Vagri

The Vagri (Vaghri, Waghri or Baghri) (Gujarati: Vāgharī, Bāgharī) are a tribe and caste found in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat in India, and in the province of Sindh in Pakistan.

The Vaghari community, named after “Vagh Ari” (tiger hunter ), has a rich legacy of fearlessness, hunting, and warrior spirit. Originally settled in the South Aravalli region and most part of Gujarat, they lived near dense forests and remote villages, thriving in the wilderness.

Known as skilled hunters, they specialized in tracking and hunting wild animals, especially tigers, using arrows, spears, and swords. Their expertise also extended to guerrilla warfare, using stealth and deep knowledge of the terrain in battles. The men and women were physically robust, built for survival and strength in harsh conditions.

Their diet was mainly non-vegetarian, rich in meat from hunting, which contributed to their strength and endurance. Spiritually, the Vagharis are devoted followers of Vihat Mata, Meladi Mata, and Kali Ma—powerful forms of Goddess Durga-Parvati. As followers of Shaktism, they worship the divine feminine as a source of protection and power.

Today, their legacy continues as a symbol of bravery, physical strength, cultural pride, and spiritual devotion.

During the British Raj, the Vagri were listed under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 as a tribe "addicted to the systematic commission of non-bailable offences." In 1952, they were "denotified", meaning that they were no longer listed as criminals.