Core Clan (Gotra) Structure and Banjara Subcastes Classification

The book Banjara Gotra Shastra by Dr. Manjula Chavan provides a comprehensive understanding of the Core Clan (Gotra) Structure of the Banjara community, along with a detailed classification of its subcastes (Gotra/Jath/Pada). This system forms the foundation of social organization, identity, and cultural continuity among Banjaras.

The Banjara community is traditionally organized into major clan lineages, each consisting of a fixed number of sub-clans. These clan divisions are not only genealogical but also symbolically connected to natural and calendrical systems.

The primary clan structures are described as follows:

Rathod (Bhukya) – 27 Clans
Traditionally associated with the 27 Nakshatras (constellations), this lineage represents a strong connection between clan identity and celestial cycles.
Sub-clans include: Aaloth, Bhaanaavath, Bhilavath, Degaavath, Depaavath, Devsoth, Dungaavath, Jhandavath, Kaanaavath, Karamtoth, Khaatroth, Khethaavath, Khilaavath, Kodaavath, Kumaavath, Meghaavath, Meraajoth, Meraavath, Nenaavath, Paathloth, Pithaavath, Raajavath, Raamavath, Raathla/Phulia, Ranasoth, Sangaavath, and Sotki.

Pawar – 12 Clans
This group corresponds to the 12 months of the year, reflecting a time-based structure within the clan system.
Sub-clans include: Aamgoth, Aivath Pammar, Baanni, Chaivoth Pammar, Injraavath, Inloth Pammar, Jharapla, Lunsavath/Nunsavath, Pamaadiyaa, Tarabaanni, Vankdoth, and Vislaavath.

Chavan (Chauhan) – 6 Clans
Representing the 6 traditional seasons (Ritus), this lineage highlights the integration of natural cycles into social organization.
Sub-clans include: Dumaavath/Chauradiya, Kayloth, Korra, Mood, Paalthyaa, and Sabavat.

Vadithya (Jadhav) – 52 Clans
This is one of the most extensive clan groups, symbolically linked to the 52 weeks of the year. It reflects a broad and diverse lineage network.
Sub-clans include: Ajmera, Baadaavath, Barmaavath, Bhagvaandas, Bharoth, Bodaa, Dhaaraavath, Dungaroth, Gangaavath, Goraam, Gugloth, Halaavath, Jaadhav, Jaloth, Jayt, Kagla, Kunsoth, Lokaavath, Lonaavath, Loolaavath, Maaloth, Mohandas, Pipaavath, Poosnamal, Salaavath, Sejaavath, Tejaavath, Tepaavath, Teraavath, Tuvar, Undaavath, VaderJhaad, Vadithya Jaajigiri, and others.

Banoth – 15 Clans
A distinct lineage group with its own identity within the Banjara community.
Sub-clans include: Aadoth, Ade, Baanoth, Bhojaavath, Daanaavath, Dharmasoth, Dheeravath, Jaatroth, Karnaavath, Kuntaavath, Lavori, Mudavath, Paanaavath, Rupavath, and Sabdasoth.

Overall, the Gotra system demonstrates a unique blend of genealogy, cultural symbolism, and social regulation. It governs key aspects of community life, particularly marriage rules and lineage identity, where individuals of the same Gotra are traditionally considered part of a shared ancestry.

This structured classification, as presented in Banjara Gotra Shastra, makes the book a valuable resource for understanding Banjara heritage, social systems, and indigenous knowledge traditions. It is especially useful for students, researchers, and individuals seeking a deeper connection with their cultural roots.