A Study on Soci-Economic Situations of Banjara Tribes in Uttarakannada District

The Banjara community people from the north-western belt of India. Now they have spread out all over India. According to J. J. Roy Burman; the name Laman was popular long before the name Banjara, and Laman Banjaras originally came from Afghanistan before settling in Rajasthan and other parts of India. They are originally from the independent province called Goa in Afghanistan. . Banjaras were traditionally suppliers of bullock and salt merchants. Colourful is the one word that comes to mind when we think of this enthusiastic tribe of India. They live in settlements called Tandas. Urdu, Telegu, Kutni and Lambadi are amongst the popular languages spoken here. Ugadi is the most famous festivals celebrated by Banjara tribes of India. Festivals like Holi and Diwali are also indulged in with added interest. Banjaras speak Gor Boli; also called Lambadi, it belongs to the Indo-Aryan group of languages. Most Banjaras today are bilingual or multilingual adopting the predominant language of their surroundings. Socio-economic profile is an important indicator to characterize the social life and behavior of an individual. The traditional Indian value system has placed heavy emphasis on prestige with old age. The elderly were the centers of authority and the most respected members of the family. These days, due to change in the family structure, the elderly are not given adequate care and attention by their family members. Old age usually brings with it diminished participation in productive and economically gainful work. Moreover, not only resources of the elderly, but their need - patterns also undergo change. Many of the problems confronting the elderly can be traced to the loss of income which is due to total or partial withdrawal from occupation and the loss of social status enjoyed while in occupation. The aim of the study is to determine the socio-economic status of the Banjara tribes and to know the factors responsible for changes which are taking place among the Lambani Community. The study is also aims to understand the cultural and educational condition in the same. 50 samples are taken; 25 male respondents and 25 females for the study. Interview schedule is used. Both the primary and secondary methods are used and the study is descriptive in nature.