Banjara-Lambadi

The word Banjara is a deprecated, colloquial form of the word of Sanskrit

origin. The sanskit bi-word Vana chara transliterated as "Forest wanderers",
presumably because of their primitive role in the Indian society as forest
wood collectors and distributors.

The Banjara are a class of usually ascribed as nomadic people from the
Indian state of Rajasthan, North-West Gujarat, and Western Madhya Pradesh
and Eastern Sindh province of pre-independence Pakistan. They claim to
belong to the clan of Agnivanshi Rajputs, and are also known as Banjari,
Pindari, Bangala, Banjori, Banjuri, Brinjari, Lamani, Lamadi, Lambani,
Labhani, Lambara, Lavani, Lemadi, Lumadale, Labhani Muka, Goola,
Gurmarti, Gormati, Kora, Sugali, Sukali, Tanda, Vanjari, Vanzara,and Wanji
Together with the Domba, they are sometimes called the "Gypsies of India".

Distribution

The Banjara have spread to Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka,

Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other states of
India. About half their number speak Lambadi, one of the Rajasthani dialects,
while others are native speakers of Hindi, Telugu and other languages
dominant in their respective areas of settlement. Rathore, Parmar, Pawar,
Chauhan, castes belong to Vanjara community in Rajasthan and Gujarat now
are in General Seats after the communal rights taken place in Rajasthan for
Reservation in 2008 as they were landlords in Amarkot, Fathaykot and Sialkot
before Partition of India and Pakistan. They are an ST in Andhra Pradesh
(where they are listed as Sugali), Orissa, Karnataka (SC), Haryana, Punjab,
and Himachal Pradesh.

Culture in Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, Lambadas in the Telangana region were only recently

recognised as Schduled Tribes; earlier we were recognised as Denotified
Tribes. Lambadas are of North-west Indian origin, who lived primarily by Our
earnings from transportation on the pack bullocks. There is evidence to show
that we supplied food grains etc. to the Moghuls when we invaded the
Deccan. However, there is some dispute about the nature of Our Moghul
connection. Whether we accompanied the Moghuls as an ordinance corps in
the conquest of the Deccan, and some of them later stayed back to continue
trade, or whether we were already present as traders, having come in an
earlier period, and assisted the Moghuls when the latter came South.

Women, Lambadi / Gor women (Thandri) wear a very colourful red style dress
and lots of jewellery. The clothes we wear are decorated with pieces of mirror
and cowl. we wear ivory bangles and ornaments, which are innumerable. The
dance performed by Lambadis is more a rhythm based one. But when
performed to the beat of the drums, it gains momentum.

Dance, Lambadi is a special kind of dance of Andhra Pradesh. In this form of

dance, mainly the female dancers dance in tune with the male drummers to
offer homage to Our Lord for a good harvest. At Anupu Village near
Nagarjunakonda, Lambadi dance originated. we are actually semi-nomadic
tribes who are gradually moving towards civilization and decency. This dance
is mainly restricted among the females and rarely the males participate in
Lambadi Dance. Lambadi is a special kind of Folk Dance which involves
participation by tribal women who bedeck themselves in colorful costumes
and jewelry.

Food

The traditional food of Lambadis is Bati which is Roti. Daliya is a dish cooked
using many cereal (wheat, jawar). Banjara people are very much fascinated
about non-vegetarian food. Saloi (made from goat blood and other parts of
goat) is a non-vegetarian dish made exclusively by Banjara people. They
prefer eating spicy food.

Dress

Women are known to wear colorful and beautiful costumes like phetiya (as
ghagra) and kanchalli (as top) and have tattoos on their hands. The dress is
considered fancy and attractive by Western cultures. They use mirror chips
and often coins to decorate it. Women put on thick bangles on their arms
(patli). Their ornaments are made up of silver rings, coins, chain and hair
pleats are tied together at the end by chotla.
Men wear Dhoti and Kurta (short with many folds). These clothes were
designed specially for the protection from harsh climate in deserts and to
distinguish them from others.

Arts, literature and entertainment

Their customs, language and dress indicate they originated from Rajasthan.
They live in settlements called thandas. They lived in zupada (hut). Now
many of them live in cities. They have a unique culture and dance form. On
many occasions they gather, sing and dance.

Their traditional occupation is agriculture and trade. Banjaras are also a

group of nomadic cattle herders.

The accurate history of Lambanis or Lambadis or Banjaras is not known but

the general opinion among them is that they fought for Prithvi Raj against
Muhammad of Ghor. The trail of the Lambadi/Banjara can be verified from
their language, Lambadi borrows words from Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi
and the local language of the area they belong to.

Banjaras originally belong to Rajasthan and they were Rajputs who migrated
to southern parts of India for trade and agriculture. They settled down in the
southern or central area of the country and slowly loosened contacts with
Rajasthan, and their original community. Over a period of time both the
communities separated and they adopted the local culture. The language
spoken by Banjaras settled in Yavatmal district of Vidarbha, Maharashtra is
an admixture of Hindi, Rajasthani and Marathi. The word "Banjara" must
have evolved from Prakrit and Hindi and Rajasthani words "Bana/Ban or
Vana/Van" meaning Forest or Moorlands and "Chara" meaning 'Movers'. The
Banjara are (together with the Domba) sometimes called the "Gypsies of
India".
Lambadi Dance is a special kind of dance of Andhra Pradesh. In this form of
dance, mainly the female dancers dance in tune with the male drummers to
offer homage to their Lord for a good harvest. At Anupu village near
Nagarjunakonda, Lambadi dance originated. They are actually semi-nomadic
tribes who are gradually moving towards civilization. This dance is mainly
restricted among the females and rarely the males participate in Lambadi
dance. Lambadi is a special kind of Folk Dance which involves participation
by tribal women who bedeck themselves in colorful costumes and jewelry.

Banjara Marriage Culture

The banjaras are grouped into 4 categories called gotras. The lambadi
language term for gotra is Goth/Pada. The gotras are

1. Rathod/Bhukya

2.Chavan

3.Pawar

4.Vadtya.

Under each of these gotras there are several Jaaths. People falling in the
same Gotra Dont marry, they are considered brother and sister. The term for
this is Bhaipana meaning brotherhood. If people fall under different gothras
and can marry, the term used is Laagach means can marry. People usually
have their jaath name as the surname, A detailed Jaath check of which jaath
can marry which jaath and whom they fall under can be done at banjarapoint
website in their jaath check / gotras check page. This was traditionally done
by people called dhadi bhaats who were kind of knowledge
agents/Knowledge experts.
The Rahtod/Bhukya Gotra/category has been said to have split into 2 making
Banoth as a separate gotra by itself. So some people say there are 5
gotras.Turi(badawat)is also said to be an additional gotra.it means there are
6 gotras can be said

Examples of Banjara Marraige Culture

Bhaipana example Ghugloth (Vadtiya) and Aajmera (Vadtiya) cannot marry

as fall under same category i.e Vadtiya and they are brother and sister.

Laagacha example Ghugloth (Vadtiya) and Bhukya (Rathore) can marry as

they fall under different categories, i.e Ghugloth falls under Vadtiya and
Bhukya Falls under Rathore/Rathod.

here are some of the sub-caste of gotras:

I.Rathod/Bhukya (27)

Aaloth
Bhaanaavath
Bhilavath
Degaavath
Depaavath
Devsoth
Dungaavath
Jhandavath
Kaanaavath
Karamtoth
Khaatroth
Khethaavath
Khilaavath
Kodaavath
Kumaavath
Meghaavath
 Meraajoth
Meraavath
Nenaavath
Paathloth
Pithaavath

Raajavath
Raamavath
Raathla/Phulia
Ranasoth
Sangaavath
Sotki

II.Chavan/Chauhan (6)

Dumaavath/Chauradiya
Kayloth
Korra
Mood
Paalthyaa
Sabavat
Banoth (15)
Aadoth
Ade
Baanoth
Bhojaavath
Daanaavath
Dharmasoth
Dheeravath

Jaatroth
Karnaavath
Kuntaavath
Lavori
Mudavath
Paanaavath
Rupavath
Sabdasoth

III.Pawar (12)
 Aamgoth
Aivath Pammar
Baanni
Chaivoth Pammar
Injraavath
Inloth Pammar
Jharapla
Lunsavath/Nunsavath
Pamaadiyaa
Tarabaanni
Vankdoth
Vislaavath

IV.Vadithya/Jadhav(52)

Ajmera
Badavath
Barmaavath
Bhagvaandas
Bharoth
Bodaa
Dhaaraavath
Dungaroth
Gangaavath
Goraam
Gugloth
Halaavath
Jaadhav
Jaloth
Jayt
Kagla
Kunsoth
Lokaavath
Lonaavath
Loolaavath

Maaloth
Mohandas
Pipaavath
Poosnamal
Salaavath
 Sejaavath
Tejaavath
Tepaavath
Teraavath
Tuvar
Undaavath
VaderJhaad
Vadithya Jaajigiri

Our Histry
Banjara
The Banjara are a class of usually ascribed as nomadic people from the Indian state
of Rajasthan, North-West Gujarat, and Western Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Sindh
province of pre-independence Pakistan. They claim to belong to the clan of
Agnivanshi Rajputs, and are also known as Banjari, Pindari, Bangala, Banjori,
Banjuri, Brinjari, Lamani, Lamadi, Lambani, Labhani, Lambara, Lavani, Lemadi,
Lumadale, Labhani Muka, Goola, Gurmarti, Gormati, Kora, Sugali, Sukali, Tanda,
Vanjari, Vanzara,and Wanji Together with the Domba, they are sometimes called the
"Gypsies of India".

