Vanjari Caste
| Vanjari | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Denotified Tribe in Maharashtra ST in Odisha ST in Andhra Pradesh ST in Telangana ST in Kerala ST in Karnataka OBC other states. |
| Religions | Hinduism |
| Languages | Hindi, Marathi |
| Country |  India |
| Populated states | Rajasthan • Gujarat • Madhya Pradesh • Haryana • Punjab, • Himachal Pradesh • Uttarakhand • Uttar Pradesh • Bihar |
| Region | Northern India Western India |
| Status | Backward caste (except in Maharashtra) |
The Vanjari (also spelled Banjari, Banjiri Wanjarior Vanjiri) are a caste community found primarily in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Traditionally associated with trade, transport of goods, and agriculture, the Vanjaris are recognized as a distinct social group with a historical role in commerce and local administration.[1]
Etymology
The name Vanjari is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word vaṇij (merchant or trader), reflecting the community’s early occupational association with trade and transportation. Colonial records and regional gazetteers often describe them as carriers of grain, salt, and other commodities across long distances using pack bullocks.[2]
History
Medieval period
Historical references suggest the presence of Vanjari traders and soldiers in the Deccan during the Yadava and Bahmani kingdoms. They were known for organizing large trading caravans (vanjar), which also served as supply chains for armies.
Maratha period
Some sources record Vanjari chiefs and sardars as allies of the Maratha Empire. Local traditions describe figures such as Subhanji Mankar (Madkar), a Vanjari by caste, who is regarded as the last Maratha commandant of Korlai Fort before its capture by the British in 1818.[3]
Colonial period
British administrators described the Vanjaris as a mobile trading community. The Bombay Gazetteer notes their dual role as cultivators and transporters of grain. Some sections were classified under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, though the community resisted such labelling.[1]
Social and cultural status
The Vanjari community is largely agrarian today, with populations engaged in farming, animal husbandry, and trade. They are predominantly Hindu, though local folk deities and festivals play an important role in community identity. Marriage practices, clan (gotra) divisions, and festivals resemble those of other agrarian castes of the Deccan.[4]
Regional distribution
- Maharashtra: concentrated in Aurangabad, Beed, Nanded, Buldhana, and adjoining districts.
- Karnataka and Telangana: present in border regions with historical links to caravan trade routes.
- Rajasthan: oral traditions connect the community with service under Rajput rulers such as Maharana Pratap.
Spiritual figures
- Bhagwan Baba: Revered spiritual leader within the Vanjari community, known for social and religious guidance.[5]
- Namdev Shartri: Prominent saint associated with the Vanjari community, contributing to local devotional traditions[6]
Sport Figures
- Sanjay Bangar: former Indian international cricketer and batting coach of the Indian national team.
Political figures
- Subhanji Mankar (Madkar): regarded as the last Maratha commandant of Korlai Fort (1818).
- Dharmoji Prataparav Garje: remembered in local tradition as a Vanjari chief who resisted Nizam and British authority in the early 19th century.
- Gopinath Munde: senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Maharashtra, former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Union Minister for Rural Development.
- Dhananjay Munde: politician from Maharashtra, member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and state cabinet minister.
- Pankaja Munde: politician from Maharashtra, member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and former cabinet minister.
- Pritam Munde: Member of Parliament Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Beed, Maharashtra.
- Jitendra Awhad: leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and former cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government.
- Santosh Bangar: politician from Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
- Prataprao Bangar: regional political leader.
- Balasaheb Mahadu Sanap: politician from Maharashtra.
- Totaram Kayande: social and political leader Sindkhed Raja Assembly constituency.
- Manoj Kayande : social and political leader Sindkhed Raja Assembly constituency.
- Govind Kendre: community leader.
- Mangesh Sangale: political and social figure.
- Gajananrao Ghughe: leader from Maharashtra.
- Mohan Fad: political representative.
- Keshav Andhale: regional leader.
- Navnathrao Awhad: political leader from Maharashtra.
- Bhagwat Karad: Union Minister of State for Finance, Government of India (BJP).
- Raghunathrao Munde: political leader.
- Dagadu Bade: political leader.
- Panditrao Daund: leader from Maharashtra.
- Kundalikrao Nagare: politician from Maharashtra.
Present status
Today, Vanjaris are classified variably under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in Maharashtra and other states. Scholars note that the history of the community remains understudied compared to other agrarian groups in the Deccan.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, Vol. 18: Aurangabad (1884).
- ↑ G. S. Ghurye, Caste and Race in India, Popular Book Depot, Bombay, 1969.
- ↑ Local traditions recorded in regional histories; verification required from published works.
- ↑ Iravati Karve and V. M. Dandekar, Anthropometric Measurements of Maharashtra, Deccan College Monograph Series No. 8, Poona, 1951.
- ↑ "Sant Eknath Maharaj".
- ↑ "Sant Eknath Maharaj". Archived from the original on 6 December 2013.
- ↑ Atal Yogesh, Adivasi Bharat, Rajkamal Prakashan, 1965.
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