ANCIENT HISTORY OF GOR BANJARASWritten by: Prof. MOTIRAJ RATHOD
(Aurangabad, Maharashtra)FOREWORD Gor Banjaras and the Indus CultureGor is one of the ancient vamshas in the world. Its history dates back to 5-6 thousand years. The references about Gor Vamsha are found in Greek civilization up to Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Even proof has been found regarding presence of a civilization here 4500 years prior to Harappa civilization. This civilization is the Gor civilization. It is a subject of research as to how the Gor civilization remained unknown for so many years. With a detailed study it can be concluded that the Gor Vamshi tribe might have been the originator of the Indus civilization.The tradition of chronicling ancient history started here with the entry of British in India. Till that time we were oblivious about the ancient history of India. The world had a wrong perception till 20th century that India is highly backward country with no civilization of its own. The treasure of ancient civilization was found when the digging works for Lahore-Multan Railway started in 1921. This was the Indus civilization. Based on the ruins of this civilization the world accepted the fact that India was indeed a developed civilization in the past. Even the Indus civilization was regarded as superior to the civilizations of Egypt, Greek, Mesopotamia, Bobalia, Sumerian, Taigras and China.The ancientness of the Indian history was taken from the Rigveda period. But due to the discovery of Indus civilization this history was dated back by 3 thousand years. It cannot be told for sure when the references about history, based on the studies and research, will change.The tribe, which was known as Banjara, Lamani, and Lambada till 20th century, they are now being proved as Kshatriya Gorvamshiya tribe. Pundit Gaurishankar Oza did pioneering work in unearthing their unknown history. Till that time Gor Banjaras were ignorant about their own history. During the course of these findings it came to light that Gor culture of Gorvamshiyas is responsible for the origin of Indus culture. Gor culture has made an impact on the ancient cultures of the world. Even today tribes like Gorvamshiya are found in some 60 countries. Their world body is known as Roma Gypsies. There is almost 90% similarity as regards their language, costumes, lifestyle and food habits. They treat Gorvamshiya Banjaras as their brethrens. A world conference of Banjara Romas was held in Germany in 1980. A delegation of Gor Banjaras from India in the leadership of Ramsingh Bhanawat was present in the conference.The other Gorvamshiyas in the world treat India as their homeland. A comparative research study is underway at the global level. Perhaps the Gor culture may prove instrumental in changing the ancient history of the world, once again.Normally two instruments are used while writing about the ancient history. One of them is physical i.e. archeological source and the other one is oral or unwritten. The things which were buried in the earth in the course of time have been excavated by us and based on them we recreated the Indus culture. But it is likely that many a precious and fragile art crafts might hive been lost in the mean time. We have drawn some conclusions based on the artcrafts and structures found in the excavation. In all the archeological findings do not give a clear-cut picture of the times. We cannot claim to recreate the glorious past solely on their basis. We also need to take into account the human emotions, behavioural patterns, community as well as independent human values, chastity and overall public life for depicting the history. For this the oral inputs in practice are important and they are well preserved with the Gor Banjaras till date. Their study will lead us to know the complete history of Gor culture as follows.Live ancient pre-Indus referencesHistorically humans were living in groups. Even today such groups are found and they are called as Tanda (Caravan). The Banjara settlement is not called as a village rather referred to as Tanda only. Banjara Tandas are also found in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Gor Banjara tribe had devised rules for game when they used to hunt animals for food. Today they are still in vogue in some Tandas. The Gorvamshi are witness to the hunting stage of early humans dating back to thousands of years. Later in the state of domestication of animals Banjaras was an important tribe in rearing the cows and protecting them. They took their ethnic name from this occupation. Go means cow and ra means the protector, hence Gor. References regarding people engaged in trading by loading their goods on oxen since 4500 years ago are found. As they were engaged in trade they came to be known as Banjara. I think that the word Banjara might have come from Arabic or Persian language. The meaning of the Hindi word Banaj means trade. Therefore a person engaged in Banaj was called as Banjara. These people were engaged in trade since pre-Indus times till the arrival of British in India. Their tribe might have been engaged in trade initially and later adopted goods transport as their occupation. This means the tribe is endowed with an ancient history dating back from wild gaming stage to right up to pre-Indus agrarian stage. Their origin might have been buried during the Indus period. Numerous proofs are found in the Vedic period in this regard.Culture with a different traditionGorvamshiyas had a unique yet independent culture. They have preserved their unique tradition of livelihood as also independent public life. It is very much evident in their lifestyle, food habits, festivals, rituals, worship, use of cosmetics, likes and dislikes, dances, songs, language, clothing, literature among the Tanda life. The design of city layout found in Indus culture and those of two-storey structures are referred to in the Banjara folk literature. The reason behind this culturally developed tribe adopting Tanda culture later might be the Mother Nature. The Nature, which the Gors were worshipping, was responsible for destruction of the whole culture. Hence they might