They are divided in three tribes, Maturia, Labana, and Charan.

 Banjara

Total population

Distribution ca. 5.6 million

The Banjara have spread to
Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Regions with significant populations
Karnataka, Maharashtra,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh 2.2 million
Uttar Pradesh and other states of
India. About half their number Karnataka 1.1 million
speak Lambadi, one of the
Maharashtra 0.9 million
Rajasthani dialects, while others
are native speakers of Hindi, Madhya Pradesh 0.4 million
Telugu and other languages
dominant in their respective areas Rajasthan 0.3 million
of settlement. Rathore, Parmar,
Pawar, Chauhan, castes belong to Languages
Vanjara community in Rajasthan
and Gujarat now are in General Lambadi, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu and Marathi
Seats after the communal rights
taken place in Rajasthan for
Reservation in 2008 as they were Religion
landlords in Amarkot, Fathaykot and
Sialkot before Partition of India and Hinduism
Pakistan. They are an ST in Andhra
Pradesh (where they are listed as
Related ethnic groups
Sugali), Orissa, Karnataka (SC),
Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal
Pradesh. other Hindustani populations

The word Banjara is a deprecated,

colloquial form of the word of Sanskrit origin. The sanskit bi-word Vana chara transliterated as
"Forest wanderers", presumably because of their primitive role in the Indian society as forest
wood collectors and distributors.

Food
The traditional food of Lambadis is Bati which is Roti. Daliya is a dish cooked using many
cereal (wheat, jawar). Banjara people are very much fascinated about non-vegetarian food. Saloi
(made from goat blood and other parts of goat) is a non-vegetarian dish made exclusively by
Banjara people. They prefer eating spicy food.

Dress
Women are known to wear colorful and beautiful costumes like phetiya (as ghagra)
and kanchalli (as top) and have tattoos on their hands. The dress is considered
fancy and attractive by Western cultures. They use mirror chips and often coins to
decorate it. Women put on thick bangles on their arms (patli). Their ornaments are
made up of silver rings, coins, chain and hair pleats are tied together at the end by
chotla.

Men wear Dhoti and Kurta (short with many folds). These clothes were designed specially for
the protection from harsh climate in deserts and to distinguish them from others.

Arts, literature and entertainment

Their customs, language and dress indicate they originated from Rajasthan. They
live in settlements called thandas. They lived in zupada (hut). Now many of them
live in cities. They have a unique culture and dance form. On many occasions they
gather, sing and dance.

Their traditional occupation is agriculture and trade. Banjaras are also a group of
nomadic cattle herders.

The accurate history of Lambanis or Lambadis or Banjaras is not known but the general opinion
among them is that they fought for Prithvi Raj against Muhammad of Ghor. The trail of the
Lambadi/Banjara can be verified from their language, Lambadi borrows words from Rajasthani,
Gujarati, Marathi and the local language of the area they belong to.

Banjaras originally belong to Rajasthan and they were Rajputs who migrated to southern parts of
India for trade and agriculture. They settled down in the southern or central area of the country
and slowly loosened contacts with Rajasthan, and their original community. Over a period of
time both the communities separated and they adopted the local culture. The language spoken by
Banjaras settled in Yavatmal district of Vidarbha, Maharashtra is an admixture of Hindi,
Rajasthani and Marathi. The word "Banjara" must have evolved from Prakrit and Hindi and
Rajasthani words "Bana/Ban or Vana/Van" meaning Forest or Moorlands and "Chara"
meaning 'Movers'. The Banjara are (together with the Domba) sometimes called the "Gypsies of
India"

Dance, Lambadi is a special kind of dance of Andhra Pradesh. In this form of dance, mainly the
female dancers dance in tune with the male drummers to offer homage to their Lord for a good
harvest. At Anupu village near Nagarjunakonda, Lambadi dance originated. They are actually
semi-nomadic tribes who are gradually moving towards civilization. This dance is mainly
restricted among the females and rarely the males participate in Lambadi dance. Lambadi is a
special kind of Folk Dance which involves participation by tribal women who bedeck themselves
in colorful costumes and jewelry.

Related communities
In Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, there are several communities of Muslim
Banjaras, who are simply Muslim converts from the Banjara caste. The Muker,
another Muslim community also traces its ancestry from the Banjara. Three other
castes that claim kinship with the Banjara are the Labana of Punjab, the Gawaria
of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and Lavana of Rajasthan.

People from one Gothra can marry another gothra

Rathod/Bhukya -- (27)

Aaloth Bhaanaavath Bhilavath Degaavath

Depaavath Devsoth Dungaavath Jhandavath
Kaanaavath Karamtoth Khaatroth Khethaavath
Khilaavath Kodaavath Kumaavath Meghaavath
Meraajoth Meraavath Nenaavath Paathloth
Pithaavath Raajavath Raamavath Raathla/Phulia
Ranasoth Sangaavath Sotki

Pawar -- (12)

Aamgoth Aivath Pammar Baanni Chaivoth Pammar

Injraavath Inloth Pammar Jharapla Lunsavath/Nunsavath
Pamaadiyaa Tarabaanni Vankdoth Vislaavath

Chavan/Chauhan -- (6)

Dumaavath/Chauradiya Kayloth Korra Mood

Paalthyaa Sabavat Lavadiya

Vadithya/Jadhav -- (52)

Ajmera Baadaavath Barmaavath Bhagvaandas

Bharoth Bodaa Dhaaraavath Dungaroth
Gangaavath Goraam Gugloth Halaavath
Jaadhav Jaloth Jayt Kagla
Kunsoth Lokaavath Lonaavath Loolaavath
Maaloth Mohandas Pipaavath Poosnamal
Salaavath Sejaavath Tejaavath Tepaavath
Teraavath Tuvar Undaavath VaderJhaad
...there r some more which i dont know...If u knw plz send me the other sub categories of this
gotra
 Banoth /Aade -- (15)

Aadoth Ade Baanoth Bhojaavath

Daanaavath Dharmasoth Dheeravath Jaatroth
Karnaavath Kuntaavath Lavori Mudavath
Paanaavath Rupavath Sabdasoth

nnexure I

Banjara Castes and Sub-castes: Gotra (Family) Tree

Gor Banjara is not a caste but a tribe. The All India Banjara Sewa Sangh has identified following
names of Gor Banjaras in the country based on a nationwide study.

1) Banjara 2) Banajara 3) Banjare 4) Banjari 5) Brijjari 6) Brijwasi 7) Labhan 8) Lamani 9)

Lambhadi 10) Lambhad 11) Baldiya 12) Ladeniya 13) Sugali 13) Gawariya Gawar 14) Gawar
15) Gawaliya 16) Gawana 17) Kangi 18) Kanada 19) Sarakiband 20) Sarakiwala 21) Singwale
Banjara

Sub-castes:

1) Gor 2) Mathura 3) Dhaliya 4) Dhadi 5) Sanar 6) Nhavi 7) Shingada 8) Jogi 9) Bham 10)
Bamaniya 11) Bagora 12) Digora 13) Charan 14) Bhat 15) Bazigar 16) Rohidas 17) Dhonkutte

The word Banjara is attached in front of sub-castes e.g. Gor Banjara. All these and the like sub-
castes are Gorvamshiyas. In Maharashtra the list of castes and sub-castes of Gor Banjara was
announced by the Government of Maharashtra in 1965 as Free Castes vide G.O.No. CBC
1464/146691-M dated Feb. 1965. The list is as follows:

Banjara-like Castes:

1) Gor 2) Banjara 3) Lambad 4) Labhani 5) Lamani 6) Charan Banjara 7) Laman Banjara 8)

Banjara Laman 9) Labhan 10) Dhadi 11) Dhaliya 12) Shingada Banjara 13) Jogi Banjara 14)
Banjari.

