Vania

Vania,^[1][2] or Vanik,^[3] is a clan of the Gurjar community. They are spread across several Indian states, including west Punjab, Kashmir, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. In Gujarat, they are a trader or a business community.^[4] Agriculture is practiced in Punjab and Kashmir.

Vania
Jāti	Gurjar
Religions	Hinduism, Islam
Languages	Gujarati, Marwari, Gujari, Punjabi
Country	India, Pakistan
Region	Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab,
Lineage	Gujjar
Related groups	Baniya

They are predominantly Muslims in Kashmir and Punjab, and they follow Shaivism, some follow Vaishnavism of Vallabhacharya sect and some follow Swaminarayan sects of Hinduism in Gujarat.^[5]

Origin

In the ancient era, they migrated from the Marwar region of the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan and settled in Gujarat, where they belonged to the Gurjar race of northern India, and these Gujjars gave name to the Gujarat state as Gurjarashtra.^[6]

Etymology

Vania, Vanik or Bania are all terms for someone who deals in Banaj Beopar, or commerce (Trade). They are a trader community who is generally a shopkeeper.^[3]

Related pages

• Baniya (clan)