Gujarati

Inhabitants of Gujarat on the northwest coast of India. The Gujaratis number approximately 30 million and speak their own Indo-European language, Gujarati, which has a long literary tradition. They are predominantly Hindu (90%), with Muslim (8%) and Jain (2%) minorities.

At the top of the Hindu religious hierarchy there are Brahmins, although in southern Gujarat there are nonpriestly Brahmins known as Anavals. The Rajputs, formerly warriors and rulers, are today well represented in the army and the police, while others are involved in large-scale agriculture. The Banias, a group traditionally involved in trade, have played an important role in Gujarat's industrial development. Many Patidars, a group that traditionally excelled in agriculture, have taken to business, industry, and the professions. Large numbers of Patidars emigrated to East Africa, South Africa, and Britain. Gujaratis have long been associated with sea trading, and are known for their handicrafts.