Marriages

Banjara tribe was divided into four clans, namely, Rathod(Bhukya), Pamhar(Pawar), Chauhan(Chavan) and Vaditya(Jadhav) with a number of sub-clans within them. Each of this clan was exogamous and cannot marry within the same sub clan as they are considered as brother and sister. A man can marry his sister’s daughter, mother’s brother daughter. Banjara man cannot marry maternal uncle’s or anti’s daughter, such is considered as incest. In Banjara tribe usually as soon as the girl reaches puberty she was given in marriage. For girls the age will be 14-16 years and for boys the marriage age was17-20 years. A non-Banjara girl will be taken in marriage but a Banjara girl will not be given to a non-Banjara boy. Normally the marriage continued for three to seven days, but due to increasing expenses it was reduced to three days.

A Banjara Women and Grandson (Jaipur, Rajasthan) | Photo by Tierney Farrell

Some classify Banjaras into five gotras (Clans), or super-families, also called goth or pada in Lambadi. Banjara are subdivided with sub caste as follows :-

• Badavath (Vadatya) (Kantiwal Mudavath, Lakavath, Ajmera)
• Bhukya (Ramavath, Khetavath, Dhalyawal, Mundi, Phoda, Nanavath)
• Pawar (Eslavath, Vankdoth, Jaruplavath, Amgoth, Pamadia, Bani, Tarbani, Inlot Pamar, Ingravath, Ivat Pamar, Chevath Pamar)
• Chavan (Sabhavath,Koravath,Mudavath, Mudh, Bhat)
• Jadhav (Goram, Daravath, Tejavath, Barmavath, Lokavath, Jatoth, Meravath)

Some believe the Rathod/Bhukya gotra is split into two, making Banoth as a separate gotra by itself and bringing the total to five gotras. Others claim the Turi/Badawatis form an additional (sixth) gotra. Each gotra is divided into subdivisions called "Jaath's", which are generally used as surnames of its members.  Rathod gotra have many sub gotras Like Ramavath, Rajavath, Dungavath, Dhegavath, Ketavath, Nenavath, Dharamsoth, Pathlavath etc. Dhadi equated with Bhats the Dhadi clans include Tajnath, Pochala Rathnavath or Rathna, Dungroth, Sehravath Rudha or Rudi or Rudavath, Baji, Sagravath or Sugunavath, Bhimla, Bhagravath or Banavath, Bane, Ramdas Dehavath or Devavath. Dhadi is original Bhat caste.

Members of the same gotra cannot marry as they are considered brother and sister, a term known as bhaipana (brotherhood). Members of different gotras may marry, and this state is known as kai-laageni (not-related). Traditionally, the jaaths of prospective couples are checked by experts known as dhadi bhaat who knew the gotra/jaath system and could identify proper marriages.

Full list of Gotras are as follows:

Rathod/Bhukya

• Aaloth 
• Bhanavath 
• Bhilavath 
• Degavath 
• Depavath 
• Devsoth 
• Dungavath 
• Jhandavath 
• Kanavath 
• Karamtoth 
• Khatroth 
• Khethavath 
• Khilavath 
• Kodavath 
• Kumavath 
• Meghavath 
• Merajoth 
• Meravath 
• Nenavath 
• Pathloth 
• Pithavath 
• Rajavath 
• Ramavath 
• Rathla/Phulia
• Ranasoth 
• Sangavath
• Sotki

Pawar

• Aamgoth 
• Aivath Pammar 
• Baani 
• Chaivoth Pammar
• Injraavath 
• Inloth Pammar 
• Jharapla / Zarapala / Zarpala
• Lunsavath/Nunsavath 
• Pamadiya
• Tarabani 
• Vankdoth 
• Vislavath

Chavan/Chauhan

• Dumaavath/Chauradiya 
• Kayloth 
• Korra 
• Mood 
• Paalthyaa 
• Sabavath
• Lavadiya

