We often find a few set of people or ladies dressed in bright colors and glittering jewelry along with strange clothes that look a lot different from what you wear. By this time you must’ve had an image running in your head. Something like this:
Yes, we are talking about the nomadic “Lambadi" tribe or even called as Banjaras. The tribe which the state government defines as “SC/ST” and the tribe which is long neglected from the welfare schemes they truly deserve. These tribes are originally from Rajasthan and are also called “Forest Wanderers” who are on move constantly and form temporary colonies known as “Thaandas”. Several centuries ago, they have migrated from “Rajasthan” and have moved to central and southern parts of India, like Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Their language is Lambadi which is a mix of Gujarathi, Rajasthani, Sanskrit and other local languages. They adapt the local languages and prefer to mix it with their own dialect and vocal pronunciations.
Mostly, the tribe’s majority are uneducated and financially poor. Though traditionally the occupation of this nomadic tribe was cattle herding, over time they slowly moved into agriculture and trade and later moved to minor jobs in city like driving and other chores. By constantly moving from one place to another, they would travel long distances across different regions and sometimes harsh terrains to gather goods like salt and grains and sell them in remote rural villages.
Dress: The costumes of women are colourful and beautiful, that include Phetiya (ghagra) and Kanchalli (top). They have tattoos with mehendi. The costumes are embroidered with glass-beads and shining mirrors, matched by the abundant jewelry worn by them. Their ornaments are made up of silver rings, coins, chain and hair beads are tied together at the end by “Chotla”. The jingling brass anklets and the ivory bangles from wrists to elbows provide a beautiful rhythm to their dances.
Lambadi Dance: The dance of this tribe is quite iconic throughout the southern states. Lambadi is a dance form in which the women dance to the tunes of the drums played by the males. Frequently played during poojas and Jatharas to offer respect to their God and worship for an excellent yield, this dance form later has moved down the generations as tradition.
Sadly modernization and need for constant adaptation has now killed most of the Banjaras' traditions they have been carrying for since this long. Now most of them have moved to the hustling cities and developing urban areas for social security and are letting go of identities that define them. And those who have still stuck to their routes are suffering by lack of opportunities and help.
