The Gujjar (also spelled Gurjar) community is an important pastoral and agricultural group in India, historically associated with cattle rearing, dairy production, and later settled farming. Spread across several northern and central states, Gujjars are recognised for their distinct cultural identity, dialects, and traditions. Like other communities, their population size has often been estimated through surveys and academic studies, as the Indian government does not release caste-wise data (except for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) in the national census.
Estimated Population
Various estimates suggest that the Gujjar population in India is around 10–12 million (1–1.2 crore people). This would roughly account for 0.8% to 1% of India’s total population. However, these numbers are not precise, as the last comprehensive caste census in India was conducted in 1931 during the British era. Community organisations and independent researchers continue to provide updated projections, often varying by state.
Regional Distribution
- Jammu & Kashmir – Gujjars form one of the largest ethnic groups in the Union Territory, recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST). They are traditionally pastoral nomads engaged in sheep and cattle rearing, though many have moved to settled farming.
- Rajasthan – A significant population of Gujjars resides here, concentrated in eastern districts such as Bharatpur, Karauli, and Dholpur. The community has been active in seeking OBC and reservation benefits.
- Uttar Pradesh – Gujjars are found mainly in western UP, where they have transitioned into agriculture and also hold local political influence.
- Haryana & Delhi – Gujjars are among the dominant agrarian communities in Haryana and are also visible in Delhi’s outer rural regions.
- Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra – Smaller Gujjar populations exist here, often associated with farming and dairy trade.
- Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand – Gujjars here are often nomadic pastoralists, moving seasonally with livestock.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Gujjars trace their roots to ancient pastoral traditions, and historical records mention them as early as the 6th century CE. Some historians link them with Central Asian or Indo-Scythian groups, while others argue they are indigenous pastoralists who rose to prominence in north-west India. In medieval times, Gujjars established small principalities and contributed to the dairy and livestock economy. Their cultural practices include distinctive folk songs, dress, and the Gojri language, which is still spoken by Gujjars in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Social and Political Role Today
The Gujjars are recognised under different social categories depending on the state. In Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, they are listed as Scheduled Tribes (ST), giving them access to educational and employment reservations. In Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, they are classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBC). This variation has also been a cause of political mobilisation, with Gujjar groups demanding reclassification or additional quotas in some states.
Politically, Gujjars form a sizeable vote bank, particularly in Rajasthan, J&K, Haryana, and western UP. Leaders from the community have held important positions in state assemblies and Parliament, and Gujjar organisations are active in voicing community rights and development needs.
Conclusion
With an estimated population of 10–12 million, Gujjars are spread across a wide geography in India, from the Himalayan foothills to the plains of Rajasthan and UP. Their identity as pastoralists and agriculturists, along with their socio-political activism, ensures that the community remains an important part of India’s social fabric. While precise numbers remain uncertain due to the absence of caste census data, the Gujjars’ demographic and cultural presence continues to be significant in shaping regional and national dynamics.
Disclaimer: The population figures mentioned in this article are based on estimates from surveys, academic studies, and community reports, as the Government of India does not publish official caste-wise census data after 1931 (except for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes). These numbers should be treated as approximate and for informational purposes only.
