Native Roots | Lambani | Evolve Back Resorts

Lambani

Hampi, India

Shining bright as jewels

The dry, arid landscape of Hampi dotted with its giant boulders and stirring temples is, from time to time, punctuated with a spirited and colorful group of people who move purposefully through its open spaces and streets. They form a distinct thread in the vast cultural tapestry of this region, not native to it yet having become an integral part of it over time.

These are the Lambanis, a formerly nomadic community hailing from the Mewar region of Rajasthan that slowly came to settle in these and other parts of Karnataka. Anthropologists have hinted at a possible connection to the Romani people of Europe, the quintessential gypsies. The Lambani womenfolk in particular stand out. They are identified instantly by their colorful clothing with intricate embellishments on them along with jewelry made from various metals that is a testimony to very sophisticated craftsmanship.

The Lambanis live in exclusive enclaves called Tandas that are mostly located on the outskirts of towns and villages. They speak a language of their own called Gor Boli or Lambadi. It lacks a written script and is an amalgam of root words from their dialect and others borrowed from the local languages of the regions they inhabit and formed strong social and cultural connections with.

Though nomadic by nature circumstances have forced this once migrant group to settle more or less permanently in various places that they have developed deep connections with over time. Being settled has also made them take up occupations that now reflect this new way of life. Agriculture, employment and petty trade are now primary occupations.

Having inherited a distinctive artistic heritage from their ancestors the women of the community in particular make a great contribution to the diverse cultural pool of India with their uniquely embroidered clothing and finely crafted jewelry pieces. These are highly sought after by tourists and have become a source of livelihood for those who take this up seriously. The embroidery is complex and reflects an evolved aesthetic featuring a rich maze of stitches with colorful threads, intricate patterns and creative mirror work.

Lakshmi Bai, Tiply Bai, Imly Bai and Somli bai were four elderly women from the Lambani community we visited. They reside in Sitarama Tanda, about 10 kms from the historic town of Hampi. Though elderly and reserved they nonetheless engaged us in a stimulating conversation about their history and life. They continue to be very proud of their heritage and identity which still continues to uphold their unique ways and traditions in marriage, rites of passage, death and other significant milestones of community life.

However, they can’t help notice a slow erosion in these with the community slowly drifting towards an urbanized mindset with the pursuit of employment and consumerism at its center. We can only hope that their unique way of life will continue to shine always as brightly as their resplendent clothes and jewelry.