Gujarati people

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Flag of India Gujaratis Flag of Pakistan
ગુજરાતી લોકો
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mahatma Gandhi, Azim Premji
Total population
c. 40 to 60 million
Regions with significant populations
 India: States of Gujarat, Maharashtra 45.5 million [1]
 Pakistan
 United Kingdom
 Tanzania
 Uganda
 South Africa
 Kenya
 Madagascar
 Malawi
 Malaysia
 Fiji
 Singapore
 Mauritius
 Trinidad and Tobago
 United States More than 40% of Asian Indians [2]
 Canada
 Australia
Languages

Gujarati
Religion

Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism (see Parsis), Jainism, Christianity

Gujarati People (Gujarati: ગુજરાતી લોકો Gujǎrātī loko?), or Gujaratis, is an umbrella term used to describe traditionally Gujarati-speaking people who can trace their ancestry to the state of Gujarat in India.

Contents

[edit] Demographics

[edit] Gujaratis in India

Main article: Demographics of India

The Gujarati people live in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, in the state of Gujarat. Many Gujaratis inhabit the states Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh of India and the Indian capital of New Delhi as well as the former Portuguese-ruled territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Additionally, the Gujarati language has been adopted by communities such as the Kacchis, who use it as their literary language,[3] and the Parsis, who had made the Gujarat region of the Indian subcontinent their home. Ahmedabad and Vadodara are the cultural capitals of Gujarat.

In terms of ancestry, the majority of Gujaratis share many similar genes with other northern Indian populations, but also show a significant relationship with west Eurasian groups. A 2004 Stanford study conducted with a wide sampling from India, found that over 33% of genetic markers in Gujarat were of West Asian origin, the third highest amongst the sampled group of South Asians with only the Punjabis peaking at 42% and Sindhis at 41%.

Furthermore In India, haplogroup U7, not found in Eurasia, frequency peaks at over 12% in Gujarat, in the westernmost state of India, while for the whole of India its frequency stays around 2%. Outside of Gujarat, Haplogroup U7 is only found at over 10% in Iran. Expansion times and haplotype diversities for the Indian and Near and Middle Eastern U7 mtDNAs are strikingly similar (Table 4). The possible homeland of this haplogroup spans likely in Gujarat and Iran because from there its frequency declines steeply both to the east and to the west. If the origin were in Iran rather than in India, then its equally high frequency as well as diversity in Gujarat favors a scenario whereby U7 has been introduced to the coastal Gujarat either very early, or by multiple founders. [4]

Some preliminary conclusions from these varying tests support a largely north Indian genetic base for most Gujaratis accompanied by some of the highest degrees of west Asian admixture found in India, with a particular close relationship between Iran and Gujarat, supporting a theory of likely trade contact and migrations out of Iran into Gujarat. [5]

[edit] Gujaratis in Pakistan

Main article: Demographics of Pakistan

There is also significant community of Gujaratis in neighbouring Pakistan, many have been settled in Sindh for generations. A sizable number migrated after the Partition of India and subsequent creation of independent Pakistan in 1947. These Pakistani Gujaratis belong mainly to the Khoja Bohra, Charotar Sunni Vohra and Memon groups; however, many Gujaratis are also a part of Pakistan's small but vibrant Hindu community. Many Gujaratis in Pakistan retain ties to their relatives in Gujarat, and maintain Gujarati as their native language. However, a growing number are adopting Urdu as their native tongue.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, was a notable person of Gujarati ancestry born in Sindh.

[edit] Gujarati diaspora

Significant migrant Gujarati communities exist around the world. The largest expatriate Gujarati population is the former "British East African Asian" community in the United Kingdom. Other major Gujarati communities exist in South and East Africa (most notably Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Mozambique - a substantial number of Gujaratis from this former Portuguese colony settled in Portugal after its independence) and South-East Asia (Myanmar, Malaysia). Many Gujaratis live in the United States also.

According to the US Census Bureau [6] in 2006 there were 1,417,000 people in the US who spoke Gujarati, Hindi or other Indic languages (e.g. Punjabi, Tamil) at home; Gujaratis comprised 299,000 of these numbers, suggesting approximately 20% of Indian Americans are Gujarati. (This total excludes 325,000 Urdu speakers who it might reasonably be assumed are predominantly of Pakistani origin.) Note that this estimate does not include second or greater generation Gujaratis who report they primarily speak English at home. One text suggests approximately 40% of Indian Americans are Gujaratis[2], but no sourced for this number is indicated. Most East African Asians are Gujaratis.[7]

[edit] Food

Main article: Gujarati cuisine

The majority of Hindu and Jain Gujaratis are vegetarian. Gujarati cuisine follows the traditional Indian full meal structure of rice, cooked vegetables (curry-like in texture), lentil curry or daal and roti. The different types of rotli (breads) that a Gujarati cooks are rotli or chapati, bhakhri, thepla or dhebara, puri, maal purah and puran-pohli. Ghari and Khakhra are also eaten as rotli, but they are usually eaten as a snack. Khaman, Dhokla, dhokli, dal-dhokli, undhiyu, fafda, chevdoh, papdi, muthia, bhajia, patra, bhusu and Sev mamra are traditional Gujarati dishes savoured by many communities across the world.