The Gotra Family Tree of Gor Banjaras

The Clan (Gotra) is given more importance than lineage (Vamsha) in the socio-religious life of
Gorvamshiyas. He must memorize the names of chiefs of his earlier 7 generations of his clan
otherwise he is considered as Kamsal i.e. incomplete. Dr. Majumdar has made this definition of
clan (Gotra): Probably a Gotra is a combination of some lineages, whose origin is a real or
imaginery one (Bharatiya Janjati by Harishchandra Utpreti, pages 28, 29, & 32). Suryavamshi
and Chandravamshi are the main lineages in Kshatriyas. Gor are Chandravamshis.

I. Clan of Rathod Lineage

Bala and Bhika were the 2 sons of Phulsingh and Udaikaran.

Six sons of Bala 1. Malan 2. Mohan 3. Muchhal 4. Jatiya 5. Dharmasot 6. Barnot

Two sons of Bhika 1. Menasi 2. Malasi

Four sons of Menasi 1. Dalu 2. Peri 3. Pota 4. Sadrath

Ten sons of Malasi 1. Ramniya 2. Bochran 3. Dalbaan 4. Khalwan 5. Gopal 6. Modaricha 7.

Kukrecha 8. Khatrot 9. Malpot 10. Bahadot

Two sons of Khatrot 1. Daha 2. Bega

One son of Daha Megha

One son of Megha Khamdhar

Six sons of Megha 1. Anna 2. Arasi 3. Dunga 4. Lakhasi 5. Junasi 6. Dhunasi

Seven sons of Khamdhar 1. Udawat 2. Kinsot 3. Palot 4. Dhanawar 5. Ramawat 6. Karmatot 7.

Devsot

Eight clans (Gotras) of Rathod 1. Bhukya from Bhika 2. Balanot from Bala 3. Dhalwan
from Aalot 4. Munawat from Mohan 5. Muchhal 6. Jatot from Jatiya 7. Dharmasot

The numbers of Pada of the Gotras are as under:

Bhukya 27, Muchhal Kula 52, Balnot 12, Munawat 56.

A Bhat is said to be described the linage of Bhukiya as : Kaspot Dhudya Kas ke Kanwar
Awaraj Dhawaraj Tarasinh Rao Ratan Doharaj Bhika Bhukiya

II. Jadhav Wadatiya Lineage Clan:

Three sons of Wadatiya 1. Khetaji 2. Dhetaji 3. Netji Four sons of Khetaji 1. Lakha 2. Luna
3. Dhara 4. Gugul Six sons of Dhetji 1 Mala 2. Brahmawat 3. Bharat 4. Jethot 5. Bada 6. Boda
(Pade Ajmera) Three sons of Netji 1. Hala 2. Khunasi 3. Teja Four Padas of Purushottam Panda
1. Kilawat 2. Kalawat 3. Brahmawat and 4. Itrajarni Other Padas: Jthot 7, Bharot-4, Kinasot
4, Khetawat 1, Dhanakawat 4, Boda 4, Lakha 4, and Lana 4.
The reason behind Purushottam Panda becoming a Banjara was that Purushottam Panda also
known as Baba Brahman was a Wadatiya who had fallen in love with a Banjara girl of Zarpala
clan.

Legend says that one Banjara from Goram clan owed some money to a Banjara from Zarpala
clan. When Zarpala insisted on getting the money from Goram, he (Goram) kept his daughter as
a mortgage with Zarpala and said that he will not show up again till he clears the debt and went
to other region.

On the other hand Zarpala owed some money to a Bhat (regarded as Brahmin). When Bhat
insisted on getting the money back, Zarpala said that he couldnt return the money till Goram
clears his debt. On this the Bhat started a sit-in agitation and lived near Zarpala. Gradually he fell
in love with the Gorams daughter. When this fact came to light in all 16 panch (juries) heard the
case and gave decision to marry the daughter with the Bhat and allowed the Bhat to become a
Banjara. This ritual was performed under a Banyan tree hence his name was also changed to
Wadatiya.

The lyrical description regarding assimilation of Wadatiyas into Banjara tribe is as follows:

h n, n i hV n
Jh, ix VM{i **1** iM i,
iVM bh =nMf E E, E vV xh
**2** + h M, Ef ix x =n{ V M
, S Ex **3** |i h E, { E
ni `+b V M, l E n **4** Sx
x E V, ix E x E xh E,
V E + **5** b E U i, VV n fE
n x ESx E, bb +` E **6** PS S
M EV, x {v x] v b +,
+ ] **7** M ] +V , x i ] Pb
l n, BE J nx **11** +` `, ESh
h E S V{i E, { {x **12**
M E MP, V ] xx

III. Chauhan Clan Linage:

Six sons of Tejmal 1. Palathya 2. Mud 3. Kurra 4. Sapawat 5. Kuelut 6. Chauradiya.

The number of Padas of each Clan was: Palathya 5, Mud 13, Kurra 42 & Chawadiya 5
padas.

IV. Pawar Clan Linage:

1) The seven sons of Kasturi further ran into 7 clans in Banjara viz. 1. Zarpala 2. Aamgot 3.
Bakdot 4. Goram 5. Winjarawat 6. Lunsawat 7. Winshalawat 2) Five clans originated from 5
sons of Hanjal viz. 1. Aariyot 2. Chhaiyot 3. Banni 4. Tirbani 5. Asalat.
These 12 sons were responsible for the continuation of 12 clans afterwards.

Some people treat the 12 clans as under: 1. Zarpala 2. Aamgot 3. Wankadot 4. Goram 5.
Winjarawat 6. Lunsawat 7. Wishalawat 8. Phulawat 9. Chhaiyot 10. Kitawat 11. Kandawat 12.
Deglot.

V. Turi: 1. Jasawat 2. Rajawat 3. Tegawat 4. Winjod

Gorvamsha is given according to Clan Tree and alphabetically. The clan names of concerned
sub-castes are also included in it.

Aa 1. Aanawat 2. Aarsot 3. Aasalat 4. Aalot 5. Aadot 6. Aamgot 7. Aaiyot 8. Aarod 9. Aajmera E

10. Isarot U 11. Udawat 12. Udaawat K 13. Kadakawat 14. Kurra 15. Kurawat 16. Kadawat 17.
Kalawat 18. Kumpawat 19. Kammawat 20. Karanawat 21.Kunthawat 22. Kasanawat 23. Kilawat
24. Karadawat 25. Kitawat 26. Karamsiyot 27. Kandhlot 28. Kotwali 29. Kanthiwalo 30.
Kookrechya 31. Kanna 32. Kelut 33. Keensot 34. Karamtot Kha 35. Khammawat 36. Khanawat
37. Khetawat 38. Khola 39. Kheemapot 40. Khaatrot 41. Khoonasi 42. Khaalwan Ga 43.
Gangawat 44. Galawat 45. Geedawat 46. Gujrot 47. Googlot 48. Gaur 49. Goram 50. Gopal Cha
51. Chadawat 52. Chundawat 53. Cheenawat 54. Chintawat 55. Chandavtak 56. Chandot 57.
Chavaan Chha 58. Chhajawat 59. Chhaiyot 60. Chhonchhawat Ja 61. Jamanawat 62. Jadawat 63.
Josawat 64. Jesawat 65. Jetsalot 66. Jogawat 67. Jaatot 68. Jodhawalo 69. Jeenwalo 70.
Jeewawat 71. Jarpala 72. Jalhane Ta 73. Teelawat Tha 74. Thaakran Da 75. Daalwan 76.
Doomawat 77. Dehawat 78. Dangrot Ta 79. Tarawat 80. Tejawat 81. Tegawat 82. Tejsod 83.
Tarbani 84. Tunwar Da 85. Doolawat 86. Daipot 87. Deosot 88. Deplaan 89. Deglot 90.
Dewawat 91. Dapawat 92. Dedawat 93. Delawat 94. Dudhawat Dha 95. Dhanawat 96.
Dhansawat 97. Dharawat 98. Dheerawat 99. Dharamsot 100. Dhasadi 101. Dhanakawat Na 102.
Nalawat 103. Nagawat 104. Nenawat Pa 105. Pepawat 106. Popapawat 107. Peepawat 108.
Pachanawat 109. Panchawat 110. Poonawat 111. Paatlot 112. Paatlot 113. Pachamanot 114.
Palthya 115. Pandiya 116. Panwar 117. Palot 118. Patarwal 119. Perajat 120. Pemani 121.
Palasiya 122. Paangot Pha 123. Phoolawat 124. Phoonasot 125. Phoolaya Ba 126. Balawat 127.
Bandhawat 128. Bandawat 129. Boochawat 130. Badhawat 131. Brahmawat 132. Boonawat 133.
Binjarot 134. Baalnot 135. Bechadot 136. Baakdot 137. Baangot 138. Bojgar 139. Boda 140.
Bani 141. Baarnot 142. Badawat 143. Bocharan 144. Bahadot Bha 140. Bharatawat 141. Bharot
142. Bhakiya 143. Bhanchawat 144. Bhangawat 145. Bhegawat 146. Bhojawat 147. Bhansot Ma
148. Mangawat 149. Moolawat 150. Megawat 151. Mokawat 152. Motawat 153. Malawat 154.
Mepawat 155. Moonawat 156. Mundawat 157. Menawat 158. Maalpot 159. Manakpot 160.
Malot 161. Mhalan 162. Maansot 163. Meratiya 164. Motiwalon 165. Moochchal 166.
Modaricha 167. Mood 168. Maulan 169. Maalpot 170. Mohan Ra 171. Ranawat 172. Rajawat
173. Raitala 174. Roopawat 175. Ranasipota 176. Raimalot 177. Ramniya 178. Rathod 179.
Ramawat La 180. Lalawat 181. Lagawat 182. Lakhawat 183. Lumbawat 184. Lotawat 185.
Lakhanot 186. Lhawadiya 187. Laadwan 188. Loona Va 189. Vinjarawat 190. Vinsalawat 191.
Wadatiya 192. Vijarani Sa 193. Sangawat 194. Saktawat 195. Sadawat 196. Salawat 197.
Somawat 198. Saangrot 199. Sadasot 200. Siraya 201. Sandol 202. Sadrath 203. Sankara 204.
Saranot 205. Sapawat Ha 206. Harasawat 207. Haanawat 208. Hampawat 209. Handawat 210.
Kalawat 211. Hirapot 212. Hardeo.
The Tanda System