have reconciled to the thought of living in Tandas instead of building well-designed cities and dwellings. They might have taken this change as their fate. They had no more faith in creating physical wealth and settling down at one place. It gave origin to their Tanda culture. They considered it as against the fate to create physical households and hence refrained from such an act but the openness and greatness of their mind is still reflected in their public dealings and life. Tanda is the symbol of their life.Tanda Jury BoardThe Tanda culture gave rise to an independent arrangement. In order to maintain cordial and friendly relations among the Tanda members and to look after their well being a Jury board was formed. The head of this board is called as Nayak. He was almost regarded as a King of the Tanda. To help him in his work another official called Karbhari is also appointed. The karbhari was to give suggestions to the Nayak for well control of the Tanda and preserve the culture. The common member in the Tanda is called as Asami. These ordinary people have the right to remove even the Naik from the post. The roots of democracy are found in the Tanda system. The Tanda bestows equal voting right to all. With it the ordinary men can remove any dictatorial, oppressive type of Naik. The Naik was regarded as a king but at the same time he was subjected to work according to wishes of the people. The ruler of England adopted the same method afterwards. This arrangement of democracy once in vogue in the Tanda culture has been accepted the world over. Thousands of such Tandas exist today in our country.The judicial system of the Tanda NasabThe Tanda culture originated its own system to decide on its matter and to give justice to its members. The internal system of the Tanda was based on values and justice. The Tanda Jury Board was on guard against any injustice to any member. After hearing both sides in detail the Naik and Karbhari used to consult all concerned before taking a decision. If the decision of the Naik is unacceptable then there was provision for further appeal. The case would be tried in front of the Jury Boards of other 4-5 Tandas and their decision was binding on both the parties. Otherwise the member was outcast by the Tanda. This was the highest punishment one would get. Nobody continued any kind of dealing with the person. This made quite difficult for the person to live in the Tanda. He was incepted once again after 2-4 years with a due apology rendered by him. Normally there was no practice of registering any complaint outside the Tanda system. Approaching the courts & offices was considered as a sin. The Tandas have gifted this legal system of solving local problems to the world. Todays public courts (Loknyayalayas) are based on the Tanda system of justice.WorshippingGor Banjaras were worshippers of Nature since ancient times. The Sun, Wind, Fire, Water and the Earth were their gods. During the festival of Diwali and Holi, Pitrupooja is performed. It is known as Dhabukar. In it, sweets are offered to the fire in the fireplace. Also wheat rice and curry are offered in the name of saints and great men. These items are buried in the earth by digging a small pit in front of the house. Only the men in the Tanda prepare food for these offerings. Killing a goat is the third offering. By applying a thin layer of cow dung mixed in water a small place on the right side of the house is cleaned. A design of the earth and its four parts showing four continents are drawn with the help of Jowar flour in the cleaned place. It is called as Choki. A bronze pot filled with water is kept in the center of the Choki and a small stick of Neem leaves is kept inside it. This is known as Jalkumbh. After sacrificing the goat the head of the animal with its legs kept inside its mouth is placed in front of the Choki. Then all the male and female members perform a common prayer. Normally this ritual is performed in the evening. The place of the worship is towards the East while the worshipper prays with folded hands facing the West direction.Lifestyle ClothingGor Banjaras are the co-coordinators of the world culture. They are the only tribe trotting the globe for trade since prior to Indus culture. It is a matter of research to find out which ideology was exchanged by them with the world. It is more important than the travelogues of foreign visitors Fa Hein (399-411 AD) and Hue-n-Tsang (614-616 AD). The Gor travelers were used to come in contact for 8 months in a year and hence claim a lions share in enriching the Indian culture. The lifestyle, food habits of these people might have come under the influence of western culture but the uniqueness in their clothing and choices of food are preserved through generations as a traditional heritage. Consuming non-vegetarian food and drinks are still practiced as part of religious ritual.Gaming is the preferred hobby of Gor Banjaras. It is a kind of adventure sport for them. They have also prescribed rules of the game. They make the animal alert before killing him. They have fond of non-vegetarian food and drinks. All their festivals are celebrated invariably with these two items. Gor Banjaras do not collect much physical wealth but prefer to enjoy the joys of life to the fullest and in a whole-hearted manner. Dancing and singing are very much essential in their life. It is their forte of life." Vb E Vx + V En h Jx {x { h Vb E Vx"The principle behind this is when you are born in human life it is imperative to live the life to the fullest. There is no guarantee about life. It is truly a tribe thriving with life. The people are rich in tastes and habits and artistic in nature. They take pleasure in doing different things and attract others. Some of their remnants found in Indus culture are still preserved by them.ClothingThe males outfit includes Dhoti, Barabundi (Shirt & Coat), Uparana and a Turban. The style of clothing of Banjara women is quite different and attractive. They normally wear a ghaghra (stretching up to knees), which is hand-woven, and a blouse. A cloth covers the head. This pattern is in practice since thousands of years without