Khichdi - a mix of rice and toor daal, a type of lentil, cooked with little spices in a pressure cooker - is a popular Gujarati meal. It is found very satisfying by most Gujaratis, and cooked very regularly in most homes, typically on a busy day due to its ease of cooking. It can also become an elaborate meal when served with several side dishes such as a vegetable curry, yogurt, papad, mango pickle, and onions. It is found to be served in Gujarati immigrant families settled abroad even after decades of being outside India.

Use of Ghee in meals is very common. For example, rice or khichdi on rotli. The meal is usually accompanied with a sweet and a salty snack (farsaan) like Vada. Gujarati cookbook writers like Tarla Dalal are famous internationally.

Gujaratis are more comfortable cooking with peanut oil (shing tel). However, while living abroad they adjust their cooking method with available canola or sunflower oil. The making of masala is traditionally done on grinding stones. Nowadays, people use a blender or grinder to make masala. Each person makes masala differently, hence cooking tastes differ depending on the household. People from north Gujarat use dry red chili powder, whereas people from south Gujarat prefer using green chili and coriander in their cooking. Gujarati Jains (and many Hindus) avoid using garlic and onions in their cooking. Traditionally Gujaratis eat Mukhwas or paan at the end of a meal. In many parts of Gujarat, having Chhass butter milk or soda after lunch or dinner is quite common. Gujarati families celebrate Sharad Purnima by having dinner with doodh-pauva under moonlight. there are many great delecacies to try out in Gujarati food. they are most famous for their great cultural diversity

[edit] Dress

Indian jewelry like mangalsutras, necklaces, nose rings, earrings, bangles and rings, toe rings, bracelets are all part of the Gujarati attire. Most of this jewelry is made in 22 carat gold but cheaper costume jewelry is becoming more common. During weddings, Gujarati brides wear a lot of jewelry. It is common to see a Gujarati (Hindu) male wearing a gold chain and a ring.

Years ago, only married Gujarati (Hindu) women wore a red bindi (red powder worn in a round shape on the forehead also found in the form of stickers). These days, most women, married or not, wear 'bindi' as a fashion accessory when they wear traditional Indian outfits. Modern Bindis are like stickers, and are available in various shapes, sizes, colors and designs. Only married women however , wear red powder, called 'sindoor', in a short straight line on the scalp, starting near the hairline and covers the area where the hair is generally parted(middle). During a traditional Hindu wedding, the groom applies 'sindoor' on the bride for the very first time. This act can be compared to a ring ceremony in western weddings.

There are several different outfits that are worn by both men and women depending on the occasion. Generally, men wear pants and shirts or t-shirts and younger women wear normal western outfits like skirts, dresses, jeans, etc. Older women usually wear saris or salwar kamiz.

However traditionally, males as all Indian males will wear dhotis be it everyday or a special occasion and a kurta is worn on top. Females traditionally as all Indian females will wear sari's or something similar. On special occasions females will wear slightly more expensive saris. When such traditional clothes are worn, eligance literally shines. These traditional garments are usually seen in India and even outside of India by other Indians. It can be seen in elders, examples include Mohandas Gandhi who shined knowledge on his surroundings as a result of his personality and appearance; a dhoti.

[edit] Arts, literature, and entertainment

Gujarati performing raas, a traditional Gujarati dance

Fabric designs involve use of Batik. The embedding of mirrors (called abhla) in fabric is a favourite among art lovers. Wall hangings demonstrate use of knitting and embedding of mirrors. Gujarati pottery includes different kinds of deeva (lamps) and pots. During the festival of Navratri, youngsters wear traditional dress and go out to play dandia and sing garbas.Typically men wear Kedia and women wear Ghaghra Cholee to dance in Navratri

Gujarati theatre owes a lot to bhavai. Bhavai is a musical performance of stage plays. Ketan Mehta and Sanjay Leela Bhansali explored artistic use of bhavai in films such as Bhavni Bhavai, Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Dayro (gathering) involves singing and conversation reflecting on human nature.

Gujarati literature has come a long way since being pioneered by Narmad. Saraswatichandra is a landmark novel by Govardhanram Tripathi. Writers like K. M. Munshi, Suresh Dalal, Jyotindra Dave, Tarak Mehta, Harkisan Mehta, Chandrakant Bakshi, Pannalal Patel, Prahlad Brahmabhatt, Vinod Bhatt, Kanti Bhatt, Makarand Dave, Kalapi, and Varsha Adalja have influenced Gujarati thinkers.

