Gurjar

The term "Gurjar" (also sometimes spelled "Gujjar," "Gurjara," or "Gujar") refers to a diverse ethnic and linguistic community found primarily in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The historical origins and social structure of the Gurjar community are complex and debated among historians and anthropologists.

Historically, the Gurjars were known as pastoral and agricultural people. Some Gurjar clans established kingdoms and principalities, particularly in northern and western India, during the early medieval period (roughly 6th to 12th centuries CE). The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, which ruled much of northern India for several centuries, is a prominent example of a Gurjar power. This dynasty played a significant role in resisting Arab expansion into India.

Over time, the Gurjar community diversified into various social groups and adopted different religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. Their livelihoods also diversified beyond pastoralism and agriculture, encompassing various trades and professions.

The social status and identity of Gurjars have varied across regions and historical periods. Some Gurjar groups have been classified as Scheduled Tribes or Other Backward Classes by the governments of India and Pakistan, reflecting their socio-economic conditions and historical disadvantages.

The Gurjar language, or languages, also vary across regions. Many Gurjars speak local or regional languages, and there is no single, universally spoken Gurjar language. Some scholars have attempted to identify common linguistic features among the languages spoken by different Gurjar groups, but these efforts remain ongoing.

The term "Gurjar" encompasses a wide range of communities with diverse histories, languages, and social structures. Generalizations about the Gurjar community should be approached with caution, recognizing the significant variations within the group.