a change and that is why Banjara women are unique compared to women of other tribes. Her clothing style is a symbol of an art-loving and skilled craftsmanship. The design work done on Ghaghra, Blouse and the head cloth is highly artistic. An international exhibition of weaving works was held in 2001. Eight Banjara women of Yallamma Tanda from Andhra Pradesh got a prize of 1500 dollars (then 60 thousand rupees) for their weaving works. This is an ample proof of the richness of their weaving styles on clothing. References about presence of these clothing styles are found in Indus culture.Hair StylesBoth the Gor Banjara men and women have a penchant for hairstyles. Men grow long hair below the ear and make a specific pattern. It is called as Zalpa. Men take pride in growing a hair-tail and preserve it. The old Banjara men still maintain this traditional hairstyle. Gor woman also styles her hair in a unique and attractive manner. She divides the hair in two equal halves and engages them on both the cheeks in Ghugari Topali. While the portion of the pony tail at the back is engaged in Shing Aati. A terracotta figure showing such a hairstyle has been found at Harappa.OrnamentsThe Gor Banjara men wear a metal ring in the wrist, a big ring in ear and silver string on the waist. While Gor woman is so obsessed with ornaments that she wears different types of ornaments weighing 10 to 15 KG on her person. Normally they are made up of copper, zinc, silver, ivory rings, munga, glass, shells, mercury and necklaces. The excavations at Harappa have revealed all such ornaments, which are used by the Gor Banjara women even today. On the basis of her ornaments and clothing it can be understood whether the woman is unmarried, married or a widow. A married woman wears Ghughri, Wakadi and Chudiya (bangles). She does not apply vermilion on her forehead. She tattoos her body and places a horn in her hair with pride, which is a sacred symbol of Gor Vamsha. Gor woman is the only one in the world to don a horn of ox on her head. The ox, which is fore bringer of prosperity to Gor Banjaras, is highly regarded as sacred and worshipped. In the marriage ceremony the bride is presented with an ox and is given farewell by making her sit on the ox. Perhaps this is a unique ritual still traditionally performed in some of the Tandas.DialectGorvamshiyas have an independent dialect. It is known as Gor Boli or Gormati Boli. This dialect is still spoken since pre-Indus period in Gor provinces of Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Sindh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kathewad, Harappa and Mohenjodaro. This belt is regarded as the original region of Indus culture. If we make a comparative study of the Gor dialect spoken in India and the above-mentioned tribal belt then it can be said that the Gor dialect might have been the original dialect. Further various languages might have originated from the Gor dialect. Any language originates from two or three dialects.The language spoken by Gypsy Roma falls in the category of Indo-Aryan language. Today the Gor Banjaras in India speak in the Gor dialect. The local languages did have an impact on the Gor dialect. Still they have maintained the original Gor dialect. The Gor Banjara woman is mostly credited for keeping alive the dialect. She speaks with any other person in her dialect only. She thinks that others also know the Gor dialect. Her persistence that others should understand her language has kept the dialect alive. The characteristic of the Gor dialect lies in the fact that even though other languages affect its pronunciations still the original meaning of the words have not changed. That is why a Gor Banjara person form any province can speak in his Gor dialect with other members of his clan.ScriptThere must have been an independent script for Gor dialect. Its origin can be traced through the symbols found in the Indus excavations. Small 396 letter signs have been found regarding the Indus script. Experts have still not been able to decipher these signs. Shri. P. R. Deshmukh did make an effort in this direction but the complete script still remains a mystery. According to the script experts there might have been in independent script prior to Indus civilization. Excavation of an Ink Pot suggests that the material on which the literature was prepared might have been perishable in nature. If the letter signs found in Indus civilization are deciphered then one day the Gor script can also be found. References of Kharaushti, Brahmi are found in 3rd Century BC; the Gor script might be their original script.LiteratureThe literature of Gor Banjara is rich with folklores, songs, music etc. Their rich interests, civilized nature and culture are reflected in their folk literature. Numerous references can be found in the folk literature, which prove that Gorvamshi tribe was a progressive one in all respects. References about education for the new generation, personal development and social life etc. are found in the folk songs. The Sumerian, Greek and Gor cultures are 90% identical. Also the Greek folklores and Gor folklores have lot of similarities. The folklore of King Oedipus Rex is identical to that present in Gor Banjara folklores. Banjara women through the folk songs sing folklores about destiny and the depiction of future by a witch, lore of Zamari Zamali. If a comparative study about folk rituals, life, literature, language, clothing etc. of contemporary civilizations during Indus period is done then the Gor culture will also prove its prominence.History of Gor Culture through monumentsSir Marshall has written a big treatise on the Indus civilization. The history of Gor culture is hidden in this book and it needs to be carefully found out. The pond measuring 31 x 23 x 8 feet found near Mohenjodaro is not a bathing place but a lake built as a drinking water facility for the oxen laden with goods. The steps are built parallel so that they can easily drink the water. The tribe was engaged in trade with heavy goods laden on the back of the oxen. Once the goods were loaded it was difficult to unpack and repack them number of times. Hence