Marwari people
Marwari husband and wife in traditional attire
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| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
 India
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spread across parts of India and mainly in Rajasthan |
 Nepal
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Terai region and Kathmandu Valley |
| Languages | |
| Marwari language, Nepali language and Hindi language. | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism and Jainism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Rajasthani people | |
The Marwari or Marwadi are a South Asian ethno-linguistic group that originate from the Marwar region of Rajasthan, India. Their language, also called Marwari, comes under the umbrella of Rajasthani languages, which is part of the Western Zone of Indo-Aryan languages.
The term Marwari once referred to the area encompassed by the former princely state of Marwar, also called the Jodhpur region of southwest Rajasthan in India. The word Marwar is considered to be derived from Sanskrit word Maruwat, the meaning of maru being 'desert'. Others believe that word Marwar is made up of Mar from alternate name of Jaisalmer and last part war of Mewar. It has evolved to be a designation for the Rajasthani people in general but it is used particularly with reference to certain jātis that fall within the Bania ethnic category. Those communities, whose traditional occupation has been as traders, comprise the Barnwals, Agarwals, Khandelwals, Maheshwaris and Oswals.
Dwijendra Tripathi believes that the term Marwari was probably used by the traders only when they were outside their home region; that is, by the diaspora.
Marwari traders have historically been migratory in habit. The possible causes of this trait include the proximity of their homeland to the major Ganges-Yamuna trade route; movement to escape famine; and the encouragement given to them to settle in kingdoms ruled by Rajputs who saw advantages in having their skills. Their abilities were valued by Rajput rulers because, in the period prior to the influx of the British to northern India, the Rajput kingdoms were often warring against each other. Marwari traders often acted as connecting dots and intermediaries amongst them, often providing them with money and goods.
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Wikipedia