Vankar
The Vankar is a Hindu social group found in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India. Starting from the early 1990s, a sizable number have emigrated to other parts of the world, particularly to Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Australia.[1][2]
History and origin
The Vankar is a social group found largely in western states of India.[1] Some claim to be descended from Rajputs and use the prefix Maru (meaning from Marwar, whence they believe they came) to differentiate themselves from other Vankar groups.[2] They migrated to places like Bhilad, Gariadhar, Cheetal and Patan.[3]
Demographics
They are largely spread in Saurashtra region of Gujarat and also found in Dadra, Daman and Diu.[1][2] According to the 1981 census, the Vankar population (including Mahyavanshi Vankars and Maru Vankar) was 10,49,837 in Gujarat.[1]
Culture
They are endogamous community, consisting of a series of exogamous clans.[3]
Occupation
The main occupation of Vankars was the weaving of cloth.[3]