to facilitate the oxen to drink water in the laden position such ponds were built. Another find is about the grain storage found near the pond. It is 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. It was easy to store grain and then distribute again. Hence the grain storages were built near the ponds. A 23 feet wide road was built to facilitate the easy loading and unloading of goods. The ponds and the grain storages were built away from the homes as a necessity of the trade. It means without doubt Gorvamshis had built the ponds and storages. Such types of ponds and grain storages have also been found in Harappa. In the medieval period such ponds were constructed in Afghanistan, Rajasthan and Gujarat. They are known as Banjara Bawadi. Bathing place has a different meaning, instead the ponds, which were not deep, were built for the animals. Banjara men used to especially weave the gunny bags for transporting the goods. Such types of spindles are found in the excavations. The instruments used in fabricating the gunny bags are reported to be manufactured in large numbers. Sir Marshall has given proofs in the regard.Wheat crop is considered both important and holy in Gor culture. The various food items that are offered to the gods, ancestors and saints etc. are all made from wheat. Two types of wheat might have been harvested in the Indus culture. The culinary items in a typical Gor meal include different items prepared from wheat like chapatti, puri, lapad and patali baati. Patali baati made from quality wheat and chicken curry is still considered the best combination for treating the guests.In the Teej festival the Gor girls worship the wheat saplings for 9 days. At the time of newborn ritual, Ghughari of wheat is prepared. Sir Marshall has given a list of utensils used in the house. They are still used in the Tandas. They include, handi, ghadia, chipa, ooskya, dhakani, items of clay, axe, knives, jambia etc. While the articles like, musal, mungari, dang, stick for hunting and Badakadi to store wine, which were found in the excavation, are still used in the Tanda. This is one more proof that the Indus and the Gor culture are the same.A terracotta figure in a dancing posture has been found in Harappa. The woman in the figure is shown wearing a Mungar garland and bangles made from Ivory. A Banjara woman also wears such ornaments. Also a figure is found wearing a horn and a turban on its head. All the primitive tribes in the world traditionally don a horn on their head. This symbol of honour is still donned by the Gor women. Silver ornaments were used in large numbers in the Indus basin. Today Gor Banjara women also use silver ornaments on large scale. The use of Ghaghra and head cloth, which is a symbol of Indus civilization, is in vogue in the Tandas. The houses are facing towards East and there is a square yard in the middle. The fireplace is on the right side of the house. This was the design of houses in the Indus civilization. In nutshell it can be concluded on the basis of minute study of Sir Marshalls book that Gorvamshiya are the pioneers of the Indus culture.ConclusionAncient live as well as dead references are available to draw the conclusions about Gor tribe. A lot of time passes before history of a civilization and culture is created. If the civilization and culture have the capacity to sustain the onslaught of time then they cannot be destroyed by it. The importance of the culture may undergo upheaval in the changing times but it is important for it to sustain. The Gor culture has withstood the test of the time. For the civilization and culture to prosper the community should be healthy and peace-loving otherwise no art can flourish and no new art created. When we analyze the social, cultural, religious, economical and political situation of the Indus civilization on the basis of the excavations done there, then the history of the monumental progress made by the society is unfurled before us. The Gor culture not only symbolizes the social life of humans but also guides the world on how to live life meaningfully. The basic resources of living the life and its traditional proofs have been preserved in the folk literature of this tribe.The remnants of civic life found in the excavations of the Indus civilization are all related to the Gor culture. The Anthropologists have divided the human skeletons found there in four ethnicities. They are Australian, Mediterranean, Mongolian and Alpine. Most of the skeletons are of Mediterranean origin. Their analysis or DNA testing proves that they are of Gorvamshiyas. The dead were buried with their head in the North direction and legs towards the South. Gor people still follow this direction while burying the dead.The place of origin of Gor civilization might have been Afghanistan. The references regarding lifestyle and food habits found right from Kathiawad, Punjab, Sindh, Kandahar, Kabul to Makaran can be found in the Gor Tandas today. The Gor Tandas inhabiting these areas have preserved their ancient tradition and heritage through generations. Especially the effect of Gor culture is found to the extent of 90% in Sumerian culture. Hence it can be said that the Sumerian culture is nothing but the Gor culture.Sumerian people worship the bull. Also the bull was used as a value measure. In Gor Banjaras till recently the bride was given some bulls as dowry. Proofs regarding use of the bulls for transportation on a large scale in Sumerian and Gor civilization prior to Indus civilization have been found. It means a detailed study on the Gor and Sumerian civilizations may throw light on new facts.A historian may reach a conclusion based on results drawn on the basis of remnants of a civilization and it is not an eyewitness account. His perception about the facts largely affects the conclusion. The conclusions drawn by historians about the Indus culture based on detailed study almost 90% prove that the civilizations belong to Gorvamshiyas. I am a living witness to the proofs and on the basis of these proofs it can be confirmed that the Gor civilization flourished prior to the Indus civilization.I was born in Dindala Tanda