A Brief Note about Gypsies
, Rajasthan 
The Gypsies, Roma, the ethnic minority who brought to the West the spark of
a vibrant culture, left the Indian subcontinent about a thousand years ago
embarking on a migration that scattered them all over the world. The culture
they left behind remained unscathed throughout the centuries,isolated within
the barriers of their hostile habitat: the Thar Desert of Rajasthan.
Still nomadic, with their unique gift for artistic self-expression, these
independent spirits roam freely throughout the desert today as their
ancestors did at the time of the migrations. "Once the Gypsies"
will attempt to capture the dramatic, colorful and personal story of the
current nomadic tribes in the region, following the travels of carts and
camel caravans on the open roads of the Thar Desert.
Brief History of the
Gypsies
Before they left India, little is known about the culture which generated
the Gypsies, except for their migrations, within and out of India.
Linguistics and historians believe that the Gypsies were originally from
North Central India. Their first known migration started around 300 BC, when
they moved to North Western India. The Persian Book of Kings relates an
incident corroborated by independent chronicles that took place in the fifth
century, when the Indian King Shankal made a gift of 12.000 musicians to the
Shah of Persia. It is assumed that those musicians were the ancestors of the
Roma since after a year the Shah sent them away from Persia.
Why
and when, then, the Roma left India is clouded in uncertainty, yet some
scholars state that the Gypsies entered southeastern Europe in the last
quarter of the 13th Century. Because they arrived in Europe from the East,
they were thought by the first Europeans to be from Turkey, Nubia or Egypt,
or any number of non-European places. They were called, among other things,
Egyptians or 'Gyptians, which is where the word "Gypsy" comes
from. All analysis seem to corroborate the fact that the Roma ancestors are
linked to this common lineage in India. As well, the Roma have been known as
entertainers and inspired musicians in every country they have traveled, as
some of the nomadic groups present in the Thar Desert today.
Gypsies in Rajasthan
Bopa
In
Rajasthan it is not uncommon to see people with green eyes. Among the lowest
castes are the Bopa and Kalbeliya Gypsies. In spite of their low status,
these beautiful people are proud of their roots. Both Kalbeliya and Bopa
people make a living by performing songs and dances. In recent decades, the
Maharajahs have gone and Indian and foreign tourists have replaced the royal
audiences.
Kalbeliya
The
Kalbeliya Gypsy people are known as the snake charmer caste. The women are
skilled dancers and are accompanied by men playing percussion and wind
instruments. The Kalbeliya were once hired to entertain great kings and
maharajahs. Today they are sadly considered to be squatters and experience
much discrimination. They struggle to preserve their culture and dances.
They follow Indian fairs and festivals hoping to get hired to perform dances
in hotels and private resorts.
The Kuna
The Kuna are known for their fierce pride and serious composure but they
have a warm sense of humor in relaxed situations. This young woman is amused
at the attention she receives from visitors. Perhaps she smiles because she
knows she is about to be paid. The Kuna know the value of their faces as
subjects for photos and expect compensation for each shot.
The Bhils - The Bow Men of Rajasthan
The Bhils form an important group, which inhabits mainly the southern
districts of Rajasthan and the surrounding regions of Udaipur and
Chittaurgarh. The generic term, which describes their tribe apparently,
derives its name from bil, meaning bow, which describes their original
talent and strength.
The Bhils practice endogamy, marrying with a narrow kinship. Their Gods
like Pantha and Vina, hold a special sway over their minds.Their other
deities honor the primeval needs of the pastoral society. Nandevro is
worshipped as the presiding deity of corn, while Gwali is the goddess of
milk. The god of agriculture is Heer Kulyo.
