Banjara Community
“Nomads of Trade. Carriers of Civilisation. Keepers of Spirit.
Origins & Identity
The Banjaras are an ancient, nomadic community whose name comes from “ban” (forest) and “jara” (to move). For centuries, they were known as carriers of trade and transporters of life.
They are also known across India by many names:
Lambada / Lambadi / Lamani (South India)
Sugali / Sukali (Andhra Pradesh)
Gor Banjara (North India)
Banjara (Maharashtra)
Despite regional variations, their identity remains united: a people of mobility, resilience, and pride
Role in Trade & Economy
The Banjaras were the backbone of India’s internal trade for centuries.
- Carried salt, grain, textiles, spices, and opium across deserts, forests, and plains.
- Created and maintained the salt trade routes from Sambhar, Didwana, and Pachpadra.
- Their caravans of thousands of bullocks and camels connected villages to kingdoms, and kingdoms to empires.
They were not wanderers without purpose — they were the arteries of India’s prosperity.
Allies of Kingdoms
The Banjaras were deeply tied to Rajput kingdoms.
- Mud Banjaras were associated with the Chavan
- Bhukiyas with the Rathods
- Islawats with the Pawars
- Vadatiya with the Jadauns
They were not just traders — they were warriors when needed, fighting alongside kings, protected by armies, and exempt from heavy taxes.
This alliance gave them dignity and recognition — until colonial disruption broke it apart.
Colonial Oppression
The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 changed everything.
Entire Banjara families were forced to register with police.
They had to carry permits for movement.
They were treated as “criminals by birth.”
The stigma of this law lasted for generations — long after Independence, Banjaras were still called “ex-criminal tribes.”
Voices of Resistance
- The Banjaras rose against oppression:
- Champla Nayak built hostels and invested wealth into education.
- Govind Guru led the Mangarh uprising, where 1500+ tribals were massacred by the British.
- Banjara women donated their jewelry to Gandhi during the freedom movement.
Many joined the Quit India struggle, like Ramsing Bhanawat, Hira Pawar, and Atmaram Naik.
Their contributions remain missing in mainstream history — but they are central to India’s freedom story.
Culture & Traditions
Despite centuries of marginalisation, the Banjaras preserved a rich cultural identity:
Dress & Jewelry: Women wear bright ghagras, heavy silver jewelry, mirror embroidery.
Music & Dance: Traditional dhol, mandal, and vibrant dances mark festivals.
Faith & Spirituality: Strong devotion to Sant Sevalal Maharaj, and folk deities like Pabuji, Tejaji, and Ramdeoji.
Language: Variants of Gor Boli (Lambani), mixed with local dialects.
Community Life: Tanda (camp settlements) as the core social unit.
Global Connections – The Roma
Genetic, linguistic, and cultural research shows that the Roma (Gypsies) of Europe trace their roots to the Banjaras and other nomadic Indian groups.
Both faced centuries of displacement, stigma, and persecution — the Roma were even targeted in Hitler’s genocide, much like Banjaras were criminalised under colonial law.
This makes the Banjara story not just Indian, but global.
The Community Today
Today, Banjaras live across India — in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and beyond. Many still face poverty, landlessness, and stigma.
Yet, they are rising:
- Community leaders in politics, arts, and education.
- Cultural festivals that celebrate Banjara identity.
- A new generation reclaiming pride in being Gor Banjara.
The Banjara Virasat Museum is a symbol of this revival — a place where past wounds heal into future pride.
The Banjaras are not just a chapter in history
They are a living story — one of courage, colour, and continuity. Come experience
their journey at the Banjara Virasat Museum.