situated in a mountain region. I lived with the Tanda for almost 20 years. I learned the alphabets in Tanoda Tanda. For my primary schooling I joined Warud Bibi Tanda with my family. Then I went to Umarkhed Tehsil and completed my education up to Matric. I used to commute 4 kilometers up and down from the Tanda to school. In all I was with Warud Bibi Tanda for 12 years. I enjoyed the Banjara life with this Tanda in real sense. The free life style of Banjaras and the dancing, singing, sports, festivals were all embedded on my personality. Dancing and singing are the two essential ingredients of the Tanda. It is the way Gor Banjaras live their life. My whole life was no exception to this. My lively Tanda is still a thriving source for living the life to the fullest.My mother had a sweet voice. I still remember the songs sung by her while making flour on a stone grinder and myself sitting in her lap.] ], i ] i V E bi U Ub M E vE , E i ] i VI grew up with the Tanda. Company of young girls used to add colour to the life. The designs tattooed by the girls lovingly on my hand are still a testimony of those dreamy days. Whenever I look at this tattoo a strange feeling passes through my body. On the occasion of every Holi festival I used to ask to the daughter of my elder aunt:" U E E M "Meaning: Why the girl of twelve is still unmarried?She used to reply through a song:E< E U x Mb i +> V + M V + M i +>Meaning: What should I do? My luck is not in favour of me. I wish I could marry you and live with you.The girls used to be married before attaining 12 years of age. This makes it clear that Gor were residents of Malawa province. Hasaki was married in due course. She left the song with me. I still remember her innocent, loving face, singing this song.The daughter of the Nayak was very active. Her name was Sundal. She never allowed me to befriend with her. Still I used to pursue with her. I was afraid to talk with her. I used to sing this song pointing towards my friends:{U +x, l S i {U +x l S i +x b nn {U +x... l bx PP] M n {U +x...l...Meaning: My dear friend, ask her whether she is ready to come with me. If she is ready then I will gift her a beautiful Chunari (head cloth). You just ask her; I will also give her Ghunghat (face cloth) attached to the Chunari. Just ask her once, will she come with me?Sundal was also married and left the Tanda. Those were the days! No hardships of poverty, no tension or pain. The Tanda used to spring to life during any festival. Playing, going to market, the black and starry nights, rainy days, going to jungle along with the girls, cutting the grass, collecting wild flowers, fetching water from the mountain, working in fields, all these activities are still alive in my mind. All these experiences have become part and parcel of my life. The ills and good wills of the Tanda life are still part of my life. They are providing me the necessary vitality to continue with my life.The Earth used to be all dressed up in green to welcome the festival of Teej. It was a 10-day extravaganza of dancing and singing with the girls. The unmarried girls would go to the fields, dancing and singing in herds, to bring the black soil for the Teej. Both the boys and girls used to sing on the occasion:"b , J] ` Ex Ex S]b"The boys did not allow the girls to collect the black soil. The Teej was kept for 10 days. On the 10th day the Teej was immersed in the nearby water source. On the occasion the girls sing this song:Ei + J, i M , JThe Teej was immersed with a heavy heart and the girls used to express their feelings thus:Ex M x >V n nx VxThe married girls were coming to the Tanda from their in-laws home for the festival of Nagapanchami. Their other friends were also meeting on this occasion and share the moments of their married life. There was a Neem tree in front of my aunts house and I still remember the two swings on it. My mind still swings on the memories of those days."i { { "The girls used to enjoy on those swings and the boys used to be mute spectators. The melody of the songs of the girls and the pleasant atmosphere of the time cant be described but needs to be experienced. The festival of Diwali was also a main occasion for the unmarried girls. These girls visit all households in the evening with a lamp in their hand to take blessings of the elders. The group of boys also followed them throughout the Tanda and take benefit of the darkness, without success. The next day the girls worship the cow and sing:"Jb b + ..... "We also used to have fun by making the sound of maa, maa. All these festivals, songs and events are still very much stored fresh in my mind. After the Diwali, the Tanda looks forward for the Holi, the festival of colours. I enjoyed the Holi in the Tanda from my 5th to 10th Standard. For 3-4 years I was the main Geria of the girls on this occasion. Twice I lead the ritual of Dando Kadher. The payee songs of Holi, lehengi, faag songs still make me think that I am young. At the time of playing Khuta Wakder I used to consider it as an honour to get beaten by the girls. I used to sing the mischievous song of the Holi. The girls used to continuously beat me still my song never stopped. Gone are the days forever but their sweet memories haunt me. The 3-4 days of the Holi festival used to pass like magic. In order to not to hurt anybody due to the love songs the following song was used:"b V< i EV S ...b V< { EV"Meaning: I think of no evil, please excuse me for my teasing. The songs I sang are not mine. It was the Holi that was singing. Please excuse me.The ritual of marriage is full of entertainment, play and rejoice. I was small those days. Whenever I used to attend any marriage ceremony the feeling of myself getting married used to become strong. I performed the role as a friend of the groom, Leriya, twice. One of the marriage ceremonies went on for 8 days while the other for 4 days. I learned all the rituals that are performed in the marriage ceremony in these two marriages. I participated whole-heartedly in all the rituals like the arrival of the bride in the Tanda, to up to her farewell. The rituals were called viz., Tandem Layer, Ghotar Haat, Ghota