Vadithya/Jadhav

• Ajmera 
• Badavath 
• Barmavath 
• Bhagvandas 
• Bharoth 
• Bodaa 
• Dharavath 
• Dungaroth 
• Gangavath 
• Goraam 
• Gugloth 
• Halavath 
• Jadhav 
• Jaloth 
• Jayt 
• Kagla 
• Kunsoth 
• Lokavath 
• Lonavath 
• Loolavath 
• Maaloth 
• Mohandas 
• Pipaavath 
• Poosnamal 
• Salavath 
• Sejavath 
• Tejavath 
• Tepavath 
• Teravath 
• Tuvar 
• Undavath 
• Vaderjhaad 
• Vadithya 
• Jaajigiri

Banoth

• Aadoth 
• Ade 
• Baanoth 
• Bhojavath 
• Danavath 
• Dharmasoth 
• Dheeravath 
• Jaatroth 
• Karnavath 
• Kuntavath 
• Lavori 
• Mudavath 
• Paanavath 
• Rupavath 
• Sabdasoth

The Gotra Family Tree of Gor Banjaras

The Clan (Gotra) is given more importance than lineage (Vamsha) in the socio-religious life of Gorvamshiyas. He must memorize the names of chiefs of his earlier 7 generations of his clan otherwise he is considered as Kamsal i.e. incomplete. Probably a Gotra is a combination of some lineages, whose origin is a real or imaginary one. Suryavamshi and Chandravamshi are the main lineages in Kshatriyas. Gor are Chandravamshis.

I. Clan of Rathod Lineage

Bala and Bhika were the 2 sons of Phulsingh and Udaikaran.

Six sons of Bala – 1. Malan 2. Mohan 3. Muchhal 4. Jatiya 5. Dharmasot 6. Barnot

Two sons of Bhika – 1. Menasi 2. Malasi

Four sons of Menasi – 1. Dalu 2. Peri 3. Pota 4. Sadrath

Ten sons of Malasi – 1. Ramniya 2. Bochran 3. Dalbaan 4. Khalwan 5. Gopal 6. Modaricha 7. Kukrecha 8. Khatrot 9. Malpot 10. Bahadot

Two sons of Khatrot – 1. Daha 2. Bega

One son of Daha – Megha

One son of Megha – Khamdhar

Six sons of Megha – 1. Anna 2. Arasi 3. Dunga 4. Lakhasi 5. Junasi 6. Dhunasi

Seven sons of Khamdhar – 1. Udavath 2. Kinsot 3. Palot 4. Dhanawar 5. Ramavath 6. Karmatot 7. Devsot

Eight clans (Gotras) of Rathod – 1. ‘Bhukya’ from Bhika 2. ‘Balanot from Bala 3. ‘Dhalwan’ from Aalot 4. ‘Munavath’ from Mohan 5. Muchhal 6. Jatot from Jatiya 7. Dharmasot

The numbers of Pada of the Gotras are as under:

Bhukya – 27, Muchhal Kula – 52, Balnot – 12, Munavath – 56.

A Bhat is said to be described the linage of Bhukiya as : Kaspot Dhudya – Kas ke Kanwar – Awaraj – Dhawaraj – Tarasinh – Rao – Ratan – Doharaj – Bhika – Bhukiya

II. Jadhav Wadatiya Lineage Clan

Three sons of Wadatiya – 1. Khetaji 2. Dhetaji 3. Netji Four sons of Khetaji – 1. Lakha 2. Luna 3. Dhara 4. Gugul Six sons of Dhetji – 1 Mala 2. Brahmavath 3. Bharat 4. Jethot 5. Bada 6. Boda (Pade Ajmera) Three sons of Netji – 1. Hala 2. Khunasi 3. Teja Four Padas of Purushottam Panda 1. Kilavath 2. Kalavath 3. Brahmavath and 4. Itrajarni Other Padas: Jthot – 7, Bharot-4, Kinasot – 4, Khetavath – 1, Dhanakavath – 4, Boda – 4, Lakha – 4, and Lana – 4.