A huge contribution to Gujarati language literature came from the Swaminarayan paramhanso, like Bramhanand, Premanand, with prose like Vachanamrut and poetry in the form of bhajans.

Gujarati films have made artists like Upendra Trivedi, Snehlata, Raajeev, Mahesh Kumar Kanodia, Naresh Kanodia, Aruna Irani and Asrani popular in the entertainment industry. In the U.S., Bali Brahmbhatt came up with the hit song "Patel Rap", referring to changing values of Gujarati culture.

There are dedicated television channels airing Gujarati programs.

[edit] Some Interesting facts about Gujarat and Gujarati's

 Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (March 2009)

The world's largest ship breaking yard is in Gujarat near Bhavnagar at Alang.

Reliance Petroleum Limited, one of the group companies of Reliance Industries Limited founded by Dhirubhai Ambani operates the oil refinery at Jamnagar which is the world's largest grass roots refineries.

Gujarat ranks first nationwide in gas-based thermal electricity generation with national market share of over 8% and second nationwide in nuclear electricity generation with national market share of over 1%.

In recent Forbes magazine list of 10 richest Indian people four are Gujarati - Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Azim Premji and Tulsi Tanti

Gujarat has the longest sea shore compared to any other Indian state

Gujarat has the highest no. of operating airports in India.

Gujarat has the highest no. of vegetarian people compared to any other state in India.

Ahmedabad – The commercial capital and largest city of Gujarat is also the seventh largest city in India.

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad(IIMA) is Asia's 1st and world's 45th ranked management college located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Operation WHITE FLOOD (MILK) was initiated in Gujarat by Dr. Kurien which took India in 1998 (may be 1999) to become highest milk producer in the world.

Forbes Magazine published list of Top 20 Self-Made Business-Men from Asia . The list includes 6 men from India and out of 6 three are Gujarati - Tulsi Tanti, Gautam Adani and Uday Kotak

[edit] Prominent Gujarati people

  • Dr.Heenal Raichura BSc MB BS, UK's youngest ever medical student at age of 16
  • Santprasad. R. Bhatt, Founder of Gujarat Navnirman and MahaGujarat Movement, which led to Formation of Gujarat State from Maharastra.
  • Ahmed Deedat, Famous Muslim researcher and preacher of Islam
  • Neha Mehta, T.V. Series Actress (Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma)
  • Kush Shah, T.V. Series Actor (Child Artist)
  • Hari Punja, Fijian business tycon founder of Four Mills of Fiji (FMF) and family owned Punja & Sons Lautoka Fiji
  • Raj Bhavsar, 2008 Olympics Bronze Medalist for the US Gymnastics Team.
  • Kal Penn, also known as Kalpen Modi, US-based actor and leading Obama supporter.
  • Enver Surty, Current Minister of Justice South Africa
  • Sonal Shah, Works in the Govt. Panel of USA With President Brack Obama
  • Aishwarya Majmudar, Winner of Amul Star Voice of India, Chote Ustaad on 5th April 2008
  • Yash Shah, Contestant On SVOI Mummy Ke Superstars

[edit] See also

Aniket Raval, Pulmonary Drug Delivery Scientist PARTHIBHAI BHATOL GCMMF CHAIRMAN AND BANAS DAIRY CHAIRMAN Anoop Desai Contestant on American Idol vaishali desai preeite desai

[edit] References

  1. ^ Languages of India, Ethnologue.com (retrieved 30 October 2007)
  2. ^ a b Raymond Brady Williams (2004). "Williams on South Asian Religions and Immigration By Raymond Brady Williams". Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. 207. http://books.google.com/books?id=nkVBOfE1KkAC&pg=PA207&d. Retrieved on 25 February 2009. 
  3. ^ A. Dalby "Gujarati" in Dictionary of languages: the definitive reference to more than 400 languages. New York: Columbia University Press, 1998. p. 237. ISBN 0231115687
  4. ^ Most of the extant mtDNA boundaries in South and Southwest Asia were likely shaped during the initial settlement of Eurasia by anatomically modern humans
  5. ^ Most of the extant mtDNA boundaries in South and Southwest Asia were likely shaped during the initial settlement of Eurasia by anatomically modern humans
  6. ^ http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/09s0052.pdf
  7. ^ Wilfred Whiteley. Language in Kenya. http://books.google.com/books?id=GHlkAAAAMAAJ&d. 

[edit] Further reading

  • Jhaveri, Krishanlal Mohanlal (ed.) (2003), written at New Delhi, The Gujaratis: The People, Their History, and Culture, Cosmo Publications.
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