Dholer, Haladi Lagayer, Matho Bandher, Wetadun Pader, Maand Ramer, Dosakya Foder, Wakeldi Dhoker, Chotir Paani Piyar, Kanen Kakara Lagayer, Musaleti Marer, Dorno Chhodr, Chudo Tiper, Kular Karayar, Phera Pharer gaath, Wetadun Baar Kadher, Haveli and Taangadi etc. I studied them all. The self experience led me to become a researcher. We had to accompany the groom all the time during the ceremony. I passed all the tests of respect and limits and honour. Bringing the Taangadi in Tanda was considered equal to winning a girl and bringing her to Tanda.The times have changed. Now the Tandas have settled into villages. Still my lively Tanda is very much alive in my mind. Thirty years have passed since I am living in a city but I am still connected with the members of Tanda. I have wondered with the Tandas in Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. I have visited almost all Tandas in Maharashtra. The Tanda, its people and their life promote me to live my life.We still celebrate Holi for 3 days in our Banjara colony in Aurangabad. All the rituals, worship, songs and dance are performed together. The groups of men and women play and rejoice together and bid farewell to Holi with the Gor ritual. This year I will celebrate Holi with my grand children Nishant Singh Gor and Tejal Gor. My Banjara life has a long way to go!Deepawali, Raja Bhoj Birth Anniversary, 2002.
Prof. Motiraj Rathod
Gor Banjara Colony, Aurangabad-431001. Maharashtra, India
Ancient History of Gor BanjarasLiving in independent groups (gangs) was a typical characteristic of the Aryans. Every gang had a chieftain and he was regarded and worshipped like a king by the community, like the traditional chief Naik of every Tanda (caravan). When the gang settles down it is converted into a caravan (Tanda). Families with different originations used to live in a gang. Inter-marriages were prevalent among them. Gorvamshiya is one such tribe originated from the different Aryan Kulas. Gor is a branch of the Aryan Vamsha. An author on Indian Culture Will Durand says All Aryan people are different branches of similar Indo-European dynasties.The word Go means cow and r means to protect. Hence people who protect the cows and the like animals came to be known as Gor. The name Gor Tribe originated from their profession. Today they are not known as Banjara Lambada in their community. Instead they proudly proclaim Gor as their caste. Rahul Samskritayan has given two references about Gorvamsha in his book Volga to Ganga: There was a group (Jan) of Gor tribe and their name was Aryan. This story is about an Aryan Jan dating back to about 225 years. The Gor tribes in India and Iran were the same during the period (page 25). This story is of an Aryan Jan dating back to 200 years and their name was Aryan. Domesticating cattle was the main source of their livelihood (page 36). The phrase Gor Palak has been used for cattle herders in the business descriptions of Aryans (Bharatiya Samskriti Ka Vikas, S.M. Chand, page 66). That means the explanatory definition of the word Gor made by me is legible.ProfessionBefore entering India from Central Asia, some Aryan groups were wondering in Mesopotamia-Iran region. These groups while searching for food and water for their cattle halted at mountainous & deeply forested region to the West of Kabul. Gorvamshiya were engaged in trade of transporting goods loaded on the back of oxen on large scale. Some groups started agriculture as a profession afterwards. A reference to this effect is found in the book History of India by Romila Thapar: When Aryans along with their Banjara attitude moved from cattle herding to established farming (page 29-37). In short numerous references regarding trade practice of these people by loading goods on oxen and taking it to other countries are found since the time of Gautam Buddha.Origin: AfghanistanThe kingdom of Gorvamshiya groups was extended up to Kabul Gajnis mountainous region in North-South of Hirat for many years before Christ. Hence the mountain ranges in the region are known as Gor region even today. Gorvamshiya tribals still live in this region. The costumes of women here also like the Banjara women. A river named Gor flows through the region. And also a city named Gor is situated in the Gor province. Based on the available references about the religious and cultural life in the region it can be predicted that the kingdom of Gor tribe must have been here before Christ. Rahul Samskritayan finds references about Gor kings in History of Central Asia on pages 433 to 439. He says: Almost all Gor mountain people were Kapir till 10th century. Eventhough this region was engulfed by Muslims the meaning of Kapir was Buddhist, Zoroastrian or Hindu. (Page 434). He further says: According to Elphinston this country is situated in the upper region of Murgao river near Gor. In Hizari 401 (year 1001) Gaznavi, in his quest to conquer the world had attacked on Gor military. Gorsthan was also called as Gurjisthan. (History of India by Elliot Downson, translated by Dr. Mathuralal Sharma, page 131). The table top between Hiraat and Gazna is known as Gor province (History of the world by D.S. Maratha, page 415). Proof about settlement of Hindus in the region is available. Afghanistan was part of Hindustan during Gupta period in 3-4th Century. Hindus ruled this region for 131 years. (Indian Culture, Will Durand, page 52). A reference in Aryan Bhasha Granth says: The residents of Afghanistan were Hindus and their tribe as well as language was different from the residents of Western Punjab. The currency minted by Hindu kings of Afghanistan had Ox shown on them (Bharatiya Aryan Bhasha and Hindi, by Dr. Suniti Kumar Chatterji, page 194). The coin depicting the figure of ox was of Gorvamshiyas. Hindus from Afghanistan must have been Gorvamshiya.Numerous references are found regarding the residence of Hindus in the Gor province. Dr. Shyam Manohar Vyas has a reference in his Hindi book Bharatiya Samskriti and Dabhan: Pre-Islamic Vedic religion and Buddhism had been effective in Gandhar (Afghanistan) (page 118). Gorvamshiya are basically Vedic in nature. This has been explained further. References