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* [[Manoj Kayande]] : social and political leader [[Sindkhed Raja Assembly constituency]]. |
* [[Manoj Kayande]] : social and political leader [[Sindkhed Raja Assembly constituency]]. |
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* ”’Govind Kendre”’: Vice President of [[Bharatiya Janta Party]] for the state [[Maharashtra]]. <ref>{{cite web | title = Govind Kendre | url =https://www.vanjariworld.com/persons/govind-kendre/}}</ref> |
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===Researcher and Scientist=== |
===Researcher and Scientist=== |
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Revision as of 03:47, 26 September 2025
Farmer castes in Western India
The Vanjari (also spelled Wanjara, Banjiri, Wanjari or Vanjiri) are a caste community found primarily in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Traditionally associated with trade, transport of goods, and agriculture, the Vanjaris are recognized as a distinct social group with a historical role in commerce and local administration.[1]
Etymology
The name Vanjari is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word vaṇij (merchant or trader), reflecting the community’s early occupational association with trade and transportation. Colonial records and regional gazetteers often describe them as carriers of grain, salt, and other commodities across long distances using pack bullocks.[2]
Regional distribution
- Maharashtra: concentrated in Aurangabad, Beed, Nanded, Buldhana, and adjoining districts.
- Karnataka and Telangana: present in border regions with historical links to caravan trade routes.
- Rajasthan: oral traditions connect the community with service under Rajput rulers such as Maharana Pratap.
Notable Public Figure
Spiritual Personalities
- Shree Sant Bhagwan Baba: Revered spiritual leader within the Vanjari community, known for social and religious guidance.[3]
- Namdev Shartri: Prominent saint associated with the Vanjari community, contributing to local devotional traditions[4]
Sport Personalities
- Sanjay Bangar: former Indian international cricketer and batting coach of the Indian national team.
Historical Personalities
- Dharmoji Prataparav Garje: remembered in local tradition as a Vanjari chief who resisted Nizam and British authority in the early 19th century.
- Subhanji Mankar (Madkar): regarded as the last Maratha commandant of Korlai Fort (1818).
Political Personalities
Researcher and Scientist
- Rajesh V. Sanap: notable person from vanjari community working in field of Biological Sciences at National Center for Biological Sciences [7]
- Dr. Chandrakant P. Bangar : is another prominent face representing vanjari community work on interdisciplinary health and economics field, He Research Analyst at SEBI, and Senior research Scholar.[8]