Every group had a leader. They needed grasslands for their cattle. C.N. Luniya says: The cattle
was the real wealth of the Aryans. The wealthiness of a person was decided on the basis of the
amount of cattle with him. (Indian Culture by C.N. Luniya, page 38). The Gors had similar
tradition. The Tandas were used to settle at places in the plains where there is enough source of
water and rich water absorbent soil. The place was known as Gor Tanda. Even today the
settlements of Gor Banjaras are known as Tandas. The Tandas were having temporary structures
made up of wood and grass. When the source of fodder was shortened the Tandas move to
another place. This practice later on turned to become a primitive culture. And it is still thriving
today. The settlement near the mountains and forest is known as Toda in Nemadi. The word
Tanda was originated in Gor Boli from this word. In Marathi the same word i.e. Tandu is used.
Other parallel words with same meaning are Sthan, Thano etc. Owing to its nomadic nature the
phrase Tanda Ruka, Tanda Chala (Tanda halted, Tanda moved on) came into vogue.

Naik

Every group (Toli) had its own chieftain. Gor Banjaras called this chieftain as Naik. The Tanda
moves as per the orders of Naik. He had total control over the Tanda. All activities including
trade, internal dealings were carried out with his approval only. In a way he was the king of the
Tanda. The Naikship was handed over through specific generations only. The Naik was
responsible for taking care of his Tanda which included avoiding any kind of blame, nobody
should suffer from any thing and there should be a cordial relationship among the Tanda
members. In a given situation it was the Naik who would provide succour to the needy. His
characteristics included dharma, forgiveness, truthful and justice-loving. On the basis of these
virtues only the whole Tanda respected and honoured the Naik completely. The Naik maintained
humanitarian approach so that members of other Tandas should also join his Tanda due to his
worthy behaviour. The Tanda members had a feeling of pride about the Naik. The Tanda was
known by the name of the Naik only. The matrimonial relations were also fixed on the basis of
the Naiks reputation instead of the bride and grooms name and personality. Naiks also fulfilled
all the responsibilities as the supreme. In every linage (e.g. Rathod, Chavan, Pawar, Jadhav etc.)
the same family was entitled for Naikship and it went to next generation. Naik used to marry 2
women as a matter of prestige. The Tanda equally respected his wives.

Karbhari (Manager)

The second important person in the Tanda was the Karbhari i.e. the Manager. He was keeping an
eye on all the activities of the Tanda. He was responsible to see whether the Naiks orders were
being followed or not. It was also an honorable post. He was to report all activities to the Naik
and discuss the matter with him. He was expected to be striving for spreading the popularity of
the Tanda and make it an ideal one with its overall development. If the Naik and Karbhari failed
to fulfill their duties then the senior most person from their linage was appointed to the post.

Dhaliya
Every Tanda had a servant known as Dhaliya. He used to fulfill all the assignment given by the
Naik and the Karbhari. He was also responsible for handing over the messages to other Tandas.
On the occasion of marriages he was engaged in playing an instrument called Duf. All his
familial needs and food were taken care of by the Tanda. Naik and Karbhari gave him clothes to
wear. He was also given prizes on the occasion of festivities. He greeted the Tanda members with
Ram, Ram and people reciprocated it with equal honor and blessed him for his well-being.
Kolam tribals also have this custom in their tribe (Adivasi Evam Upekshit Jan, A.H. Inamdar,
Hindi Tr. Page 67).

Sanar: (Goldsmith)

Two families of Goldsmith accompanied the Tanda. They designed special ornaments for the Gor
Banjara women. He also took some order for other Tandas but never left the Naik with whom he
resided. As an artist the Tanda members honoured him. The craftsmen engaged in women
ornaments like Mathiya and Bodalu were known as Malenda. He followed Muslim religion
though he lived with the Tanda.

Hajam (Barber)

Gor Banjara men have a penchant for hairstyles. Their unique hair cutting style is known as
Zalpa. The barbers family resided with the Tanda. He was paid according to his job. Naik &
Karbhari solved any of his financial needs. His family helped others on special occasions. He
was an integral part of the Tanda.

Dhadhi

An ancient tribe named Dhadhi lived with the Tandas. They were lyricists who praised Naik and
Manager and wrote lyrics on brave men. In a way they were like charan bhats and lived their
life. Dhadhis were born artists and intelligent. They wondered in all the Tandas of the region and
had every information about them. A Dhadhi was instrumental in establishing matrimonial
relations in ancient times. He was a honourable person. He used to sing a song written by him,
which included ballads and story-songs on an instrument called Kingari. He was given prize for
his performance. He traveled to different Tandas on special occasions and earned money. He was
equally regarded as a poet in Kings court. Some Naiks gave a refuge to these people as a status
symbol. Apart from them Jogi Banjara, Shingada Banjara were also part of the Tandas. There
was a king named Bhratari during the regime of Nine Naths (Navnath). He gave up all worldly
pleasures and became a sage. This king moved with the Tanda as a sage. He made some
followers too. The people of this linage started calling themselves as Jogi Banjara. Gor Banjara
still sing the story of King Bhratari in their folk songs.

Shingada Banjara

During the regime of Gorvamshis an instrument called Turahi was played during the war to
energize the soldiers. Some people were engaged in this job and they were later came to be
known as Shingada Banjara. They were also singing war songs with the sound of war bugle.
They also fought with a war bugle in one hand while sword in the other. This tribe was also
engaged in giving training to use swords, javelin and other instruments. Shingada Banjara has a
huge Tanda near Killari village in Maharashtra. Some families also reside in Pusad Tehsil. The
Hajam Banjara has their independent Tanda in the Kannad Tehsil.

The above mentioned castes cannot keep matrimonial or other transactions with the Tanda
though they are living with the Tanda for generations. The dialect of Dhadhi, Dhalia, Sunar,
Malenda, Hajam, and Jogi is the Gor Boli. Only the Dhadhi men and women have clothing styles
like the Gor Banjaras. The women of Dhalia, Hajam, Jogi and Shingad caste wear blouse and
nine yard saris. The Dhadhi, Jogi, Hajam and Sunar have some similar surnames. But Dalit
surnames like Gaikwad, Mane, Kamble etc. are found among Shingada Banjara. Dhadhi, Jogi,
Shingada and Hajam call themselves as Banjara. Such is the classless system in any Tanda.
Though these people speak Gor dialect still some independent words are in their vocabulary.
Their festivals and other traditions have similarities. When asked about their caste by Gor
Banjara these people do not proclaim themselves as Gormati instead tell their own castes name.
The All India Banjara Sewa Sangh report says that the Banjaras are known by 27 different names
in different regions of the country (All India Banjara Study Team, Convener-Ranjit Naik, page
9). Among them Laman is a Gorvamshiya Banjara caste. They were known as Lamani only since
100 years in Vidarbha. The word Lawan means salt. The people engaged in the trade of salt
(Lavan) thus came to be known as Lamani. This caste is known as Lambada or Lambadi in
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. There are different castes like Lamani and Mathura Lamani. But
they are not Gors. They can be differentiated on the basis of their dialect, rituals and clothing.
Only on the basis of similarities in the dialect and profession the other sub-castes cannot be
called as Gorvamshiyas. Only those people who proclaim themselves as Gor are the
Gorvamshiyas.

