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GujjarsGujjars are a Muslim Kshatriya subcaste widespread in western South Asia. They are likely descended from the Khazar tribe of the Caspian Sea who took part in the Scythian invasions of South Asia from the 5th century B.C. to the 1st century A.D. These sun-worshipping or Buddhist tribes ruled kingdoms covering much of present-day Afghanistan, Punjab, NWFP, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana, regions which are to this day largely populated by their descendents. With the decline of Buddhism in the 8-10th centuries A.D. and the influx of Brahmanism, these landowners were naturally assimilated into the Kshatriya caste. The rise of Sufism in the 11th century helped convert much of the population of these areas to Sikhism and Islam. Historically Gujjars have been identified with farming and cattle rearing in particular. Due to their social position, modern day Gujjars are well represented in the urban professions, civil service and officer class. Gujarat is said to be named after them as they settled there in the 6th century AD. Originally Gujjars were Hindu. After Aurangzeb convert Hindus to muslims most of gujjars were converted to islam. The Khazar theory of Gujjars is not viable and not accepted by the accademia. They may have intermingled with various peoples who eneterd southern Asia. As such the word Gujjar probably comes from gau-jar meaning cattle herder or pastoralist. Many gujjars are still pastoralists in northern parts of South Asia. As such the huge empire ruled by Gujjars is nothing but a comical myth.
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