Rajasthani people or Rajasthanis are a group of Indo-Aryan peoples native to Rajasthan ("the land of kings"),[The Territories and States of India By Tara Boland-Crewe, David Lea, pg 208] a state in Northern India. Their language, Rajasthani, is a part of the western group of Indo-Aryan languages.
History
The first mention of the word
Rajasthan comes from the works of George Thomas (
Military Memories) and
James Tod (
Annals). Rajasthan literally means the
Land of Kingdoms. However, western Rajasthan and eastern
Gujarat were part of "Gurjaratra".
[Ramesh Chandra Majumdar; Achut Dattatrya Pusalker, A. K. Majumdar, Dilip Kumar Ghose, Vishvanath Govind Dighe, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (1977). The History and Culture of the Indian People: The classical age. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 153] The local dialects of the time use the expression
Rājwār, the place or land of kings, later
Rajputana.
Although the history of Rajasthan goes back as far as the Indus Valley Civilisation, the foundation of the Rajasthani community took shape with the rise of
Western Middle Kingdoms such as Western Kshatrapas.
Western Kshatrapas (35-405 CE) were rulers of the western part of India (Saurashtra and Malwa: modern
Gujarat,
Southern Sindh,
Maharashtra, Rajasthan). They were the successors to the
Indo-Scythians who invaded the area of
Ujjain and established the
Saka era (with
Saka calendar), marking the beginning of the long-lived Saka
Western Satraps kingdom.
["The dynastic art of the Kushans, John Rosenfield, p 130] Saka calendar (also been adopted as Indian national calendar) is used by the Rajasthani community and adjoining areas such as
Punjab region and
Haryana. With time, their social structures received stronger reorganisations, thus giving birth to several
martial sub ethnic groups (previously called as
Martial race but the term is now obsolete ). Rajasthanis emerged as major merchants during medieval India. Rajasthan was among the important centres of trade with
Rome, eastern
Mediterranean and southeast
Asia.
[A brief history of India By Judith E. Walsh,43]
Romani people
The “roma” apparently derives from a form
Domba ("man living by singing and music").
[Cf. Ralph L. Turner, A comparative dictionary of the Indo-Aryan languages, p. 314. London: Oxford University Press, 1962-6.] Linguistic and genetic evidence indicates the Romanies originated from the Indian subcontinent, emigrating from the northwest of India.
Origin
other Indo-Aryan peoples, modern day Rajasthanis and their ancestors have inhabited Rajasthan since ancient times. The erstwhile state of Alwar, in north-eastern Rajasthan, is possibly the oldest kingdom in Rajasthan. Around 1500 BC, it formed a part of the
Matsya Kingdom territories of Viratnagar (present-day Bairat) encompassing Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli.
[ /de/India/rajasthan-people-society.aspx]
Religion
Rajasthani society is a blend of predominantly
with sizeable minorities of
Muslims,
Sikhs and
Jainism.
Hinduism
Shaivism and
Vaishnavism is followed by majority of the people; however,
Shaktism is followed in the form of
Bhavani and her avatars are equally worshiped throughout Rajasthan.
[The Jains By Paul Dundas, Pg 148]
Meenas of Rajasthan till date strongly follow Vedic culture which usually includes worship of Bhairava (Shiva) and Krishna as well as the Durga.
The worship various forms and of Shakti such as Hinglaj
The Rajputs generally worship the Karni Mata, Sun, Shiva, Vishnu, and Bhavani (Goddess Durga).
The Bishnoi, also spelled as Vishnoi, is a Hindu Vaishnava community or panth found in the Thar Desert and northern states of India. Bishnoi community is turned into a Hindu Indian caste with time. It has a set of 29 Niyama (principles/commandments) given by Guru Jambheshwar.[Akash Kapur, A Hindu Sect Devoted to the Environment, New York Times, 8 October 2010.]
The Gujars worship the Devnarayan, Shiva, and Goddess Durga.
Islam
Rajasthani Muslims are predominantly
Sunnis. They are mainly Meo, Mirasi, Khanzada, Qaimkhani, Manganiar, Muslim
Ranghar, Merat, Sindhi-Sipahi, Rath, and Pathans.
[Muslim Communities of Rajasthan, , 9781155468839] Converts to
Islam still maintained many of their earlier traditions. They share lot of socio-ritual elements. Rajasthani Muslim communities, after their conversion, continued to follow pre-conversion practices (Rajasthani rituals and customs) which is not the case in other parts of the country. This exhibits the strong cultural identity of Rajasthani people as opposed to religious identity.