The Structure of the Tanda

The Tandas used to halt at a place in the plains where there is provision of water at the bottom of
the mountains and the soil is fast drying and water absorbent in the rainy season. The homes in
the Tanda were built with wood like a hut. It is divided in 2 portions. The roof is covered with
grass. The door of the house is directed towards East. The rows of the houses in the Tanda were
erected in a semi-circular fashion. The house of Naik and Karbhari was also like others. There is
an open space in front of the house, where the cattle shade was built; it was called as Damani.
The houses were having no windows and had only one door. The kitchen was on the left side
while the sitting and sleeping place was to the right. In the center there was a place called Tagadi,
where the statues of gods were kept. The valuable items were also kept in the Tagadi. There used
to be homes for all types of class in the Tanda. But the rows of the houses were different
according to the linage and the clan. In the open ground in front of the Tanda, rituals like Ori and
Samanka and community functions were conducted. Normally the Tandas used to settle at a
distance of 1-2 Kilometers from other community or village. The principle was not to get
involved too much in the affairs of the village. One should look after its own work and the Tanda
was the practice.

Bhoomi Puja (Worshipping the Land)

The worship of Nature (Nisarga Pooja) was performed wherever the Tanda stopped. Also in
order to pacify the spirits people used to collect money and sacrifice a goat for them. This is
called as Samank Pooja. The goat was sacrificed in the open space in front of the Tanda in the
evening and its blood was offered to the earth. Then a small fireplace is prepared at the same
place, the meat was cooked and the Tanda used to eat the offering there only. The same
procedure was repeated when the Tanda was dismantled for migration.

Ladeni

These people were involved in the trade of goods by loading the same on oxen. This profession
is termed as Balad in Malawi Nimadi. In Gor dialect it is called as Ladeni. Lakhs of oxen were
involved in this trade. There are historical references to the fact that lakhs of oxen were seen
laden with goods and going places. The Tandas were working for 6-7 months and before the start
of the rainy season they were returning to their home. After practicing agriculture for 4 months
then again after the Diwali festival Tandas were starting their ladeni profession. The women did
not accompany the ladeni. The old men and women would look after the remaining cattle and
prepare sacks for the ladeni. Spinning while maintaining the cattle and making of the special
sack called Gunli in Gor dialect were their main works. The men had the Dhero Suo (big
needle) while the women would make designs on clothes with small needle. On the return of
Ladeni, first the marriages were arranged before the onset of monsoon.

Method of allowing into the Caste

During the course of Ladeni, Gor people used to take along children of other community or
sometimes forcibly abduct the children and took them along with them. They were treated as
servants and were asked to do all the chores in the Tanda. When a person from another caste
enters a Tanda he was not allowed to leave it. When they would grow up they were included in
the caste after performing a special ritual called Bheler (to assimilate). The whole Tanda was
given a feast on the occasion. The man from other caste was called as Jangad. After he was
allowed to dine with the people Tanda he would become one of the Gor tribe. Then he can marry
with a girl from the Tanda. With such inclusion he would become an integral part of the Tanda.
The label of being an outsider (Kamsal) would be erased during his three generations. After that
he would become a Gor Banjara. As the number of such people grew, they had matrimonial
relations among them. This ancient ritual was prevalent in the Tanda till recently.

Jati Panchayat (Juries)

Tribal Kshatriya Vamshas had an important system of Jat Panchayat. The community was living
in groups. It was quite natural that some issues might crop up among them. In order to solve the
disputes this Jati Panchayat would decide on the matters. Jat Panchayat is still in vogue among
the Gors. The main objectives of the Panchayat were to keep the Tanda safe from any blasphemy,
maintain peace, defeat any enemy feelings and solve the internal disputes within the four walls.
It was considered as a sin to approach courts and offices for settling the dispute. But most of the
disputes were concerned with women. The aggrieved person would go to the Naik with his
complaint. Then Naik would call the Karbhari to decide a date to hear the matter. The Panchayat
then would meet on the scheduled date outside the Tanda. It was called as Nasab or Malav.
Naik, Karbhari and the aged, experienced persons of the Tanda work as jurists. They are known
as Daisane. The meeting would start with an informal dialogue; some anecdotes were shared
and then the Nasab would begin. The complainant stands up and explains the injustice meted to
him. Naik is the chairman of the Panchayat and moderates the process of the hearing. The
accused then stands up and refutes all the charges made by the complainant and tries to prove
himself innocent. After arguments from both sides are over the root cause of the dispute is
examined. Then both the persons are asked some questions in front of the people and asked to
reason with the dispute. In the end the convict is decided by the Daisane with due consultation.
Pin-drop silence prevails over the meeting. Naik declares the name of the convict. Depending on
the nature of the crime he is sentenced. The Daisane decide the quantum of the sentence in
privacy a little distance away from the meeting. Then they again join the meeting and tell their
decision to the Naik who declares it. Normally the punishment is in the form of monetary fine. If
the punishment is not acceptable to the convict then he may approach the Naik and Nasab of
another Tanda for justice. But such events were rare. If the convict refused to undergo the
punishment the Panchayat would declare him as an outcast. It was considered as the highest form
of punishment. The Tanda would boycott the whole family of the convict. Whoever stands by the
family would also be treated as outcast.

Laman Route

In ancient times the route taken by the Gor Banjara for trade was known as Laman Route. The
distance of this route would be shortest and passing near water facilities. In the absence of
common roads and highways people in those times would load the goods in bullock carts or on
the back of oxen to reach the places. Banjaras were in the forefront in this profession. They are
called as Laman in Bundelkhand. Laman used oxen for carrying the goods. The routes
undertaken by them would later on become passenger routes. The biggest trade route of the
Lamans was from Mirzapur to Nagpur. Two European travelers viz. T. Motle and J.T. Blunt had
traveled on this route in 18th Century (Shabda Bhugol Siddhant Prayog by Hiralal Shukla, page
22). The map of this route has been given by Banjara Study Team. Owing to the independent
systems of the Tanda, they were away from the civic life for many years. Slowly they came into
contact with other people.

Hunting

During spare time the Tanda members would go for hunting. It was known as Yed Ramer.
Hunter dogs were used for this purpose. Almost every household had a pet dog. The weapons
used for hunting included spears and sticks. If the animal gets alerted and starts running the dogs
would be ordered to chess it. The hunting of wild boar was considered as most important. The
person hunting the wild boar was called as Surama Mati. The wild boar is called as Sur in Gor
dialect. Rules of hunting were also prescribed. The one who located the animal and hunted it on
the spot would get the head of the animal as an honour. All members were given equal share of
the hunt. The Naik would get a share of honour if a wild boar was killed. The first day of the
New Year i.e. Chaitra Shukla Pratipada was celebrated with a hunt.

Tattooing
The trait of tattooing on the body is in vogue in all the Tandas. Women, girls and males were
fond of tattooing on the body. The girls tattooed names of their brothers while women tattooed
circles; men tattooed designs of Jambiya, Talwar etc. on their arms. There was a blind faith
behind it. Most of the people get tattooed to preserve the memory of their loved ones (Handli,
Chintali). Earlier the women used to tattoo each other with a needle. The custom of tattooing on
the body is prevalent among the tribals on large scale. (Adivasi Samudaay mein Swasthya Ke
Kuchh Paksha by Markandeysinh Yadav, page 130).

Health concerns and Measures

The Tanda people deeply believed in magic, ghosts and spirits. Their overall health was good
owing to their habitat in forests and mountain region. For treatment of both humans and animal
they used to depend on the wild herbs and medicines. They had a wild herb for medication on all
types of illnesses. Among the two main types of illnesses, the first one i.e. physical (danger) is
treated with the forest herbs and juice of leaves. Another type of illness i.e. Barer was
considered to be an effect of outside forces like black magic. In order to diagnose these Barer
ailments a ritual called Samal was performed. Samal means to predict future or favour. It
included overturning the grinding stone, attaching a coin to a plate, sitting on a small water
container and moving of necklace and through these acts the illness was understood. Specific
men and women in the Tanda used to perform this ritual of Samal. They were called as Jaanies
(Bhagat). The patient was treated according to their instructions.

