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BANJARA SANSKRITI SAVARDHAN KENDRA

बंजारा संस्कृती संवर्धन केंद्र
Vasantrao Naik Mahavidyalaya (Autonomous),
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra

Established
1 July 2023
Vasantrao Naik

About Banjara Community

The Banjara (Lambada) Community

One of India's Largest Nomadic Communities

The Banjara community, also known as Lambada, Lambadi, or Gor, is one of the largest nomadic communities in India with a population of over 5 crore people spread across more than 30 states. Originally known as trading nomads, they played a crucial role in India's trade and commerce for centuries.

The word "Banjara" is derived from "Vanaj" meaning trade and "Ara" meaning people. They were the backbone of India's trade network, transporting goods across vast distances on their bullock caravans. Their settlements, called "Tandas," served as trading posts and rest stops across the subcontinent.

Today, the Banjara community is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in many Indian states and continues to maintain its rich cultural identity while embracing modern education and development.

Community

Key Aspects of Banjara Culture

Language - Gor Boli / Lambadi

The Banjara community speaks Gor Boli (also known as Lambadi), an Indo-Aryan language with its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and oral literary tradition.

Traditional Attire

Banjara women wear vibrant, heavily embroidered ghagras, cholis, and odhnis adorned with mirrors, beads, shells, and coins, creating stunning visual displays.

Music & Dance

Lambadi dance is one of the most colorful folk dances, accompanied by traditional instruments like dholak, tasha, and been, with songs celebrating life and nature.

Festivals

The Banjara community celebrates Teej, Holi, Diwali, and Seethla with unique customs. Fire worship and nature worship are integral parts of their traditions.

Social Structure - Tanda

The Tanda is the basic social unit, a settlement led by a Naik (headman). The community follows a panchayat system for governance and dispute resolution.

Notable Figures

Vasantrao Naik (former CM of Maharashtra), Lakha Banjara (legendary warrior), and many modern leaders have contributed to India's progress.

5+ Cr
Population in India
30+
States Presence
100+
Sub-groups
7
Gotra System

Research Documents & Resources

Download important documents related to the Banjara community

Banjaras of India – A Preliminary Review

A comprehensive historical document discussing the Banjara community's role in India's trade, their struggles under the Criminal Tribes Act, and constitutional protections. By Dr. Shankar Naik & L.R. Naik (1987).

Download PDF (8 MB)
Banjara Community Document

Scanned historical document related to the Banjara (Lambani) community and their cultural heritage preservation efforts.

Download PDF (1.3 MB)

Cultural Articles

Embroidery
Banjara Embroidery - Mirror Work Art

Banjara embroidery is a distinctive and highly valued art form that has been practiced by Banjara women for generations. Known for its extensive use of mirrors, beads, coins, and colorful threads, thi...

Dance
Lambadi Dance - A Vibrant Expression

Lambadi dance is one of the most colorful and energetic folk dance forms of India. Performed primarily by women of the Banjara community, this dance is characterized by its vigorous movements, rhythmi...

History
The Rich Heritage of Banjara Community

The Banjara (also known as Lambada or Lambadi) community is one of the largest nomadic communities in India. With a rich cultural heritage spanning centuries, the Banjaras have contributed significant...

Embroidery
Banjara Embroidery - Mirror Work Art

Banjara embroidery is a distinctive and highly valued art form that has been practiced by Banjara women for generations. Known for its extensive use of mirrors, beads, coins, and colorful threads, thi...

Dance
Lambadi Dance - A Vibrant Expression

Lambadi dance is one of the most colorful and energetic folk dance forms of India. Performed primarily by women of the Banjara community, this dance is characterized by its vigorous movements, rhythmi...

History
The Rich Heritage of Banjara Community

The Banjara (also known as Lambada or Lambadi) community is one of the largest nomadic communities in India. With a rich cultural heritage spanning centuries, the Banjaras have contributed significant...