In the indian state of Gujarat the Banjara people are known as the Labhani’s. As recoded by Encyclopedia Britannica. The language of this north western Indian state, is also the regional language in India who are closest related to Gormatti, the language of the Banjara people. In the Indian context, the word Lamani has been understood to have originated out of the word Lavan. Which means salt. It also can be understood as white, the colour of salt. The nomadic tribe came in long caravans, and they were considered to be traders in salt.

But in a Middle Eastern context, “Labhani’s” do have a very different origin. Laban is the male head of a tribe. The brother in law of Jacob, the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. Laban provided Jacob with his two wives, Rachel and Leah. The tribe of Laban provided the Jewish people with the female blood line. Laban and Jacob are also connected on the male family line. They had the same Great Grand father in Terah, the father of Abraham and Nahor.
Back to the Indian context: If the Banjara people are not originally from India. The correct understanding of the relationship phrase “a Labhani” should literally be understood as: “a daughter of Labhan”. In lesson number 1, I explained that the Banjara people use the word “Aram” everyday. Without failure. When Jacob set ut to find his wife, he traveled back to the house of his mother Rebecca. Who lived in Paddan Aram. The fields of Aram, the son of Shem. These fields had Harran as the village center, the place where Laban lived.

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