ROMANI Origins: The 1,000-Year Journey from India to Europe For centuries, the origins of the Romani people were misunderstood. In Europe, they were called “Gypsies,” based on the belief that they came from Egypt. But modern linguistics, historical records, and genetic studies tell a different—and far more remarkable—story. The Romani began their journey over a thousand years ago in northern India. They carried with them a language rooted in Sanskrit, cultural traditions, and a strong sense of k