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The Aryans were the first people
to come from the north who either conquered or drove away the Bhils, the
traditional rulers of Gujarat. Apart from these two distinct classes, a third
class of people known as 'Kolis' are equally important and occupy an
intermediate social position between the Aryans and the Bhils. Aryans are now
commonly recognised as Hindus. The immigration during the medieval period
brought Islam and Zoroastrianism to Gujarat and initiated the growth of a
multi-religious society.
 The
peninsula of Kathiawar is named after the Kathis who came to Saurashtra
at the close of the fourteenth century. Their origin is not fully known
but it is possible that they were driven southwards by the Muslim invaders.
'Khachar' and 'Chotila' were the most important seats of the Kathis. Worshippers
of the Sun, they were essentially nomadic and had developed, among other
pastoral occupations, the art of horse-breeding. Successive waves of immigrants
from other parts of India have led to a superimposition of different communities
and cultures in Kathiawar. The powerful royal families, which conquered
Saurashtra later on established their rule over there.
'Rabaris' are a community of cattle-breeders who have migrated
from Sindh and Marwar and claim a Rajput ancestry. The Rabaris stand out
prominently by their features and dress. They lead a nomadic life.
 The
Gujaratis, the people of Gujarat, are found all over the state. These
people trace their lineage from the people originally known as Gurjars.
They are believed to have come to India with the Huns and while passing
through Punjab, settled in Gujarat. Gujaratis were highly influenced by
the cultural waves from the mainland and accepted the monarchies that
ruled over them. Various Hindu traditions like Shavism and Vaishnavism
which sprang upon the mainland were imbibed by Gujarat which in turn developed
its own galaxy of saints and devotees and its own art and culture. The
successive waves of immigration were absorbed in the society that was
fast evolving and today the word Gujarati does not seem to suggest any
definite association with a particular stock, a tribe of immigrants or
a specific group of people.
The Kutchis, who were the natives of the peninsula of Kutch,
have their own dialects. The Kutchis are both Hindus and Muslims and a large
number of them have migrated from Sindh.
The Jadeja Rajputs, the
Lohanas and even the Muslims many of
whom are 'Maldharis', the cattle-breeders, have all come from Sindh consequent
upon their defeat at the hands of some kings or as a result of some religious
persecution.
Dress
Gujarati males generally wear dhoti, long or short coat and
turban cap. Nowadays, pants are becoming common instead of dhoti. The women wear sari and
blouse. Parsi males wear pants, long coat and a headgear. The Parsi women's
clothes are identical with those of the Hindu women with a slight difference
marked by long sleeves of the blouse and a scarf on the head.
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