Siddi African Tribal Community Gujarat Gir Forest

The Siddi (Habshi) of Gujarat are descendants of East African Bantu-speaking people brought to India as sailors, servants, and soldiers between the 9th and 19th centuries. About 20,000 Siddis live in the forests and villages of Gir Somnath, Junagadh, and Navsari districts of Gujarat, maintaining a distinct culture that blends African musical traditions with Indian village life. Siddi men practice Dhamal, an energetic trance dance with African drum beats (musendo). Siddis work as forest labour, honey collectors, and in forest conservation. Gujarat government provides Siddi community development support, and cooperative programmes market Siddi forest honey and traditional crafts to premium buyers.