are allowed in during the day only, and all interactions are tightly regulated; this includes no shaking hands, no physical contact, no temple photography.
Houses follow a multi-level design, with ground floors or Khudang for livestock, upper palaces or Gaying for storage and weaving. Marriage outside the village can result in social isolation. Language, lineage, and lifestyle are the tools through which identity is preserved and the community resists outside influence.