The reason behind Purushottam Panda becoming a Banjara was that Purushottam Panda also known as Baba Brahman was a Wadatiya who had fallen in love with a Banjara girl of Zarpala clan.

Legend says that one Banjara from Goram clan owed some money to a Banjara from Zarpala clan. When Zarpala insisted on getting the money from Goram, he (Goram) kept his daughter as a mortgage with Zarpala and said that he will not show up again till he clears the debt and went to other region.

On the other hand Zarpala owed some money to a Bhat (regarded as Brahmin). When Bhat insisted on getting the money back, Zarpala said that he couldn’t return the money till Goram clears his debt. On this the Bhat started a sit-in agitation and lived near Zarpala. Gradually he fell in love with the Goram’s daughter. When this fact came to light in all 16 panch (juries) heard the case and gave decision to marry the daughter with the Bhat and allowed the Bhat to become a Banjara. This ritual was performed under a Banyan tree hence his name was also changed to Wadatiya.

III. Chauhan Clan Lineage

Six sons of Tejmal – 1. Palathya 2. Mud 3. Kurra 4. Sapavath 5. Kuelut 6. Chauradiya.

The number of Padas of each Clan was: Palathya – 5, Mud – 13, Kurra – 42 & Chawadiya – 5 padas.

IV. Pawar Clan Lineage

1) The seven sons of Kasturi further ran into 7 clans in Banjara viz. 1. Zarpala 2. Aamgoth 3. Bakdot 4. Goram 5. Winjaravath 6. Lunsavath 7. Winshalavath 2) Five clans originated from 5 sons of Hanjal viz. 1. Aariyot 2. Chhaiyot 3. Banni 4. Tirbani 5. Asalat.

These 12 sons were responsible for the continuation of 12 clans afterwards.

Some people treat the 12 clans as under: 1. Zarpala 2. Aamgot 3. Wankadot 4. Goram 5. Winjaravath 6. Lunsavath 7. Wishalavath 8. Phulavath 9. Chhaiyot 10. Kitavath 11. Kandavath 12. Deglot.

V. Turi Lineage

1. Jasavath 2. Rajavath 3. Tegavath 4. Winjod

Gorvamsha is given according to Clan Tree and alphabetically. The clan names of concerned sub-castes are also included in it.