regarding adoption of Buddhism first are also found. Buddhism first went to Afghanistan outside India in 250 BC (Effect of Indian Culture on Muslims, Dr. Mohammad Amar, Tr. By Janaki Prasad Sharma, page 213). The festivals are also alike. References about it are found in History of India by Elliot Downson; Hindi Tr. by Dr. Mathuralal Sharma, page 167: The customs and lifestyles of nomadic tribes of Kabul are totally Indian in Nature. The history of Gors can be understood by comparative study of ancient cultural life of people of Afghanistan and those of Gor Banjaras. Gorvamshiya are found in Afghanistan even today. If a physical study is conducted on them then it can be proved that the original place of Gorvamshiya is Afghanistan. The groups (Tandas) of Gors are found in Hiraat, Gazani, Kandhar, Multan, Kabul and Pakistan. Their settlements are called as Tandas.LanguageThe dialect of Gor Banjaras is enriched with songs, ritual songs, folklores, proverbs and phrases. Even though the Indian oral literature is in vogue since Vedic times, generally the period of folklores like Panchatantra, Hitopadesh, Arabian Nights date back to 6000 to 1000 BC. The tragedy of Greek King Oedipus Rex is included as it is in Gor Banjara folklores. That means the ancient Gor language and literature might be as ancient as the Greek language. An independent dialect cannot be originated until there is an interaction for some centuries. Aryan dialects and Indo-Aryan languages need to be taken into consideration while searching for ancient history of the Gor Banjara dialect. Author on Indian Culture Will Durand says: Sanskrit was the language of Pundits and priests. Even in Vedic period the language of all people was not one but many. Ancient tribes had a unique Aryan dialect (page 17). It means an independent tribe was speaking Gor dialect. More research is needed in this regard.'Bhashaonka Viagyanik Adhyayan: Indian Aryan clans had different types and they had different dialects when they arrived in India. Aryan clans were distributed in groups (Kabila).Gor dialect belongs to all Gor clan. Even today Gors while meeting for the first time ask each other: ton gormati awach kaiyee. That means the dialect spoken by Gor clan is the Gormati dialect. Among the aryans different clans had number of dialects. In this context Dr. Shamshersinh Narula has a reference in his book Hindi Aur Pradeshik s). This clearly proves that the Gor was a group with an independent dialect among the different groups of Aryans. The pronunciations of the language become unclear in the cold region while they are clear in the hot region. The language is also affected by the place of origin and climatic factors. The meaning of the words is also created through the environment. There is a saying in Hindi, which means that the (taste of) water changes after every 4 miles while the language changes after every 10th mile. Gor Boli seems to be obeying this rule. The ancient Pashto language of Afghanistan in 1500-500 BC had an impact on the Gor dialect. Later the Paishahi language in Central India had an impact on it from 500 BC to 1000 AD. And since then, according to changing times Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Rajasthan, Hindi, Nemadi, Malawi dialects were also instrumental in shaping the Gor dialect. Today the Gor Banjaras inhabit in 20 provinces. Even though the Gor dialect had been subjected to local dialects still two Banjara men from different provinces find no difficulty in communicating with each other. It means that the Gor dialect is alive today without any destruction of its core.A look at their oral literature and dialect before they entered India reveals that many of their generations had resided in Afghanistan. The independent Gor dialect might have originated in the Afghanistan region. Sanskrit is considered as the mother of Indian languages. Even its origin is said to be in Afghanistan according to a reference in a book by Samshersinh Narula: Based on the comparative study of Pashto and Sanskrit, it is concluded that the Sanskrit has originated in the region West of Indus river (page 30). Based on this finding the theory that the place of origin of Gors might be Afghanistan gets support once again. A researcher in Indian languages Dr. Griyarson has noted that Banjara Labhani dialect is the sub-dialect of Rajasthani language. While language expert Bholanath Tiwari, Dr. Uday Narayan Tiwari and researcher in Indian dialects Dr. Devendra Kumar Shastri treat Labhani Banjara dialect at par with Nimadi and Malawi dialect. More interested readers should refer to my book titled Gormati.Clothing and OrnamentsThe ancient history of primitive tribes is hidden yet alive in their literature, dialect, lifestyle, food habits, festivals, rituals, worship etc. Man uses naturally available things to fulfill his needs according to his environment and later on uses the clothing and ornaments for his status and beautification. Banjara people use silver ornaments on large scale. Women use threads or funda flower in their weaving works. Earlier silver and the other items were in abundance in Afghanistan hence they were imported in India. A.S. Chand in his book Bharatiya Sanskriti Ka Vikas says: India used to import Silver and other such material from Afghanistan (page 24). It means Gors according to their clothing, must be basically from Afghanistan because once upon a time Afghanistan was part of India. Chand says: When Aryans came to India geographically Afghanistan was part of India. This means the Gorvamshiya Hindus are originally Indians. Gor women have fond of weaving. Needle and thread are two of her most liked items. Aryan women were expert in needle-work according to a reference in Chands book: Aryan women used to weave their cloth with needle work and the women were very much expert in this skill (page 40). Banjara women also used to weave the cloth with needle and thread till recently.The clothing style and ornaments wore by Gor Banjara women is a subject of research. They use head cloth, Ghaghra and blouse. The cloth is richly embroidered. More details can be found in a book by Dr. Shriram Pawar titled