The Tanda also included people who were expert in black magic. Among them such woman was
called Dakan and male a Daki. If a snake or a scorpion bites any person then they chant mantras
and use medicines to treat him. Even the attack of ghosts and spirits would also be treated with
mantras and medicines. They were ignorant about hospital facilities for many years. The Bhagat
would give ash and water treated with mantras and ask the patient to drink it. A thread made up
of Seven knots of hair of a cow is tied around the waist of the patient. Then an egg, a hen, a
lemon are moved over the body of the patient and thrown away. He is asked to observe a days
fast in the name of the Goddess. The other acts of witchcraft included Bhanamati, Chetaki,
Fisting, Fasal Siyama, Parir Zapate, Munja, Aghori Kheler, Bhoot Kadher, and Walandya etc.
Everyday bath was taken to cleanse the body (Adivasi Samudai, page 219).

Human Sacrifice

Gor Banjaras practiced transport of goods by loading them on lakhs of oxen. On such occasions,
before starting off the Tanda, old timers say, human sacrifice was given. Normally a person from
another caste was sacrificed for the purpose. Small children were abducted and later engaged as
servants (Jangad) the Tanda. Such small children only were made to sacrifice. The child would
be buried in a ditch outside the Tanda in standing position and lakhs of oxen loaded with goods
made to run over him. They believed that such a sacrifice pacifies the spirits. The tribes from
Nimad area believed that by performing human sacrifice and offering the meat to the goddess she
blesses all. (Nimad Ka Samskritik Itihaas by Ramanarain Upadhyay, page 221).

Widow Remarriage System

Custom of Polygamy and widow remarriage was prevalent among Kshatriya Gors. The younger
brother would marry his own sister-in-law after the death of his elder brother. Evidence has it
that an elder brother married his younger brothers would be wife when the young brother died
before his marriage. One Raimals young brother Kanjs marriage ceremony was in progress. The
rituals had almost come to an end when Kanji was killed in an internal skirmish. It was a very
grave situation. The bride refused to marry with her would be brother-in-law. She was forcibly
married to him. There is one folk song, which mentions this story:

"x V x V J x E V` V +i
Vh E En b"

Even today the Gors tease each other on the marrying with the elder brother:

"i i VME, x i En , b
Mx {h E"

(History of Gor Banjara by Baliram Patil, page 21)

There was a saying in Malwa in this connection:

"PM >E Pn, S >E iM, n

UbE M< V` E M"

In ancient times there was a custom of abducting the women and bring them to Tanda. If a
woman left her husband and marries to another man then she was called as Bhangali woman.
The expenses of the marriage are paid to the first husband. This is called as Mamala Toder,
meaning divorce. (Continued...)

HISTORY Of banjara (lambani)

BanjaraBanjara woman in traditional dressRegions with significant populations

Andhra Pradesh&Telangana3.2 million

Karnataka2.9 million

Maharashtra2.4 million

Rajasthan2.3 million

Madhya Pradesh2.2 million

Punjab2.0 million

Languages Banjari

Religion Hinduism

TheBanjara, also calledLamani,Lambani,Banjara Lambaniare a class of usually described as

nomadic people from the Indian state ofRajasthan, now spread out all over Indian subcontinent.

They truly descend fromRajputs, and are also knownas Lakha Banjara meansLakhapati,Banjari,
Pindari, Bangala, Banjori, Banjuri, Brinjari, Lamani, Lamadi, Lambani, Labhani,Lambara,
Lavani, Lemadi, Lumadale, Labhani Muka, Goola, Gurmarti,dhadi, Gormati, Kora, Sugali,
Sukali, Tanda, Vanjari, Vanzara, and Wanji. Together with theDomba, they are sometimes called
the"gypsies of India".[1]They are known for coloured dress, folk ornaments and bangles.Their
traditional living place, calledTanda, is usually located outside a village (in India)

.[2]They are divided in two tribes, Maturia, andLabana.[3]OriginsAccording to J.J Roy Burman,
in his book titled,Ethnography of a Denotified Tribe The Laman Banjara, The nameLamanis
popular long before the name Banjara and the Laman Banjaras originally came from Afghanistan
before settling in Rajasthan and other parts of India. He states that according toMotiraj Rethod,
the Lamans were originally from Afghanistan and there is an independent province and village
calledGorin that country.[4]Art work by Lambani womanEtymologyBanjaras are traditionally
known as suppliers and pack bullock carriers and Banjara word is derived fromSanskritwordvana
chara(wanderers in jungle).

The wordLambani or Lamani is derived from Sanskrit wordlavana(salt) which was the principal
goods they transported across the country.[5]CultureTraditional Banjara DressBanjara people
celebrateTeej.

The festival, celebrated during theSharavanmonth (August), isconsideredas a festival

of"unmarried girls" who pray for a "better groom".[6]Girls sow seeds in bamboo bowls and
water it three times a day for nine days and if the sprouts grow "thick and high", it is considered
as good omen for their future groom. The bowls with seedlings are kept in the middle and the
girls sing and dance circling the bowl.

[6]Holiis also celebrated by Banjara people.

[7]Singers of the community, known as "Dadhis" or"Gajugonia"

[8]perform songs withsarangi.

[9]ArtFolk art of Banjara people include

activitieslikedance,rangoli,embroidery,tattooing,music,painting.

[10]Specifically embroidery and tattooing has more significance in the community. Lambani
women specialise in "lepo" embroidery on clothes by vowing glass pieces in clothes.[11]"Sandur
Lambani Craft" practiced by the Lambani people had received a Registered Geographic
Indication tag in India, enabling the community people to exclusively market them in that name.
[12]ReligionBanjara people follow Hinduism,

[13]and worship Hindu gods likeKrishna,Balaji,Jagadamba DeviandHanuman. They also pray tl

Sati Aayi, Seva Bhayya or Sevalal, Mithu Bhukhiya which are gods of their community.

[14]They also worshippeerandBanjara Deviby praying in the forest, represented by a heap of

stones. Of these, Mithu Bhukhiya was an "expert decoit" of the tribe and is worshipped in a hut
built infront ofTandaor village with a white flag on top. This practice is gradually losing its
importance, mainly because the people aremore engaged in agriculture, government employment
and other labour.

[15]No member of the community is allowed to sleep in the special hut built for Mithu Bhukhiya
(also spelled Mitthu Bhukhiya).

[16]Seva Bhaya or Seva Lal was a saint and is highly respected by the Banjara people. He
protected the women of his community and his story is quoted by British administrators who
tagged his period around 1857 A.D. with his original name as Siva Rathode.

[15]BeliefsBanjara people are "strong believers" of god, and had construed many temples, such
asShri Shiva Anjaneya Swamy Temple. The temple has a Shiva's idol which is believed to be 150
year old.LanguageThey speakBanjari languagewhich is also called asGoar-boliwhich belongs to
Indo-Aryan group of languages and the language has no script and recorded history.

[17]The community as a whole islearning local Indian languages in schools and gradually they
are losing the original dialect and most of them have become bi-lingual or multi-lingual,
adopting the predominant language of their surroundings.

[18]Efforts are being put toinclude Banjara language in 8th Schedule of Constitution of India,
[19]which may give the language better status to get more funds for research and development.A
Banjara FamilyDistributionThe most numerous Banjara orLambadicommunity is inAndhra
PradeshandTelanganastates at 2.2 million where they speak their own dialect along withTelugu.
In Karnataka, they are spread in northern parts of the state[20]and Karnataka has second largest
population (1.1 million, as of 2012) in India.

[21]In India, Banjara people were transporters of goods from one place to other and the goods
they transported included salt, grains, firewood and cattle. During 18th Century, the British
colonial authorities brought the community under the preview ofCriminal Tribes Act of 1871. By
enforcing this act, the British Raj curbed the movement of Banjara people.[22]Thestigma
attached to this continued until 1952 when the Act was abolished by the newly Independent
India.ClassificationIn some states of India, they are considered as Scheduled Caste while in other
states they are categorized as Scheduled Tribe.

[19]In the state Rajasthan, they areOther Backward Classes (OBC)category.In the state of Tamil
Nadu they are Backward Classes (BC), In Karnataka, they are categorised as Scheduled Caste
since 1977

.[23]There has been continuous efforts by Government agencies to improve the conditions of
community by activities such as building 8622 houses for them during 2009-10.