[Rajasthan, Volume 1 By K. S. Singh, B. K. Lavanta, Dipak Kumar Samanta, S. K. Mandal, Anthropological Survey of India, N. N. Vyas, p 19] According to 2001 census, Muslim population of Rajasthan is 4,788,227, accounting for around 9% of the total population.
[ Indian Census 2001 – Religion ]
Other religions
Some other religions are also prevalent such as
Buddhism,
Christianity,
Parsi religion and others.
Over time, there has been an increase in the number of followers of Sikh religion.
Though
Buddhism emerged as a major religion during 321-184 BC in
Mauryan Empire, it had no influence in Rajasthan for the fact that Mauryan Empire had minimal impact on Rajasthan and its culture.
[Land and people of Indian states and union territories:Rajasthan by Gopal K. Bhargava, Shankarlal C. Bhatt, p 18] Although
Jainism is not that prevalent in Rajasthan today, Rajasthan and Gujarat areas were historically strong centres of Jainism in India.
[Jainism: the world of conquerors, Volume 1 By Natubhai Shah, p 68]
Castes and communities
Rajasthanis form an ethno-linguistic group that is distinct in its language, history, cultural and religious practices, social structure, literature, and art. However, there are many different castes and communities, with diversified traditions of their own. Major sub ethnic groups are
,
Rabari,
Rajpurohit,
Brahmin,
,
,
,
,
,
,
Chamar,
,
,
Mali caste,
Koli people,
,
,
,
Kumawat, etc.
-
Jats are traditionally an agricultural caste and are listed under Other Backward Class of Rajasthan State. In east Rajasthan, Bharatpur State
[ “ Located over a hundred kilometres off Jodhpur towards Bikaner, Nagaur is to the Jats of Rajasthan what Bihar’s Madhepura is to the Yadavs. Since India became a Republic, the constituency has been the karma bhoomi of the community’s tallest leaders, Nathu Ram and Ram Niwas Mirdha.”][ “ Son of the late Sishram Ola, Brijendra is boosted by the fact that his father’s bete noir Sumitra Singh is now on his side. The former BJP strong lady is also a Jat, like Ola.”]
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Brahmin (alternately Brahman) are mostly Gaur Brahmins, Gaur Brahmins, Dadheechs, Nagar Brahmin, Bias Brahmin, Pareeks, Rankawats, Audichya Brahmin, Sikhwals, Saraswat, Sanadhya Brahmin, Shrimalis, Gargas, Aboti Brahmin, Pushkarna Brahmins, Bhutia Brahmins. Brahmins, along with the Rajpurohit and Charan, are the only castes other than the Rajput who were granted Jagir in Rajasthan.
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Rajput are various patrilineal clans historically associated with warriorhood. An aristocratic class in Rajasthan, they are descendants of ancient ruling dynasties of the region. Rajput is a Forward caste in India.
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Rajpurohit is a caste with traditions similar to both Rajputs and Brahmins. They are the descendants of Saptrishis. They are engaged in diverse occupations like Gurus of Rajput kings, warriors, traders and jagirdars. Rajpurohit, along with the Brahmins and Charan, are the only castes other than the Rajput who were granted Jagir and were allowed to use the title thakur. Rajpurohits, Rajput and Charan are considered to be identical for their political ideology.
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Charan is a caste engaging in diverse occupations like poets, litterateurs, as well as warriors, traders and . Charan, along with the Brahmins, are the only castes other than the Rajput who were granted and were allowed to use the title thakur.
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Sunar (alternately, Sonar or Swarnkar, Soni) is a community of people who work as .
[ People of India: Uttar Pradesh (Volume XLII) edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1500 to 150] The community is primarily Hindu, and found all over Rajasthan. The Sunar caste is in central
-
Bishnoi (also Vishnoi) is a Vaishnavism community which follow Vedic culture and live in well organised social structure. Most of them are agricultural landowners, but many of them are opting for service sector. Also, Bishnois from south-western Rajasthan are business oriented people. Bishnois predominantly live the districts of Anupgarh, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Balotra, Sanchore, Jodhpur, Jodhpur rural, Phalodi, Pali but can also be found throughout Rajasthan in smaller numbers. They are categorised as a forward caste in all the states of India except in Rajasthan, where they are categorised under OBC.
