The Banjara, also called Lamani,
Lambadi, and Banjara Lambani are a class usually described as nomadic people
from the Indian state of Rajasthan, now spread out all over Indian
subcontinent. They are sometimes called the "gypsies of India". They
are known for colored dress, folk ornaments and bangles. Their traditional
living place, called Tanda, is usually located outside a village in India.
Banjaras were traditionally
suppliers of bullock and salt merchants. The word Banjara is said to be derived
from Sanskrit word vana chara (wanderers in jungle). The word Lambani or Lamani
is derived from Sanskrit word lavana (salt) which was the principal good they
transported across the country.
Their way of living is quite
thrilling and full of adventures. They are known for their colorful costumes.
Vibrant colors of cloths with lots of accessories comes to our mind when we
hear about Banjaras, the enthusiastic tribe of India
Folk art of Banjara people
includes activities like dance, rangoli, embroidery, tattooing, music,
painting. Specifically embroidery and tattooing has more significance in the
community. Lambani women specialize in "lepo" embroidery on clothes
by stitching pieces of mirror onto clothes.
Banjara Women's dressing is the
most colorful and elaborate among the other tribal communities in India. They
are accustomed to wearing the costumes of "ghaghra" and
"choli"(a blouse). Ghaghra is a skirt made of red, black and white
cotton, embellished with pieces of mirrored glass that are embroidered on it. Banjara
women wear a full length skirt with borders embroidered in mustard and green
thread. They also wear pretty silver anklets. Silver, brass, gold, cowries,
ivory, animal bone and even plastic are used in making a Banjara wardrobe.
The Banjara Bags are derived from
the colorful lives and clothes of these very people are generally fabricated in
Cotton.
