The Raika of Rajasthan and the Banjara/Lambadi tribe of Deccan region had been self-sustained as nomadic pastoralists and caravan traders, respectively, in pre-British India. Colonial policies imposed several restrictions on nomadic communities and their economic activities by branding them as ‘criminals’ under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. As a result, many of the nomadic communities lost their cultural economy and struggled to survive. Colonial and post-colonial studies primarily have focused on settled communities; however, little attention is paid to pastoral nomads and itinerary communities. The present paper focuses on the transformation of traditional nomadic livelihoods, culture and economy of the two communities—the Raika pastoralist and the Banjara traditional caravan traders and livestock breeders consequent upon colonial policies. It also emphasizes on current livelihood strategies. Empirical data, resulted from ethnographic fieldwork and colonial and post-colonial literature have been examined. An ethnographic study among the Banjaras from Deccan region during the year 2009–2010 and the Raika of Rajasthan between 2013–2015 and 2019 helped to understand their past and present situations. Colonial and post-colonial policies, governance and its impact on pastoralists and other nomadic communities have been critically examined.