Gujjars are of Turkish descent - Study
A latest study revealed that the word ?Gujjar? originated in Turkey and was initially used by the Turks of Central Asia in the third millennium BC. In Turkish language, the word Gujjar was spelled as ?Ger?, which stood for a dominant ethnic group
A REPORT based on a study conducted by the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) – a national organisation working on the Gujjars of Indian states – has revealed that ‘Gujjar’ is a Turkish word. The study says that the Gujjars, or ‘Gers’- as they were called earlier – were an ethnic group who later turned into a seasonal, pastoralist, nomadic group.
Releasing the study, Dr Javaid Rahi, National Secretary of TRCF, said that new research has proved that the Gujjar race had been one of the most vibrant identities of Central Asia in the BC era, and later ruled over many princely states in northern India for hundreds of years, and also left their imprints in the Himalayan ranges and inscribed them in such a way, that they could not be destroyed even thousands of years later.
The study further revealed that the 5000-year history of Gujjars, unexpectedly, is similar to that of the tribes of Turkish origins, who left for Koh-e kaf during the era of Christ along with their camels and other domestic animals.
The study said that in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, ‘Turk’ (Gotra) is one of the most important casts of Gujjars, and hundreds of Turk Gujjars reside in different districts of the Kashmir Valley.
The study said that in Gojri, there are a number of words which are Turkish in origin, thereby linking the history of the Gujjars with that of the Turks. What is also surprising is that the tribal folk art and costumes of nomadic Gujjars still resemble those of the Turkish tribes. The anthropological study said that, amazingly, the physical features and facial expressions of Gujjars resemble those of Turkish tribals.
The study further said that one Ger (Gujjar) Khan of Turkistan was a commander in Babur’s army, and he had done remarkable work in binding various ethnic groups together.
Dr Rahi further explained that the TRCF is in correspondence with, and seeks help from, Turkish missions in India with regards conducting genetic surveys of Gujjars to establish their roots in Central Asia, from where they are believed to have migrated to different parts of the world; especially the sub-continent.
The study further said that in Central Asia, places like Gurjarni, Gujari Pil, and Gujreti are named after the Gujjar clans or ‘Gots’, linking this ethnic group with its roots.
The study suggested that the scholars, anthropologists, and historians of countries like Turkey, Georgia, Iran, Pakistan, India, etc. should come forward and study this connection through anthropological, archaeological, and historical evidence. The conclusion of the study stressed for an inter-disciplinary and in-depth research at a national and international level with the help of these countries to study the rich culture of these nomads.
The study further revealed that the 5000-year history of Gujjars, unexpectedly, is similar to that of the tribes of Turkish origins, who left for Koh-e kaf during the era of Christ along with their camels and other domestic animals.
The study said that in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, ‘Turk’ (Gotra) is one of the most important casts of Gujjars, and hundreds of Turk Gujjars reside in different districts of the Kashmir Valley.
The study said that in Gojri, there are a number of words which are Turkish in origin, thereby linking the history of the Gujjars with that of the Turks. What is also surprising is that the tribal folk art and costumes of nomadic Gujjars still resemble those of the Turkish tribes. The anthropological study said that, amazingly, the physical features and facial expressions of Gujjars resemble those of Turkish tribals.
The study further said that one Ger (Gujjar) Khan of Turkistan was a commander in Babur’s army, and he had done remarkable work in binding various ethnic groups together.
Dr Rahi further explained that the TRCF is in correspondence with, and seeks help from, Turkish missions in India with regards conducting genetic surveys of Gujjars to establish their roots in Central Asia, from where they are believed to have migrated to different parts of the world; especially the sub-continent.
The study further said that in Central Asia, places like Gurjarni, Gujari Pil, and Gujreti are named after the Gujjar clans or ‘Gots’, linking this ethnic group with its roots.
The study suggested that the scholars, anthropologists, and historians of countries like Turkey, Georgia, Iran, Pakistan, India, etc. should come forward and study this connection through anthropological, archaeological, and historical evidence. The conclusion of the study stressed for an inter-disciplinary and in-depth research at a national and international level with the help of these countries to study the rich culture of these nomads.
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nitin
what is the connection between gujjar and turkey
Pooja Shukla
Pooja Read Second Stanza
Anil
Just hoping this research brings something substantial about origin of gujjars.
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