The Banjara are a class of usually described as nomadic people from the Indian state
ofRajasthan, North-West Gujarat, and Western Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Sindhprovince of
Pakistan. They claim to belong to the clan of Agnivanshi Rajputs, and are also known as Lakha
Banjara means 'Lakhapati', Banjari, Pindari, Bangala, Banjori, Banjuri, Brinjari, Lamani, Lamadi,
Lambani, Labhani, Lambara, Lavani, Lemadi, Lumadale, Labhani Muka, Goola, Gurmarti,
Gormati, Kora, Sugali, Sukali, Tanda, Vanjari, Vanzara, and Wanji. Together with the Domba,

Distribution

The origin of Banjara community is stated in the area between Bikaner and Bahawalpur,
Pakistan. After the fall of the Rajputs, they started spreading across the country. The Banjara
had spread to Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra,Uttar Pradesh and other
states of India. About half their number speak Lambadi, one of theRajasthani dialects, while
others are native speakers of Telugu, Kannada and Gor boli,Hindi and other languages
dominant in their respective areas of settlement. Rathod, Pawar, Naik, Chauhan, and Jadhav
castes belong to Banjara community in Rajasthan and Gujarat now are in General Seats after
the communal rights taken place in Rajasthan for Reservation in 2008 as they were landlords in
Amarkot, Fathaykot and Sialkot before Partition of India and Pakistan. They are a Scheduled
castes in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh(Gorakhpur,Lucknow, Bareiiy and Moradabad divisions
where they are known as Gual, Nat Brijvasi and speaking fluently Gor boli) and Scheduled Tribe
in Andhra Pradesh (where they are listed as Lambani in Karnataka & Sugali in A.P.), Orissa,
Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Even though they settled across the country, they still
consider themselves as nomad community.They are also called Lakha.

Etymology

The word "Banjara" must have evolved from Prakrit and Hindi and Rajasthani words "Bana/Ban
or Vana/Van" meaning Forest orMoorlands and "Chara" meaning 'Movers'. The Banjara are
(together with the Domba) sometimes called the "Gypsies of India".[4]

The word Banjara is a deprecated, colloquial form of the word of Sanskrit origin. The Sanskrit
compound-word vana chara, "forest wanderers" was given to them presumably because of their
primitive role in the Indian society as forest wood collectors and distributors.

Culture

Food
The traditional food of Banjara is Bati (roti). Daliya is a dish cooked using many cereal, such as
wheat or jawar. Banjara people also enjoy many non-vegetarian foods. Among the non-
vegetarian dishes unique to them are saloi, made from goat blood and other goat parts. In
Andhra, fish is their main food. The Banjara are also known for preferring spicy food.In U.P they
are they are very fond of Malida(mixing Moti Roti, Gud and deshi Ghee).
Dress
Women are known to wear colorful and beautiful costumes like phetiya (as ghagra)
and kanchalli (as top) and have mehendi tattoos on their hands. The dress is considered fancy
and attractive by Western cultures. They use mirror chips and often coins to decorate it. Women
put on thick bangles(bandiya) on their arms (patli). Their ornaments are made up of silver rings,
coins, chain and hair pleats are tied together at the end by chotla.

Men wear dhoti and kurta (short with many folds). These clothes were designed specially for the
protection from harsh climate in deserts and to distinguish them from others.
Arts, literature and entertainment

Their customs, language and dress indicate they originated from Rajasthan. They live in
settlements called thandas. They lived in zupada (hut). Now many of them live in cities. They
have a unique culture and dance form. On many occasions they gather, sing and dance.

Their traditional occupation is nomadic cattle herding. Later they slowly moved into agriculture
and trade.

The accurate history of Lambanis or Lambadis or Banjaras is not known but the general opinion
among them is that they fought for Prithvi Raj Chauhan against Muhammad of Ghor. The trail of
the Lambadi/Banjara can be verified from their language, Lambadi borrows words
fromRajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi and the local language of the area they belong to.

Banjaras originally belong to Rajasthan and were Rajputs[citation needed] who migrated to southern
parts of India for trade and agriculture. They settled down in the southern or central area of the
country and slowly loosened contacts with Rajasthan, and their original community. Over a
period of time both the communities separated and they adopted the local culture. The language
spoken by Banjaras settled in Yavatmal district of Vidarbha, Maharashtra is an admixture of
Hindi, Rajasthani and Marathi.

Lambadi Dance is a special kind of dance of Andhra Pradesh. In this form of dance, mainly the
female dancers dance in tune with the male drummers to offer homage to their Lord for a good
harvest. At Anupu village near Nagarjunakonda, Lambadi dance originated. They are actually
semi-nomadic tribes who are gradually moving towards civilization. This dance is mainly
restricted among the females and rarely the males participate in Lambadi dance. Lambadi is a
special kind of Folk Dance which involves participation by tribal women who bedeck themselves
in colorful costumes and jewelry.

The people of Lambadi such as belongs to Rajasthan. Only in the state Rajasthan, they are
OBC category and in other states they are scheduled tribes. The Lambadi people have large
white bangles, called "bhalia". The bhalias are part of a dress code and it is believed to save
anyone wearing them from curses or evil.In Maharashtra also they are OBC category.

Related communities
Three other castes that claim kinship with the Banjara are the Labana of Punjab,
the Gawaria of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and Lavanaof Rajasthan. In Maharashtra they are
called the Laman, Gormati and Banjara. The banjara community needs to be compared with the
'Harappa and Mahenjodaro' history to trace the origin and the pali language and the deep study
of Sanskrit words to locate the foundation of their spoken language . Dhadi branch of the
Mirasis are musicians, balladeers and panegyrists. Under the patronage of the sixth Sikh Guru
Hargobind (1595 to 1644), the community prospered and converted in their entirety to Sikhism.
Their name is derived from a dhad, which is a small drum, which they use. Other instruments
used are the sarangi, the pakhwai (two ended drum) and daf (a tambourine). The Dhadi are
associated with singing stanzas called karkha praising the soldiers of the Sikh gurus armies as
well as other hymns.[13] dhadi equated with bhats the dhadi clans 1 Tajnath 2pochala 3
rathnavat or rathna 4 dungroth 5 sehravat 6 rudha or rudi 7 Baji 8 sagrawat or sugunavat 9
Bhimla 10 Bhagrawt or banavath , bane bani 11 ramdas 12 dehavat or Devavat, hindu cast
dhadi is orginall bhat cast

Gotras

The Banjaras are grouped into five gotras, or super-families, also called goth or pada in
Lambadi.banjara are sub divided with sub caste as follows :- badawath (Vadatya) :- 52 "padha"
or sub cast e.g.-(kantiwal mudawath,lakawath,ajmera etc.... ) bhukya :- 27 "padha" or sub cast
e.g.-(Khetavat,dhalyawal,mundi phoda,nanawath etc....) pawar :- 12 "padha" or sub cast e.g.-
(Amgot,Eslavath,vankdoth,Jaruplavath,Amgoth,pamadia,bani,tarbani,Inlot pamar,Ingravath,Ivat
pamar,chevath pamr) chavan :- 6 "padha" or sub cast e.g.-(korravath,mudh,bhat,etc....) Jadav
:- 52 "padha" or sub cast e.g.-
(Goram,daravath,tejavath,barmavath,lokavath,jatoth,meravath,etc....)
Some believe the Rahtod/Bhukya gotra is split into two, making Banoth as a separate gotra by
itself and bringing the total to five gotras. Others claim the Turi/Badawatis form an additional
(sixth) gotra. Each gotra is divided into subdivisions called 'jaaths, which are generally used as
surnames of its members.In Rathod goras have many sub gotras Like
Ramavath,Rajavath,Dungavath,Dhegavath,Ketavath,nenavath,Dharamshot,Pathlavath,
etc. dhadi equated with bhats the dhadi clans 1 Tajnath 2pochala 3 rathnavat or rathna 4
dungroth 5 sehravat 6 rudha or rudi or rudavath 7 Baji 8 sagrawat or sugunavat 9 Bhimla 10
Bhagrawt or banavath , bane bani 11 ramdas 12 dehavat or Devavat, hindu cast dhadi is
orginall bhat cast

Gotras

Marriage
Members of the same gotra cannot marry as they are considered brother and sister, a term
known as bhaipana (brotherhood). Members of different gotras may marry, and this state is
known as kai-laageni (not-related). Traditionally, the jaaths of prospective couples are checked
by experts known as dhadi bhaat who knew the gotra/jaath system and could identify proper
marriages. Nowadays the Banjarpoint website (coded by two Banjara software engineers) fulfills
a similar function with gotra/jaath webpages to identify which can marry which.In Banjara
community marriages will take place for around three months with many celebrations.

Sevalal Maharaj Temple

Sant Shree Sevalal Maharaj (Seva Bhaya) was born on 15.2.1739 to parents Shri Dharmani
Yaadi (mother) and Shri Bhima Naik on this holy land around 274 years back. At that time this
location was popularly known as Ramagundam or Ramji Naik Tanda (Ramji Naik is grand father
of Sevabhaya, who come to the location with 360 families of his Tanda and about 4000 loaded
cattles). Ramji Naik Tanda when deserted by the end of 18th century, the local people built a
village known as Chennarayani palle. This land now falls in the revenue village of Peddadoddi,
Taluk / Mandal Gooty, Dist. Anandpur, Andhra Pradesh.

