Banjara

Abstract

The Banjara/ Banjari is colourful tribe not only of Odisha but also of India found in many States like Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra. Also known as Bepari, Mukeai, Laban, they are a semi nomadic tribe of carriers and drivers of pack-bullocks. Their principal group's name Laban/Labana is derived from the Sanskrit word lavanah, meaning salt as they were salt traders. They are found moving around in different parts of the country especially during fairs and festivals. The Banjaras of Odisha are believed to have migrated from Rajasthan through Madhya Pradesh and Bihar as evident from their own "Banjari" dialect. Their major concentration lies in Lanjigarh, Dharamgarh, Jay Patna and Nuapara Tahasils of undivided Kalahandi district. Their womenfolk are distinguished by their very elaborate, colourful and attractive personal adornments comprising Ghagra, Orhni, Kanchhi and Zhabta dresses, silver ornaments, tatoo marks and hair style. Their ornaments are different for unmarried and married women and also widows. Now, the Banjaras are primarily agriculturists and animal husbandry is their secondary occupation. They have retained their traditional occupation of selling salt, coconut, stationery goods, etc. at the weekly markets and localfairs. Some of them work as agricultural labourers. In multi-ethnic villages, they live in separate wards called Tanda maintaining their cultural identity. Banjari Devi is their patron deity who is represented by a heap of stones under a shady grove in the village outskirts. This Photo Handbook is an outcome of academic exploration enriched with field experiences to disseminate through visual documentation the pristine tribal cultures of Odisha among the people who are interested to know about the exotic life styles Odishan tribes. This book would give an overview of Banjara tribe of Odisha highlighting on their social life, political life, economic life, aesthetic life, livelihood, material culture, religious beliefs and practices, fairs, festivals, age-old social customs, traditions, change and development. This handbook will be appreciated by the booklovers and also by the amateur readers.