The Goarboli Dictionary project is a unique and historic initiative because, for the first time in India, an organization like the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has recognized and honored the Banjara language. This effort is significant for preserving one of the most neglected tribal languages in the country. The researcher expresses deep gratitude to the directors and selection committee for valuing Goarboli and supporting the community through this project. To prepare the dictionary, extensive fieldwork was carried out across many Banjara thandas in India to collect authentic linguistic and cultural details from primary sources.

The Banjara tribe, one of the largest and most colorful tribal communities in India, is known for its rich culture and unique language. Historically described as nomadic, semi-nomadic, or gypsy communities, Banjaras later settled in different parts of India. Their language, Goarboli, is spoken by nearly half of the estimated nine to ten crore Banjara population, while the remaining population has gradually lost connection with it. In North Indian states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, Goarboli has either disappeared or been replaced by regional languages like Rajasthani and Hindi. However, in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Odisha, the language continues to survive strongly and remains a medium for sharing culture and emotions.

Goarboli belongs to the Indo-European language family and shares similarities with Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Marwari, Bhojpuri, and Konkani. Many of its words and even alphabets resemble Hindi. Despite its rich heritage and historical importance, the language has remained neglected by Indian linguists. The preservation and study of Goarboli are therefore essential not only for the Banjara community but also for understanding India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.