Seva Bhaya lived with his parents at this place up to the age of 12. He bathed in Kalo Kundo
(transparent clean water of natural spring water pond), worshipped in Chennakesava (Shiva)
temple on the top of the Chandrayanagutta (hill) nearby Ramji Naik Tanda and grazed his cattle
in Zhoomri Jhol (Forest of Palms). All the relics and monuments are existings even today.
Banjaras and non-Banjaras in the locality hold Bhima Naik Katta (platform) in high esteem and
reverence since the ORE (residue) of Sant Shree Sevalal Maharaj is buried under the ground
of this platform which is the tradition of the Banjaras to bury the residue after the delivery of the
baby. Shri Bhima Naik delivered his judgements to Banjaras of his and neighbouring Tandas
from this Katta.

In narration and in praise of Seva Bhayas life and deeds, there are abundant folk songs and
folklore sung and oral history is also told by Banjaras for last 250 years. It is mentioned that
Gooty Bellary Ma Janam lido Sevabhaya (meaning : Sevabhaya was born at Gooty
Bellary). Gooty taluka was in the then Bellary District of the then Madras province of British Raj.
During that period there was no separate District called Anantapur as the Anantapur town was
part of Bellary District. In Peddadoddi revenue village there is a piece of land of 18 acres next to
dilapidated Ramji Naik Tanda and the same is shown in revenue records as Nayakuni Bhoomi
(land of Nayak). It is also mentioned in the book Sevadas Leelamrut authored by Sant Shri
Ramrao Maharaj of Pohragad (Sevabhayas Samadhi place) that Gooty Bellary was birthplace
of Sevabhaya. Sant Shree Ramrao Maharaj is living Sant of Seventh generation of Shri
Sevabhaya family. Even well-known author, poet and Banjara folk singer Shri Atmaram Rathod
of Yevatmal (Maharashtra) has also established the same location in his popular book Shri
Sant Sevadas Leela Charitra as Sevabhayas birthplace. After lot of research works and
explorations by many research scholar, linguistics, historians particularly Banjara Dharmik
Parishad of Bangalore have identified and proved this location as sevabhayas birthplace.[5]

Sant Shree Sevalal Maharaj is also called as Mothivala, Toda vala, Nardhari, Narbhedi, Akhand
Brahmachari, Bharosobhari etc., in their native language.
Banjara Castes and sub
Banjara Castes and Sub-Castes : Gotra ( Family) Tree

Gor Banjara is not a caste but a tribe. The All India Banjara Sewa Sangh has identified
following names of Gor Banjaras in the country based on a nationwide study.

1 Banjara 12 Ladeniya

2 Banajara 13 Sugali

Gawariya
3 Banjare 14
Gawar

4 Banjari 15 Gawar

5 Brijjari 16 Gawaliya

6 Brijwasi 17 Gawana

7 Labhan 18 Kangi

8 Lamani 19 Kanada

Lambhad Sarakiban
9 20
i d
 1
Lambhad 21 Sarakiwala
0

1 Singwale
Baldiya 22
1 Banjara

Sub-castes
1 Gor 10 Maniya

2 Mathura 11 Bagora

3 Dhaliya 12 Digora

4 Dhadi 13 Charan

5 Sanar 14 Bhat

6 Nhavi 15 Bazigar

7 Shingada 16 Rohidas

8 Jogi 17 Dhonkutte

9 Bham

The word Banjara is attached in front of sub-castes e.g. Gor Banjara. All these and the like
sub-castes are Gorvamshiyas. In Maharashtra the list of castes and sub-castes of Gor Banjara
was announced by the Government of Maharashtra in 1965 as Free Castes vide G.O.No.
CBC 1464/146691-M dated Feb. 1965. The list is as follows:

Banjara Link Castes

Banjara
1 Gor 8
Laman

2 Banjara 9 Labhan

1
3 Lambad Dhadi
0
 1
4 Labhani Dhaliya
1

1 Shingada
5 Lamani
2 Banjara

Charan 1
6 Jogi Banjara
Banjara 3

Laman 1
7 Banjari.
Banjara 4

The Gotra Family Tree Of Gor Banjaras

The Clan (Gotra) is given more importance than lineage (Vamsha) in the socio-religious life
of Gorvamshiyas. He must memorize the names of chiefs of his earlier seven generations of
his clan otherwise he is considered as Kamsal or incomplete person.

The definition of clan (Gotra): Probably a Gotra is a combination of some lineages, whose
origin is a real or imaginery one. Suryavamshi and Chandravamshi are the main lineages in
Kshatriyas. Gor are Chandravamshis

Clan Of Rathos Lineage

Bala and Bhika were the 2 sons of PHULSINGH and UDAIKARAN.

Six sons of Bala

Malan

Mohan

Muchhal

Jatiya

Dharmasot

Barnot

Two sons of Bhika

Menasi
 Malasi

Four sons of Menasi

Dalu

Peri

Pota

Sadrath

Ten sons of Malasi

Ramniya

Bochran

Dalbaan

Khalwan

Gopal

Modaricha

Kukrecha

Khatrot

Malpot

Bahadot

Two sons of Khatrot

Daha

Bega

One son of Daha

Megha

One son of Megha

 Khamdhar

Six sons of Megha

Anna

Arasi

Dunga

Lakhasi

Junasi

Dhunasi

Seven sons of Khamdhar

Udawat

Kinsot

Palot

Dhanawar

Ramawat

Karmatot

Devsot

Eight clans (Gotras) of Rathod

Bhukya from Bhika

Balanot from Bala

Dhalwan from Dhanawar

Munawat from Mohan

Jatot from Jatiya

Muchhal
 Dharmasot

The numbers of Pada of the Gotras are as under:

Bhukya 27 /Muchhal Kula 52 / Balnot 12/ Munawat 56.

A Bhat is said to be described the linage of Bhukiya as : Kaspot Dhudya Kas ke Kanwar
Awaraj Dhawaraj Tarasinh Rao Ratan Doharaj Bhika Bhukiya

Jadhav Wadatiya Lineage Clan:

Three sons of Wadatiya : Khetaji / Dhetaji / Netji

Four sons of Khetaji

Lakha

Luna

Dhara

Gugul

Six sons of Dhetji

Mala

Brahmawat

Bharat

Jethot

Bada

Boda (Pade Ajmera)

Three sons of Netji

Hala

Khunasi

Teja
Four Padas of Purushottam Panda ( Kilawat / Kalawat Brahmawat and Itrajarni) - The reason
behind Purushottam Panda becoming a Banjara was that Purushottam Panda also known, as
Baba Brahman was a Wadatiya who had fallen in love with a Banjara girl of Zarpala clan.

Legend says that one Banjara from Goram clan owed some money to a Banjara from Zarpala
clan. When Zarpala insisted on getting the money from Goram, he (Goram) kept his daughter
as a mortgage with Zarpala and said that he will not show up again till he clears the debt and
went to other region.

On the other hand Zarpala owed some money to a Bhat (regarded as Brahmin). When Bhat
insisted on getting the money back, Zarpala said that he couldnt return the money till Goram
clears his debt. On this the Bhat started a sit-in agitation and lived near Zarpala. Gradually he
fell in love with the Gorams daughter. When this fact came to light in all 16 panch (juries)
heard the case and gave decision to marry the daughter with the Bhat and allowed the Bhat to
become a Banjara. This ritual was performed under a Banyan tree hence his name was also
changed to Wadatiya.

Chauhan Clan Linage:

Six sons of Tejmal

1. Palathya
2. Mud
3. Kurra
4. Sapawat
5. Kuelut
6. Chauradiya.

The number of Padas of each Clan was:

Palathya 5, Mud 13, Kurra 42, Chawadiya 5 padas.

IV. Pawar Clan Linage:

1) The seven sons of Kasturi further ran into 7 clans in Banjara viz.
1. Zarpala
2. Aamgot
3. Bakdot
4. Goram
5. Winjarawat
6. Lunsawat
7. Winshalawat
 2) Five clans originated from 5 sons of Hanjal viz.
1. Aariyot
2. Chhaiyot
3. Banni
4. Tirbani
5. Asalat.

These 12 sons were responsible for the continuation of 12 clans afterwards.Some people treat
the 12 clans as under:
1. Zarpala
2. Aamgot
3. Wankadot
4. Goram
5. Winjarawat
6. Lunsawat
7. Wishalawat
8. Phulawat
9. Chhaiyot
10. Kitawat
11. Kandawat
12. Deglot.

V. Turi:

1. Jasawat
2. Rajawat
3. Tegawat
4. Winjod

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