Romani people
Indo-Aryan ethnic group with nomadic traditions and global diaspora.
The Romani, also spelled Romany or Rromani, colloquially known as the Roma, are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group who traditionally led a nomadic, itinerant lifestyle. They are dispersed globally, with concentrated populations in central, eastern, and southern Europe, as well as western Asia, and have faced historical discrimination and pejorative exonyms.
- origin
- Northern South Asia (Rajasthan region)
- arrival_in_europe
- 13th to 14th century
- estimated_population_in_us
- 1 million
- language_family
- Indo-Aryan (Romani language)
Lore & Background
The Romani originated in the northern regions of South Asia, with linguistic and genetic evidence pointing to the present-day Rajasthan region of the Indian subcontinent. Their original name, derived from the Sanskrit 'doma', may refer to the Doma caste, a Dalit sub-group traditionally associated with musicians and dancers.
Reader's Guide
The Romani people have maintained a distinct identity despite centuries of migration and persecution. Their language, Romani, is an Indo-Aryan language with strong Persian, Armenian, Greek, and South Slavic influence, and is divided into several dialects with over 2 million speakers. Traditionally oral, many Romani are native speakers of the dominant language in their country of residence or use mixed languages called para-Romani. The term 'Gypsy', derived from the mistaken medieval belief that they were Egyptian, is considered pejorative by many Romani, though some subgroups in the UK embrace it. Romani subgroups, such as the Sinti and Romanichal, use various endonyms but acknowledge a common origin and a dichotomy between themselves and non-Roma (Gadjo). Since the 19th century, Romani have migrated to the Americas, with significant populations in the United States and Brazil, including descendants of deportees from the Portuguese Inquisition. Despite challenges in official counts due to fear of discrimination, the Romani remain a culturally distinct and globally dispersed ethnic group.
Did You Know?
- The Romani originated in the northern regions of South Asia, particularly present-day Rajasthan.
- Their original name derives from the Sanskrit 'doma', possibly referring to a Dalit sub-group of musicians and dancers.
- The exonym 'Gypsy' originates from the medieval belief that the Roma were itinerant Egyptians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Romani people?
The Romani (also called Roma, Romany, or Rromani) are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group historically associated with a nomadic, itinerant lifestyle. They constitute a distinct cultural community spread across Europe, western Asia, and the Americas.
How did Romani people arrive in Europe?
The Romani entered Europe via the Balkans during the 13th to 14th century after a long westward journey from South Asia. Since that arrival they have built concentrated communities throughout central, eastern, and southern Europe.
What challenges have Romani people historically faced?
Throughout their history the Romani have endured widespread discrimination, persecution, and the imposition of derogatory exonyms by surrounding societies. Despite these hardships they have preserved a distinct linguistic, musical, and social identity across their global diaspora.
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