The Tribal Tales

3.10
Family and Marriage
The family is an important social institution among the Banjara. It fashions
the economic transactions and social relations. The Banjara has a tribal culture
that dictates marriage rights. The Banjaras are grouped into 4 categories
called gotras. The lambadi language term for gotra is Goth/Pada.
The gotras are:
1.Rathod/Bhukya
2.Chavan
3.Pawar
4.Vadtya.
Under each of these gotras, there are several Jaaths. People falling in the
same Gotra don’t marry, they are considered brother and sister. The term for
this is Bhaipana meaning brotherhood. If people fall under different gotras
and can marry, the term used is Laagach, means can marry. People usually
have their jaat name as the surname. This was traditionally done by people
called dhadi bhaats. A Banjara may only marry another Banjara, so in
this respect they are endogamous. But within the tribe, they cannot marry a
member of the same family, hence at the clan level, they are
exogamous.
The paternal family system is followed. Family rights, the titles and deeds
of the family are continued from father to son. The kin members play an
important role in the livelihood pursuits of individuals. They act as a social
resource and kin networks help in regulating and pursuing livelihoods of its
members.
In ancient days, child-marriage was practised, but nowadays it is slowly
disappearing. Widow marriage and marrying of one’s own brother’s wife is
especially found in their way of life.
3.10
3.10.1 Women and Livelihood
The ownership of land usually vests in the name of the man. Women work
in the land and help men to manage it. Women have control over the livestock
and its products. They work hard in meeting other requirements and in
supporting their family.
3.11
(Fig 3.10)
A family belonging to the
Banjara community.
(Fig 3.11)
A Banjara woman working
for her family’s livelihood.
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