Exploring the Banjara Community: A Journey into Rich Traditions and Culture
Everyone know about banjara word but unfortunately they do not have idea about who are banjaras and their history.
Introduction to the Banjara People & Who are banjaras?
The Banjara community, known as Banjari, Pindari, Lamani, and other names, hails from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Sindh province. Often referred to as the “Gypsies of India” alongside the Domba, they are traditionally associated with a nomadic lifestyle.
Tribal Diversity
Within the Banjara community, three main tribes are recognized: Maturia, Labana, and Charan. Over time, they have dispersed across various states in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and more.
Linguistic and Social Influences
The Banjara people boast a rich linguistic heritage, with Lambadi being a predominant Rajasthani dialect. However, they also speak Hindi, Telugu, and other regional languages. Historically, Banjaras held significant landownership in areas like Amarkot and Sialkot.
Cultural Aspects
Food
Lambadi cuisine features dishes like Bati (Roti) and Daliya (cereal-based). Banjaras have a penchant for spicy non-vegetarian delicacies, such as Saloi (prepared with goat blood and meat).
Dress
Women adorn themselves in vibrant costumes like phetiya (ghagra) and kanchalli (top), often decorated with mirrors and coins. Men traditionally wear a Dhoti and Kurta.
Arts and Entertainment:
Banjaras have a unique dance form, notably Lambadi dance, which celebrates bountiful harvests. They gather on special occasions to sing, dance, and revel in their cultural heritage.
Historical Roots
The origins of the Banjara community can be traced back to Rajasthan, where there were Rajputs engaged in trade and agriculture. Over time, they migrated southwards, adapting to local cultures and customs.
Evolution of Language
The Lambadi language reflects a fusion of Hindi, Rajasthani, and Marathi, indicating the Banjara’s journey across different regions of India.
Conclusion
The Banjara community’s vibrant traditions and resilience encapsulate a migration, adaptation, and cultural preservation narrative. From their nomadic roots to settled lifestyles, the Banjaras continue to enrich India’s cultural tapestry with their unique heritage in the gurgaon banjara market with the wide location.
From this article, you get the idea about who are banjaras? and how they live and survive in todays world , how they adopt themselves in contemporary india.
Gaur Banjara: A Unique Community Identity
Gaur Banjara divides the entire world into two categories. Gaur (Aar-Banjara) refers to themselves as Gaur and others as Kaur. Gaur Banjara is not a specific caste but a community. The entire Banjara community has carved out its identity in different regions and professions across all directions of India under Gaur Banjara Pradesh and Vyavasay. However, their culture, language, and relationships remain constant.
Origin and Legends
Vishnu Purush and Descendants
Along with the word Gaur (Aar), the word Mati is also added. In Rajasthan, Mati means husband or spouse. Several customs are prevalent with the word Gaur. Vishnu Purush, the son of a Suryavanshi king, first visited a Chandravanshi king and later an Idarvanshi king along with Munis.
Lineage and Stories
The Idarvanshi and kings also had one son each. The sage told all three to start some work. The Munis gave each of them a horse. Vishnu sent the man who was supposed to be taken to the netherworld to Earth; his offspring were called Labana or Labana Banjara. Due to the origin of Vishnu, Labana started wearing the yajnopavita. The offspring of the Suryavanshi boy were called Chauhan, and the offspring of the Idarvanshi boy were called Parmar.
Migration and Trade
Movement Across India
Due to the scarcity of water in Rajasthan, these people migrated to different parts of India. Here, water and fodder were available. Today, the Banjara caste is residing in India and abroad. In India, these people reside in large numbers in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. They are known by various nicknames, such as Bajigar, Banjara, Gwariya, Badi, Laman, Lambadi, Lubana, Sirki band, Charan, and Rathore. In foreign countries, they are known by names such as Gypsy and Roma in European countries.
Trade and Occupation
Most people of the Banjara caste used to trade salt, which they also call Loon, in the local language. Some people are also called Loonbana or Lubana from the word Loon.
Call for Recognition and Research
Establishment of Baba Lakhmi Shah Banjara Peeth
In conclusion, I pray to all sections of the Gora society to raise their voice through various reform forums to establish Baba Lakhmi Shah Banjara Peeth in various universities of different states so that our true origin and place can be found by searching for various facts. I request the people of the society to put their sub-castes behind their names. Our main sub-castes are as follows:
1. Badtiya
2. Baljot
3. Dharmasot
4. Namsot
5. Muchal
6. Vajravat.