International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples: Nomadic tribes in Delhi NCR

Now a cosmopolitan, Delhi has always been home to various migrants from around the region. But do you know, that the national capital also belongs to various nomadic communities that the majority of its population is unaware of? Back in time, the 1871 British Law, namely, the Criminal Tribes Act, declared about 150 tribes as criminal, and the law gave the officials the power to arrest the tribes and also monitor them. Reportedly these tribes continue to suffer the effects of the Act in several ways. While many of them got lost or migrated, here are a few of the tribes we must know as the nomadic communities in Delhi NCR: 

Sansi/Bhedkut

The Sansi, also known as Bhedkut, were originally a nomadic tribe from Rajasthan but migrated to Haryana in the 13th century. Initially labeled as a "criminal tribe," they are now classified as a denotified tribe under the Scheduled Caste category. These communities were once "notified" as being "born criminals" during the British regime under a series of laws beginning with the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. They speak the Sansiboli language and engage in meager work to sustain themselves in society.

Gadia Lohar

The Gadia Lohars are a historically nomadic community originating from Chittorgarh, Rajasthan and are now settled in various states of India, including Delhi and Haryana. In the National Capital Region of Delhi (Delhi NCR), the Gadia Lohars labelled under 'Nomadic Tribes' has been settled for several decades in over 90 informal settlements (bastis).

Nat

Nat also called Bhanmati, meaning "something amazing" are tribes residing in Delhi and Haryana. The Nats in Haryana remain a semi-nomadic community found mainly in the districts of Karnal, Faridabad, Gurgaon and Rohtak. This community is a group of professional dancers, singers and acrobats by tradition who speak Nati and Haryanvi languages.

Banjara

The Banjara, also known as Labana, Lambadi are a historically nomadic trading caste who may have origins in the Mewar region of what is now Rajasthan. Along with other regions they are highly found in the National Capital. These groups are known for travelling in groups and historically pastoralists, traders, expert breeders and transporters of goods in the inland regions of India. 

Sapera

The Sapera community belongs to the Kalbeliya tribe of Rajasthan which refers to one who catches kal (black) objects, i.e. snakes. These communities have been residing in Delhi for decades. It is believed that this tribe moved to Delhi around 1918 due to droughts. The 'Sapera Basti' or the Snake catchers colony called Mollarbandhgaon is a famous attraction in this region. 

Perna

Perna tribes are predominantly from Odisha but now live in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. They were labelled as a 'criminal tribe' and a 'Denotified and Nomadic Tribe' but are now considered as a Scheduled Caste. They mostly are landless farm workers but some own land in today's time. Another reason why they are afraid of accepting themselves in society is the common practice for a wife to be sold into prostitution by her in-laws after she bears her first child. 

Kalander

The Kalandar community has been traditionally known for taming sloth bears for the archaic practice of 'dancing' bears. They would make the bears 'dance' for the emperors during the Mughal era. For years to come, their livelihood depended on the subjugation of sloth bears, but after the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 came into force in India, it hit the livelihood of this community. This community still lives in Haryana and other parts of India. 

Kanjar

The Kanjars are known for their taint practices like prostituting their women and engaging in a variety of other illegal and illicit activities but are also known to perform art. The community that speaks the Kanjari language is also known to invoke the powers of a "protector-exorcist" known as Syaanaa to keep evil spirits at bay, and regularly pay homage to their ancestors through prayer and the consumption of alcoholic beverages. They are found in many North Indian states. 

Rai Sikh 

Rai Sikhs are members of the Mahatam ethnic group. Once, descendants of Pakistan, they are now found in the districts of Karnal, Hissar and Kurukshetra in Haryana and a few parts of Punjab. The community has been granted Other Backward Classes status but was denied the Scheduled caste position.

Bawaria 

Bawaria, Bawariya, Babaria and many other names are given to this tribal community who once were classified as 'criminal tribes.' This sect of nomadic tribe is found mainly in the Indian states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and are known as skilled trackers and hunters of animals.