Social structure of the Banjara community in medieval Deccan
Author(s): Abhinav Yadav
Abstract:
Social structure is the most fundamental concept to understanding society correctly. Its components are family, institutions, groups, organisations and associations. The most striking feature of the Banjara community in the Deccan was their status as a trading community. In due course of time, the Banjaras had to leave their nomadic way of life. This community gradually forgo their cultural and linguistic identity for a modern way of life. Most of the Banjaras left cattle breeding and took up other occupations. Although they faced much prejudice and bias, the Banjara community retains its distinct culture in the present Deccan.
This paper tries to understand the social structure of the Banjara community in the Deccan in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Banjara community has been diverse regarding its linguistic and cultural transmission for many years. Hence, this paper focuses on the Banjara community and finds out the transformation in their social structure during the period of study.
