Gurjar

The Gurjar, also spelled Gaur, Gurjar, or Gujjar, is an ethnolinguistic group primarily found in northern India and western Pakistan. Historically, they have been associated with pastoralism, especially cattle rearing, and have played significant roles in the agrarian economies of the regions they inhabit. In India, substantial populations of Gurjar communities reside in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, while in Pakistan they are concentrated in the northern and western provinces.

The Gurjar community traditionally speaks the Gurjaravari dialect, which falls within the Rajasthani–Mewari linguistic sphere. In Pakistani contexts, they often converse in variants of Punjabi, Hindko, or local dialects such as Khowar. Throughout history, the Gurjars have been mentioned in various inscriptions and literary works, indicating their prominence as a martial and agrarian group. During the medieval period, they occasionally formed Rajput clans and participated in the military campaigns of regional powers.

In contemporary times, members of the Gurjar community engage in diverse professions ranging from agriculture and livestock management to commerce, education, and public service. They have achieved representation in political institutions in both India and Pakistan, with several Gurjar leaders holding positions in state legislatures and national parliaments. Social and economic integration efforts have been undertaken to improve access to education and health services in Gurjar-dominated areas. The community also preserves cultural traditions such as folk music, dance, and festivals that celebrate seasonal agricultural cycles. Overall, the Gurjar people maintain a distinct cultural identity while actively participating in the broader socio-political landscapes of their respective regions.