Paramparik Gor Banjara Bharatkam. For more details about the ornaments please refer to my book Gor Banjara Jati Ka Itihaas. Here the objective is to find their place of origin on the basis of their clothing and ornaments.Banjara women use thread and needle, small mirrors, glass, mercury, lac, ganthani, beads, laladi, ivory bangles, lead, brass, bronze, gold and silver ornaments. For weaving work she used silver beads in the necklace, munga, garthali and also beads of mercury. All these items for ornaments are found in Afghanistan. The Sonar clan (goldsmiths) engaged in making ornaments for Banjara women lives along with the Tanda. The Gor Banjara women in Afghanistan use Ghaghra, head cloth, Topali, Ghugari (for married women) and Wakadi as ornaments. The clothing style of Gor Banjara women in Pakistan is same as like Indian Banjara women. The women in Kabul and Iran used Kawadi, beads and glass. The Ghaghra of Baluchi women is same as Banjara women. Even the clothing style of Baluchi women seen in Pune is worth watching. These women can be seen in the S.T. stand area.Earlier Gor Banjara woman did not use to apply vermilion on her forehead. The tribal custom of tattooing the body is also seen in Banjara tribe. The ox is regarded in high esteem and as a pure one. As a symbol of the ox the women use two small horns on their head, while as a symbol of the King Bhoja, she uses an ornament called Bhojpatra around the neck. Men use the word Singh in front of their name as a symbol of their worship of cow. The ornaments of men, their hairstyle, style of head gears, maintaining small pony tail, special hair style on both the ears, ear rings, silver bangle on the wrist, silver band on the waist and the use of wasohi for keeping money are all subjects of research.ReligionGor Banjaras are basically worshippers of Nature. They treat the Sun, Earth, Fire, Wind and Water as gods and worship them. The tribe, which worships the birth giver i.e. pitru and the goddess might have been following the Vedic religion. Instances of Gor Banjaras first adopting the Buddha religion during the time of Gautam Buddha have been found (Jatak Katha, by Radhakrishna Choudhari, page 63). This tribe seems to have remained unaffected by class and caste system. In India Dhadi, Dhalia, Jogi, Nhavi, Sonar and Singada are Gorvamshiya castes. Going by the classes and castes this tribe is classless tribe. Gors conduct community worship in any religious or cultural ritual. They do not invite priests for the purpose. They have kept themselves away from the priests. Brahmins and Gors have never interacted with each other. They perform all of their religious rituals without Brahmins. The Tanda system and culture never allowed to get exploited by them. They never felt any need of mediation between humans and the god. They consider their lifestyle as their religion. They have kept a distance from the traditional religion. If any old woman from a Tanda is asked about her religion she will reply it as: Gormati. The tribe has driven their Tanda culture as Gormati clan till the 20th century. Even after coming in contact with the urban civic life the Tandas celebrate their rituals, and festivals independently. They never came in contact with the Hindu gods. The tribe worships goddess hence they have a custom of offering her sacrifice of an animal. The main Hindu festivals are celebrated by the tribe in their own i.e. Gor style. Rituals, worship and festivals, rituals of birth, death, and marriage are also performed in their Gor style. Basically it is again a matter of research as to how the method of performing rituals and celebrating festivals came to be different than the Hindus?We will try to understand it in short. In order to get blessings of the five elements Gor sacrifice a goat in front of the Tanda and perform community worship. After it all members of Tanda used to take food together. The rituals include that of fire and water. The fire is offered food items during the Pitrupooja. Then the water is sprinkled towards the Earth and West direction. The liquor is equally important in any ritual. A combined prayer is said at the time of sacrifice. The permission of the Goddess is first taken in whose name the sacrifice is to be given. The custom of Dhabukar Bhog ritual is not found in the Hindus. The men and women face West direction during the worship and request the gods while in standing position and the house is also built facing the East.FestivalsGorvamshiyas are basically Hindus. The kind of religious rituals performed today were not there earlier. Shamshersinh Narula in his book on the history of languages says: Most of the Indian population was not following the religion, which we today call as the Hindu religion (page 64-65). Gors are the followers of Hindu religion till this century. They have kept distance from the present day Hindu religion. They celebrate the festivals as per their own style. Irrespective of the festival i.e. Padawa, Diwali, Holi or Dussehra, every time a sacrifice of goat or hen is given. Even at the time of birth, marriage and death rituals the practice of having non-vegetarian food and liquor are part of the religious ritual.Gudhi PadawaEarlier the Tanda members used to go for hunting on this day and celebrate the New Year. They believed that if they get a game today they would get it whole of the year. A second important festival is Dussehra. This day a sacrifice is given in the name of the goddess.DiwaliOn the first day of this festival i.e. black day of the Kali Mata, a goat is sacrificed and the goddess is worshipped. Young girls, with lamps in their hand go to each household in the night and take blessings of the elders. The next day the girls perform the Godhan Pooja and also observe fast on that day.HoliThe Gor remain awake throughout the night of Holi and burn it in the morning. The young ones born between the period of two Holis have their birthday celebrated on this day. A ritual of giving them a name (Dhunda) is also performed. For more information about this please refer to my book Gormati. It means the Gor Banjaras do not have any relation to todays Hindu religion. Social
