Romani people in Belarus

The Romani people originate in eastern India, in particular from around the modern-day state of Bihar.[1][2] Romani roots in India remain visible in the modern day through the Romani language, which is part of the Indo-Aryan language family and shares many features with the Sanskrit and Prakrit languages. Genetic studies have also tied the Romani people to Bihar.[3]

The first mention of the Romani people in Belarus is from 1501, with the privilege of Alexander Jagiellon, but it is believed that they may have been in the area by the early 15th century. In the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Romani people lived a semi-nomadic life, but also had settled populations in urban centres, primarily Mir and Smarhonʹ, in which there was often violence between the Roma and other ethnic groups. In addition to these urban populations, numerous Romani villages existed in the region.[4]

While treatment of the Roma in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was liberal compared to Western Europe, anti-Romani attitudes in the government were still widespread. The Statutes of Lithuania banned Roma from holding public office, and the Sejm of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1586 attempted unsuccessfully to expel nomadic Roma. In 1624, the Sejm introduced the title of King of the Gypsies, which was elected by Roma communities and resided in Mir.[4] The last person to hold the position was Jan Marcinkievič, and the title was abolished in 1788.

The Roma of modern-day Belarus were generally nomadic, settling only during the winter. Often, Roma lived on the outskirts of cities and often served as traders.[4]

Following the partitions of Poland, the territory of modern-day Belarus became part of the Russian Empire. During this period, multiple unsuccessful attempts were made to settle the Roma, including attempts to force them to live as peasants. In 1812, restrictions on Roma settlement were abolished, bringing them onto the same standards as other citizens in the Russian Empire.

The early days of the Soviet Union brought positive changes for the Belarusian Roma. In 1927, the first Romani kolkhoz in the Soviet Union, "New Life", was established in Vitebsk District. This was followed by another in Zhlobin District, in addition to a seven-year school in Vitebsk including Romani-language textbooks and education. However, these changes were greatly upset by Operation Barbarossa and the Porajmos. Many Roma were killed, and many others fled to the forests of Belarus, joining the Belarusian partisans.[4]

In 1956, the decree "On the inclusion of Roma engaged in vagrancy" was adopted, leading to the forceful settlement of the majority of the remaining Belarusian Roma community. Multiple settlements were established, including Paŭnočny in Zelʹva District and Kalodziščy and Ratamka outside Minsk.[4]