Overview
Gujarati refers broadly to anything connected with the Indian state of Gujarat, its inhabitants, and the language they use. The term is used to describe an ethnolinguistic identity encompassing regional traditions, a shared mother tongue, and common cultural practices. Gujaratis have a prominent presence both within India and across a global diaspora.
Language and script
The Gujarati language is an Indo-Aryan language historically derived from Sanskrit through regional Prakrits. It uses the Gujarati script, which is closely related to Devanagari but lacks the horizontal headline found in that script. Gujarati has a rich oral and written tradition, with literature that includes poetry, folktales, modern prose, and journalistic writing. For more on the language itself, see Gujarati language.
People, communities, and diaspora
People who identify as Gujarati share linguistic and cultural ties but belong to diverse social, religious, and occupational groups. The community includes Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, and Christians among others. Large Gujarati communities have established themselves abroad in East Africa, the United Kingdom, North America, and elsewhere. General information about the population group is available at Gujarati people.
Culture, festivals, and economic roles
Gujarati culture is noted for its vibrant music and dance traditions (for example, Garba and Dandiya), vegetarian cuisine with distinctive sweets, and strong mercantile networks. Major festivals include Navratri, Diwali, and Uttarayan (the kite festival). Gujaratis have been prominent in trade, industry, and entrepreneurship, contributing significantly to commerce in India and in many diaspora communities.
History and notable facts
The region now called Gujarat has a long history stretching from ancient urban centers to medieval and modern developments. The Gujarati language and script evolved over many centuries as local administrative and literary languages. Notable modern figures with Gujarati roots have influenced Indian politics, business, and social movements. The surname Patel, for example, is widely recognized as common among certain Gujarati communities, reflecting particular social and agricultural histories.
Distinctions and resources
Understanding "Gujarati" requires distinguishing geography (the state of Gujarat), ethnolinguistic identity (Gujarati people), and linguistic aspects (the Gujarati language). Each perspective highlights different institutions, traditions, and practices. For introductory resources, follow links above or consult regional cultural and language studies.