BANJARA COMMUNITY AND THEIR TRADING IN MEDIEVAL PERIOD

The Banjara community, also known as Lambanis or Gypsies, has a rich history rooted in India. Traditionally nomadic, they were skilled traders and transporters of goods, often using bullock carts. The Banjara people played a significant role in trade and commerce, especially in South India, during medieval times.The Banjaras combined pastoralism and the carrying trade. Their role in Indian agrarian commerce was extremely important. The basis for the trade and, indeed, for the existence of the Banjaras lay in conditions of inland transport. Goods were carried on boats and carts, and by camels and bullocks. One such type of nomadic group was that of the banjaras. Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally traders. Banjaras played a great role during the period of Alauddin Khalji. Alauddin Khalji used the Banjaras to transport grain to the city markets. The Banjaras were a nomadic tribe who originated from the Marwar region of Rajasthan. Historically, they were merchant tribes who traded all over north-western and southern parts of India.  originally, banjaras are one of the largest communities living in India today.