The Banjaras are a people who speak Lambadi or Lamanis. They are listed under atleast 53 different names. Historically, these have the same ancestry as the gypsies found in Europe and the Balkan states.

The Banjaras are sturdy, well built, ambitious people and have a light complexion. These were historically nomadic, raising cattle, trading salt and transporting goods. Most of these people have now settled down to farming and various types of manual labour. Their habit of living in isolated groups, away from others ,which was characteristic of their nomadic days still persists.

The Banjaras are located throughout much of south central India. An estimated 3 million live in the states of Andhra Pradesh. Many others are located in the states of Karnataka, Maharastra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajastan.These people live in more than 50% of the states in India.