Goherhs

The Goherhs are an ethnic group indigenous to the highland plateau region of the fictional country of Sendar. The name “Goherhs” is derived from the local word gohe, meaning “river people,” reflecting the community’s historical reliance on the hydrological resources that define the plateau’s landscape. Traditional estimates place the population of the Goherhs at roughly 85,000 people, although census data is limited and often aggregated with neighboring groups for administrative convenience.

The Goherhs speak the Goherhsan language, a member of the Sino-Tibetan branch that incorporates tonal features uncommon within the regional linguistic milieu. The language possesses a rich oral tradition, including epic ballads that narrate seasonal migrations and the cultivation of barley and lentil crops, which have been central to Goherhs subsistence agriculture for several millennia. Cultural practices emphasize communal decision‑making, with village councils (called “shahdas”) overseeing land rights and dispute resolution. Marriage customs often involve elaborate ceremonies featuring woven mats known as “zhari,” symbolizing the joining of two familial lineages.

Historically, the Goherhs have maintained a semi‑nomadic lifestyle that followed the seasonal grasses of the plateau. They remained relatively isolated until the early 20th century when modern infrastructure projects linking the plateau with Sendar’s lowland urban centers introduced commercial trade and external influences. Contemporary Goherhs navigate a dynamic cultural interchange, balancing the preservation of traditional practices with participation in the national economy and educational initiatives.