Who Are the Romani?
The Romani (often called Roma; historically termed "Gypsies," now considered pejorative) are Europe's largest ethnic minority, numbering approximately 10-12 million across the continent, with significant populations in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain, and beyond. They speak Romani, an Indo-Aryan language proving South Asian origins—linguistic analysis indicates departure from India around 1000 CE. Arriving in Europe by the 14th century, Romani faced centuries of persecution culminating in the Holocaust (Porajmos), which killed 500,000-1.5 million. Today, Romani remain Europe's most marginalized community, facing discrimination, poverty, and exclusion across the continent.
Migration from India
Linguistic and genetic evidence confirms Romani origins in northern India. The Romani language shares vocabulary and grammar with Hindi and Punjabi; genetic studies show South Asian ancestry. Romani left India around 1000 CE—reasons debated (war, service castes, economic migration). They traversed Persia (contributing Persian loanwords), Armenia, and Byzantine lands before reaching Europe by the 1300s. Initially received with curiosity, Romani soon faced persecution. This migration history—crossing cultures, adapting while maintaining identity—shapes Romani self-understanding. The Indian connection, long suspected from language, is now scientifically confirmed.
Persecution and Holocaust
Romani history in Europe is marked by persecution. Enslavement in Romania lasted until 1856. Laws across Europe restricted Romani movement, occupation, and culture. The Nazi regime targeted Romani for extermination alongside Jews; the Porajmos ("Devouring") killed 500,000-1.5 million—25-50% of Europe's Romani population. This genocide received less recognition than the Jewish Holocaust; compensation and commemoration came slowly. Post-war discrimination continued: forced sterilization (Czechoslovakia), child removals (Switzerland), and police harassment persisted into recent decades. This history of persecution shapes Romani identity and wariness toward non-Romani authorities.
Culture and Diversity
Romani culture varies significantly across groups and countries. Major divisions include Roma, Sinti, Kale, Manouche, and others—each with distinct traditions. Music is perhaps the most recognized Romani contribution: flamenco in Spain has Romani roots; Hungarian Romani music influenced classical composers; Gypsy jazz emerged from French Romani. Craftwork—metalsmithing, horse-trading, fortune-telling—historically provided livelihoods. Romani social organization emphasizes extended family (familia), community law (Romaniya), and concepts of purity (separating Roma from non-Roma/gadjo). These traditions persist despite pressures toward assimilation.
Contemporary Romani
Modern Romani face Europe's worst discrimination. Segregated education, employment discrimination, housing exclusion, and hate crimes are widespread. Romani life expectancy is 10-15 years below national averages; poverty rates far exceed general populations. EU integration policies have increased attention; Romani political organization has grown. Yet progress is slow—many Romani communities lack basic services; stereotypes and prejudice persist. How European societies integrate Romani—providing opportunity while respecting cultural distinctiveness—tests commitments to human rights and equality. The Romani remain Europe's largest stateless nation, seeking recognition and rights without a territorial homeland.
References
- Fraser, A. (1992). The Gypsies
- Hancock, I. (2002). We Are the Romani People
- Kenrick, D. & Puxon, G. (2009). Gypsies Under the Swastika