The Hindu Gujjars in India are one of the endogamous religious sections. The Hindu Gujjars do not have any identity market. They are usually vegetarian and their entire diet depends upon the accessibility of the cereals. Like for instance, during the summer months they take wheat and rice and in winter months they generally prefer maize to wheat. They are occasional non- vegetarians and take meat of goat and chicken. Their staple diet consists of wheat or maize chappati, dal, vegetables and milk products or curd. Milk and milk products occupy an important position in their normal menu as these are their own produce. They are occasional consumers of alcoholic drinks, which are taken on festive or social occasions. But women do not consume alcoholic drinks. Smoking of tobacco is common among the male members of the Hindu Gujjar community. On marriage and festive occasions preparations of mutton and sweetened rice are a must and are cooked by all families. In the event of death in a family, non-vegetarian and spicy foods are avoided.
The Hindu Gurjars believe in the supremacy of the traditional joint family system. The head of the family is the eldest male member in the family whose decision in the family matter is final and is respected. However, nowadays, a change in the family structure is seen where they share the same roof not the same kitchen. When the differences among members surface too frequently, the joint setup splits into nuclear types. The elders in the family are given due regard and respect. They are consulted and obeyed by the younger ones. The family property runs along the male line. However, a daughter can claim the property of the father in the absence of a son. Normally, if a father dies without making any will, the property is transferred to those of the collaterals.
In the Hindu Gujjar community, the role of a woman, both in the domestic as well as in economic sphere is significant. Gurjar women are hard working and besides household chores, they also do other work like tending the cattle, making cakes, plastering the walls and floors of the house with cow dung, etc. The major life-cycle rituals commencing with the birth of a child are according to the Hindu customs. Among them marriage is considered as an auspicious occasion. Hindu Gujjars cremate their dead. The eldest son of the family performs the last rites. The traditional economy of the Hindu Gujjars revolves around cow and buffalo herding and selling of milk products. They practice agriculture, and majority of them are landowner. Apart from practicing and animal husbandry, some of them have also taken to government service.
Enforcement of the traditional laws and social control is managed by their panchayat system which is headed by elder experienced male members of the community. They listen to all the cases of land disputes, division of family property, divorce, separation and compensation, etc. People mostly sort out their morally binding. If a person feels dissatisfied, he may approach the law court. The Hindu Gujjars trace their mythical from the famous Nand Vansha where Lord Krishna was brought up by Mata Yasoda. They have faith in the local gods, goddess and regional deities also. They also celebrate the major Hindu rituals and festivals with complete dedication.
The Hindu Gujjars in India maintain their traditional relations with several communities like Badhai, Lohar, Jheewar and Chuhra. Each of them renders their traditional services, both social and economic, at their client`s house. The impact of the various developmental programmes is evident from the overall growth, modernization and industrialisation, in terms of electricity, water supply and communication network. Under the Integrated Rural Development Programme, they have been able to secure nominal interest with heavy subsidy for opening their own dairy, buying agricultural implements, tube-wells, etc. Their girls and boys manage to secure primary and secondary level education. The several immunization programmes are implemented for the complete development of the Hindu Gujjars in India.
