KANJAR

Kanjar (Kahan Chara)
(Western Region)
This group is living in Ajmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan. They are divided
in four subgroups (Jallads, Koochbands, Stonecutter and Raxhband) with a total of twelve
subdivisions (Kucch-bandh, Nat, Trukta, Beria, Beldar, Chrmarmangt, Sansiya, Dom,
Bhatu, Yalaudar, Bahelia and Jogi). They have a population of 65,188 (1991 census) and
sex ratio is 1:1.
Their physical features resemble with proto australoid racial group. They have a
patriarchal society.
They speak a mixture of Hindi and Rajasthani (austric group).
Birth Ceremony
It is customary among Kanjars that two or three days after the birth of a child, the mother
comes out with her child and after dipping her finger in her own urine touches the child’s
forehead. They believe that after this ceremony, the child becomes free form evil spirits.
On the sixth day, the women of the caste are entertained and wine is sprinkled on all
household articles to purify them.
Marriage Ceremony
Purchase and consent marriages are in practice. Bride wealth is different in widow and
normal marriage (Rs. 500/- for widow marriage and Rs. 200/- for normal marriage).
Panchayat plays a vital role in the fixing of bride wealth. Service marriage is common
due to the inability to pay bride wealth. Levirate marriage is also in practice.
Death Ceremony
Usually dead bodies are buried. The corpses of vaccinated people are cremated and those
of the rest are buried. Death ceremony ends with the farewell of the soul. Wine is served
to community members at the farewell dinner.
Religion
Unlike other primitive tribes, Kanjar also believe in a host of gods and goddesses (Sanga
devta – god of voice and Prithvi mata – earth goddess) and have much faith in ancestral
spirits. When somebody falls ill, it is an indication of displeasure of an ancestor and to
satisfy the spirits, they do their best to propitiate it. It is customary amongst them to bury
delicious edibles like soup, pork, wine, etc., on road crossing.
They worship fire and water as gods. People suspected of crimes are put to the test of fire
and water ordeals and those come out of these unscathed are considered innocent. The
Peepal tree is worshipped as God (if a Kanjar is wrong or false, he will never dare to
assert his truthfulness before this sacred tree). They believe in omens, when they start out
on professional work. Now Kanjars worship Ram, Krishna and Shiva (Hindu gods) and
Durga and Lakshmi (Hindu goddesses).
Economy
It is an occupational group, who are engaged in stone cutting, road dancing, plays and
sometimes, magic shows.
Political Organization
Their panchayat comprised of 5 to 7 members hear all disputes. Whenever there are
disputed claims or any breach of any social etiquette, the party or parties concerned call
the tribal panchayat. Cases of intra-tribal immorality are strictly controlled by it. Cases of
extra- immorality are mostly overlooked, as they are essential for fresh recruitment and
for getting useful information for the tribal.
Education
1.6% Kanjars are literate, while their locality is packed with primary, junior and inter
colleges. Their low literacy is due to their poverty.
Kanjars economy is influenced by urban areas, which are making them aware about
modernity, but due to the nomadic life, they are unable to take government facilities
(loans for trade, house, etc.). In Jaipur, rehabilitation program is going on for their
betterment.