1. Aanavath 2. Aarsot 3. Aasalat 4. Aalot 5. Aadot 6. Aamgot 7. Aaiyot 8. Aarod 9. Aajmera E 10. Isarot U 11. Udavath 12. Udaavath K 13. Kadakavath 14. Kurra 15. Kuravath 16. Kadavath 17. Kalavath 18. Kumpavath 19. Kammavath 20. Karanavath 21.Kunthavath 22. Kasanavath 23. Kilavath 24. Karadavath 25. Kitavath 26. Karamsiyot 27. Kandhlot 28. Kotwali 29. Kanthiwalo 30. Kookrechya 31. Kanna 32. Kelut 33. Keensot 34. Karamtot Kha 35. Khammavath 36. Khanavath 37. Khetavath 38. Khola 39. Kheemapot 40. Khaatrot 41. Khoonasi 42. Khaalwan Ga 43. Gangavath 44. Galavath 45. Geedavath 46. Gujrot 47. Googlot 48. Gaur 49. Goram 50. Gopal Cha 51. Chadavath 52. Chundavath 53. Cheenavath 54. Chintavath 55. Chandavtak 56. Chandot 57. Chavaan Chha 58. Chhajavath 59. Chhaiyot 60. Chhonchhavath Ja 61. Jamanavath 62. Jadavath 63. Josavath 64. Jesavath 65. Jetsalot 66. Jogavath 67. Jaatot 68. Jodhawalo 69. Jeenwalo 70. Jeewavath 71. Jarpala 72. Jalhane Ta 73. Teelavath Tha 74. Thaakran Da 75. Daalwan 76. Doomavath 77. Dehavath 78. Dangrot Ta 79. Taravath 80. Tejavath 81. Tegavath 82. Tejsod 83. Tarbani 84. Tunwar Da 85. Doolavath 86. Daipot 87. Deosot 88. Deplaan 89. Deglot 90. Dewavath 91. Dapavath 92. Dedavath 93. Delavath 94. Dudhavath Dha 95. Dhanavath 96. Dhansavath 97. Dharavath 98. Dheeravath 99. Dharamsot 100. Dhasadi 101. Dhanakavath Na 102. Nalavath 103. Nagavath 104. Nenavath Pa 105. Pepavath 106. Popapavath 107. Peepavath 108. Pachanavath 109. Panchavath 110. Poonavath 111. Paatlot 112. Paatlot 113. Pachamanot 114. Palthya 115. Pandiya 116. Panwar 117. Palot 118. Patarwal 119. Perajat 120. Pemani 121. Palasiya 122. Paangot Pha 123. Phoolavath 124. Phoonasot 125. Phoolaya Ba 126. Balavath 127. Bandhavath 128. Bandavath 129. Boochavath 130. Badhavath 131. Brahmavath 132. Boonavath 133. Binjarot 134. Baalnot 135. Bechadot 136. Baakdot 137. Baangot 138. Bojgar 139. Boda 140. Bani 141. Baarnot 142. Badavath 143. Bocharan 144. Bahadot Bha 140. Bharatavath 141. Bharot 142. Bhakiya 143. Bhanchavath 144. Bhangavath 145. Bhegavath 146. Bhojavath 147. Bhansot Ma 148. Mangavath 149. Moolavath 150. Megavath 151. Mokavath 152. Motavath 153. Malavath 154. Mepavath 155. Moonavath 156. Mundavath 157. Menavath 158. Maalpot 159. Manakpot 160. Malot 161. Mhalan 162. Maansot 163. Meratiya 164. Motiwalon 165. Moochchal 166. Modaricha 167. Mood 168. Maulan 169. Maalpot 170. Mohan Ra 171. Ranavath 172. Rajavath 173. Raitala 174. Roopavath 175. Ranasipota 176. Raimalot 177. Ramniya 178. Rathod 179. Ramavath La 180. Lalavath 181. Lagavath 182. Lakhavath 183. Lumbavath 184. Lotavath 185. Lakhanot 186. Lhawadiya 187. Laadwan 188. Loona Va 189. Vinjaravath 190. Vinsalavath 191. Wadatiya 192. Vijarani Sa 193. Sangavath 194. Saktavath 195. Sadavath 196. Salavath 197. Somavath 198. Saangrot 199. Sadasot 200. Siraya 201. Sandol 202. Sadrath 203. Sankara 204. Saranot 205. Sapavath Ha 206. Harasavath 207. Haanavath 208. Hampavath 209. Handavath 210. Kalavath 211. Hirapot 212. Hardeo.

Marriage Symbols

The Banjara marriage was performed by the community priest or the Naik. However due the influence of Hinduism the Hindu Brahman priest performed the marriage in front of the bride’s house. The marriage symbols are upper arm rings (Chuder Baliya), Pendants (Ghogri), and Thali.

Polygamy

Polygamy was allowed but monogamy is a norm but on certain grounds such as childlessness, sick wife, only girl children were born, and any widow of a near relative left without care, then the man was allowed to marry for the second or third time keeping all wives with him. In the recent times this system has diminished among Banjara due to non- availability of women and also risen awareness on health problems. In recent times the awareness on social and health problem, and decline in girl child ratio has caused decline in its practice.

Disclaimer: While I endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, I make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information contained on this blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

References:
http://banjarazone.com/bz_jaath.aspx#
http://m.goarbanjara.com/ancient-history-of-gor-banjaras-part-8/
www.sintiroma.org/images/dalit/Babu_History_Banjara.pdf

Photos:

• Banjara Women and Grandson |  Photo by Tierney Farrell | http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/8188911/