Rajasthan People

The people of Rajasthan come from varied ethnic, religious, social and economic sections and the state is an anthropological jungle. It is quite literally impossible to categorize Rajasthani people into a specific ethnic or social group. A variety of tribes and clans of various descents follow their own style of cuisine, dressing and culture. Religious beliefs, ritual practices and even the life style varies vastly in the various regions of this stunningly picturesque and culturally advanced state. A remarkable sense of admiration overwhelms us then we realize that such a rich and diverse civilization has managed to survive, nay thrive amidst the parched desert lands. The magnificent havelis, the royal grandeur and the ingenious devices to survive the harsh climate are all stunning aspects of the natives’ lifestyle.

Ethnicity: A number of clans, castes and sub castes inhabit the state of Rajasthan. The royal kshatriyas known as the Rajputs were warriors and rulers of the land. This brave community has produced many scions of exceptional valor and is deemed to be of Scythian origin. This race is believed to have originated from Iran and Caucasia in central Eurasia and moved to the south of the Himalayas. Bajranglal Lohia, the famous author of 'Rajasthan Ki Jatiyan' classifies many groups and sub-groups in the state based on the occupations and cultural differences. The Rajputs may be categorized as Sisodias, Rathors, Chauhans, Kachawahas, Bhattis, Panwars and Solankis. The Musalman Rajputs also claim descent from this chivalrous clan. He names the Charans, close associates of the Rajputs and the Bhats, historians as 'Bards and other communities' and Kayasthas, Khatris, Orwals, Mohnots, Bhandaris, Singhis, Lodhas and Mohatas as 'writers and chroniclers'. Except the Dholi, Dhadhi, Hinjara, Jagri-Patur, Bhagtan, Kalawat and Bhand clans who are categorized as 'Minstrels and Instrument Players' and the business families such as Mahajans, Sarawagis, Porals, Shrimals, Shrishrimals, Agarwals, Maheswaaris, Vijayvargias, Sunlas, Bohres, Pheriwalas, Baldias and Lohias who are generally called Marwaris, the remain are classified as artisans and workers. The Hindu caste system classifies the populace as Brahmins, Ksatriyas, Vaishya and the rest who are artisans or laborers. This classification was based on the occupation prescribed in the religious texts of the religion and such demarcation have long blurred. Now every man is free to earn his living depending on his skills rather than his caste. Traditionally the Brahmins were engaged in academics, teaching and learning and were the priest. They performed the Vedic rites and sacrifices and were an integral part of every household or social occasion. The Kshatriyas such as the Rajputs were the rulers and the warring clans. They defended the boundaries in times of war and administered in peacetimes. The traders and the business classes fell into the category of Vaishya. The Jat, Gurjar, Mali and the Kalvi were the agricultural farmers and the peasants of the state.

A number of tribes inhabit the arid regions of Rajasthan. Among these tribes of the state the Bhils, the Minas, the Lohars, the Garasias and the Sahariyas are noteworthy. The Bhils were known for their allegiance to the throne of Udaipur and their extremely skilled guerilla techniques of warfare. Their main settlements are in the southern districts of the state and around the cities of Chittorgarh and Udaipur. The Minas or the Meenas inhabit the southwest of Rajasthan and areas around Jaipur, Sawai- Madhopur, Alwar and Udaipur. These tribes are of the proto-dravidian stock, the original natives of the Indus valley regions before the Aryan influx. A costumes, cultures and traditions mark this tribe out from the remaining state. The Lohars or the Gadulia Lohars are the wanderers or nomads of Udaipur region who gained fame due to their allegiance to Maharana Pratap of Chittorgarh. Much has been done for the rehabilitation of this tribe by Prime Minister Nehru. The Garasias are a tribe fabled to have descended from the Chauhan Rajputs and have made Mt. Abu and Kotra in Udaipur their home. Their practices and traditions hold a striking resemblance o the Bhils of the state. The Sahariyas of the state inhabit the jungles of Shahbad, Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Dungarpur and Udaipur. They are essentially Hindus and worship the Hindu deities. There are many other small tribes and clans in the state. The Rabari or Raika are shepards and manage cattle. They have two sub sects- the Marus who tend to camels and Chalkias who look after and breed sheep and goats. The nomadic Meo and the Banjara and the Sansi and Kanjar tribes are also among the inhabitants of these vast beautiful lands. Even the Bikaner culture has created a major impact on terrains of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Food: The natives of the state have their own unique Rajasthani cuisine. The style of cooking, ingredients and flavorings are all influenced by the extreme climate and singular topographic and geographic features of the region. That such a delectable variety of dishes can be rustled up in the absence of traditional green leafy vegetables, fresh spices and orthodox agricultural produce is amazing. Something must be said of the fantabulous culinary skills of the royal chefs, the Khansamas whose recipes are sill jealousy guarded secrets of the royal families. The flavor of the dishes is unique to the chulhas fired by local coal and camel dung and the heavy brass utensils used to cook them. The same seems impossible to reproduce in our modern day kitchen with all its high-tech amenities.

