Banjara community is believed to be descended from Roma gypsies of Europe who traveled across the rugged mountains of Afghanistan into the deserts of Rajasthan in north India thousands of years ago before migrating down into southern states which includes Karnataka. ‘Banjara’ is the name given to this tribal group by British during their rule but they are known as Lambadi and Ghor. They are currently involved mainly in construction and agricultural labour work.

It is believed that they sold salt till Ghandhiji fought for free salt as it did not earn them living after that. The men involved themselves in construction and other labour works which was not sufficient to look after their family and children’s education. So they started migrating to neighboring cities and states. In order to check the migration Sabala has made an effort to generate income through craft to improve their lives.

About there Craft

Banjara a original tribal art is pride of nation. This art is coming from generation to generation from mother to daughter. But due to globalization and civilization in 19th century there is change in living of society and all traditional living changed. This resulted in change of traditional costumes along with traditional handicraft among these traditional handicrafts Banjara hand embroidary is one of them. Now a days this banjara hand embroidary is declared as languishing art. . The references are found in Rigveda, Yejurveda, Atharvaveda and ancient literature about this art. Sabala is making an effort to preserve this cultural and historical heritage.

Mirror work is the unique feature of Banjara handicraft. Banjaras who were nomads used mirrors on their clothes to protect themselves from the wild animals. When the wild animals saw themselves into mirrors they ran away. As they lived in the forests, readymade clothes were not available to them. So they used the old clothes and did patchwork to make new clothes. They have about 80 stitches. They basically made ghagra cholis, quilts, batwas for themselves. But sabala has made an effort to use their skills to make products to suit the present life style of the people. The products include bags, cushion covers, bed spreads, jewelleries, wall hanging etc.