The Gurjjar leaders in Rajasthan are busy documenting the customs of the community which they say are similar to those of tribals, in the hope of making a strong representation before the panel looking into their demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

The Justice Jasraj Chopra Committee has invited the Gurjjars to place their views before it by July 16.

Small teams of volunteers along with a representative of the Gurjjar Reservation Morcha will be visiting all the districts in the state and gathering information on the customs, rituals and background of the Gurjjars in the locality. A detailed survey of how many Gurjjars continue to live in groups like the gypsies and how many are socially and economically backward will also be undertaken.

From photographs to videos, and signed statements of local Gurjjars to documents detailing the community’s history — the teams have been asked to collect as much data on the community as possible.

“As of now, we ourselves do not have exact figures on how many of us continue to live like tribals. The survey being conducted will help us get a fair idea of this and we will be able to present our case better in front of the committee,” stated Roop Singh, a Gurjjar leader.

Among other things, the Gurjjar leaders have already made videos of how the people of their community continue to go to witch-doctors and temple priests in case of illness or injuries.

Members of the medical teams which went to Bundi to treat those injured in police firing during the Gurjjar agitation have shot these videos. “Is this not very typical of the tribals? There are several pockets in the state where Gurjjars continue to go to witch doctors, believe in black magic and also worship lok devtas,” Roop

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