Rajasthan Dresses: The dresses of Rajasthan are as unique as the culture of the state’s inhabitants. Colorful, vibrant yet fashioned to keep out the scorching heat and guard from the freezing winds, the costumes and attires of Rajasthanis are a beautiful sight. The flowing ghagras, the intricately embroidered sarees and ornate jewellery of women are an awesome spectacle to behold. Similarly the bright white dhotis, the buttoned up frock coats and the long deftly worn turbans of men are equally outstanding.

Rajasthan Women: Rajasthani women play an important part in their society. Earning a hard living in the rural regions, the women of the state shoulder equal responsibilities as the men of the households. Fetching waters from distant wells and carrying on the burdensome domestic chores in a difficult terrain, undertaking jobs from masonry to tending cattle, maintaining dignity and traditions these women life a life of valor and bravery. Beautiful, sensitive and adept in worldly matters, the womenfolk of Rajasthan have created history. Heroines of many legends and tales, they live a life of pride and honor.

Religion: Most of the natives of Rajasthan are Hindus and worship the Hindu pantheon of deities such as Ganesh, Lakshmi, Krishna, Shiva, Parvati etc. It needs to be mentioned here that there is a huge following for the Vaishnava sect of Hindus in the state, probably due to the proximity of Gokul in Uttar Pradesh, where Krishna the Hindu deity is believed o have grown up. This may also be due to the many number of Vaishnava poets and seers born in the region. Nathdwara is a famous pilgrimage spot for the Vaishnava followers of Vallabhacharya. Dadupanthis (the followers of Dadu), Ram-Sanchis, Laldasis, Vishnois and the Arya Samaji are other religious sects with practices and principles similar to Hinduism.

A good share of the population, however, comprises of Muslims, Sikhs and Jains. A minority of Buddhists, Christians and Parsis are also seen in the state. The Neo-Muslims known as the Kaimkhanis and the Meos, had been originally been Hindus who had converted to Islam. Hence they follow both rituals and practices. In a marriage or Nikah, for example, both the Hindu priest (Pandit) and the Muslim imam (Kazi) are both invited to oversee the rituals of both religions. They celebrate both Hindu and Muslim festivals with equal gusto and cheer. The Islamic population makes up the second largest religious group in the state next to the Hindus. The darga of Khwajah Muin-ud-Din Chishti, the Muslim seer is a very renowned pilgrimage spot in the state. Most of the Muslims of Rajasthan are Sunnis though Shias also make their presence evident. In fact, the presence of a rich community of Shias, the Bhoras in the southeastern districts of Rajasthan provides impetus to the religion in the state.

The Jains of the state have made their presence known in a remarkable way. The Jain Temple of Rikhabdev and Dilwara Temple of Mt Abu are famous for their intricate carvings and spectacular buildings. They are ardent followers of the teachings of Lord Mahavira and the 24 Jain Thirhankaras. The Jain populace is divided into a number of sects and sub sects such as the Digambaras, the Sadhumargis, the Terapanthis and the Sthanakvasis. Jains from all over the world visit the important pilgrimage centers in the state such as Mahavirji, Ranakpur, Dhulev, and Karera. Here, it is important to note that Jainism grew in popularity among the traders and the business families of the state but was never adopted by the rulers or the Rajputs.

Sikhism is a popular religion in the neighboring state of Punjab and the number of Sikhs in Rajasthan is ever increasing. The Sikhs are believers in the ideals of Guru Nanak and hold the Guru Granth Sahib as sacred. The Christians of the state are mostly found in the urban regions and belong to the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Anglican and other Protestant churches.

Last Updated on 01 December 2011