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Bania are the trading communities which includes , , Khandelwals and . Agarwals trace their origin to Agroha, a historic town near Hisar in Haryana and Barnwal (also spelled Baranwal, Burnwal, Varnwal, Warnwal or Barnawal) is an Indian toponymic Marwari surname from Baran in Rajasthan, India, while Khandelwal and Maheshwari communities are said to be originated from Khandela, near Jaipur. Baniya community is known for their excellent trading techniques and business acumen.
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Meghwal The Meghwal or Meghwar (also known as Megh and Meghraj) people live primarily in northwest India, with a small population in Pakistan. Their traditional occupation was agricultural farming.
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Khatik word is derived from the Sanskrit language word Khat. Khatik means "butcher". In ancient times the main profession of Khatik Caste was to slaughter and prepare sheep and goats. Found throughout India, the Khatik community began as hunters and butchers.
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Gurjar are an animal rearing caste, this caste is included in the Backward Classes group in most of the states of India. They are also found in some states like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in good number. They were added in criminal tribe by britishers for revolting against them in various parts which is one of the main reason they were left behind in education and this tribe is generally known for its bravery.
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Sain Nai mostly lives in Alwar, Dausa, Bharatpur, Jaipur & some other district of Rajasthan. They worship their kuldevi sati Narayani Mata (Temple in Alwar).
[Jibraeil: "Position of Jats in Churu Region", The Jats - Vol. II, Ed Dr Vir Singh, Delhi, 2006, p. 223]
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Seervi are mainly in agriculture business in Jodhpur and Pali District of Rajasthan. Major population of Seervi's are followers of Aai Mata which has main temple at Bilara. These days Seervi have migrated from Rajasthan to Southern part of India and became good business community.
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Kumawat are also found all over Rajasthan with majority in Jaipur, Pali, Bikaner, Jodhpur Churu hanumangarh jaisalmer Sri ganganagar etc. . Kumawat's main profession is related to agriculture and now even they are into business all over the country like Indore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai etc.
There are few other tribal communities in Rajasthan, such as Meenas and Bhils. Meena ruled on Dhundhar near 10th century. The Ghoomar dance is one well-known aspect of Bhil tribe. Meena and Bhils were employed as soldiers by the Rajputs. During colonial rule, the British government declared 250 groups[The Indian constitution--: a case study of backward classes by Ratna G. Revankar, Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press, 1971, pp.239] which included Meenas, Gujars, etc.
There are a few other colourful folks, groups like those of Gadia Lohar, Banjara, Nat caste, Kalbelia, and Sansi people, who criss-cross the countryside with their animals. The Gadia Lohar are said to be once associated with Maharana Pratap.
Rajasthani literature
Scholars agree on the fact that during 10th-12th century, a common language was spoken in western Rajasthan and northern Gujarat. This language was known as Old Gujarati
(1100 AD — 1500 AD) (also called
Old Western Rajasthani,
Gujjar Bhakha,
Maru-Gurjar). The language derived its name from Gurjara and its people, who were residing and ruling in Punjab,
Rajputana, central
India, and various parts of Gujarat at that time.
It is said that
Marwari language and Gujarati has evolved from this
Gurjar Bhakha later.
The language was used as a literary language as early as the 12th century. Poet
Bhoja has referred to
Gojri in 1014 AD.
Formal grammar of Rajasthani was written by Jain monk and eminent scholar Hemachandra Suri in the reign of Chaulukya king Jayasimha Siddharaja. Rajasthani was recognised by the State Assembly as an official Indian language in 2004. Recognition is still pending from the government of India.
[Casting Kings: Bards and Indian Modernity by JEFFREY G. SNODGRASS, p 20]
First mention of Rajasthani literature comes from the 778 CE novel Kuvalayamala, composed in the town of Jalor in south-eastern Marwar by Jain acharya Udyotana Suri. Udyotan Suri referred it as Maru Bhasha or Maru Vani. Modern Rajasthani literature began with the works of .[ Suryamal Misrama:britannica] His most important works are the Vamsa Bhaskara and the Vira satsaī. The Vira satsaī is a collection of couplets dealing with historical heroes. Two other important poets in this traditional style are Bakhtavara Ji and Kaviraja Murari Dan. Apart from academic literature, there exists folk literature as well. Folk literature consists of ballads, songs, proverbs, folk tales, and panegyrics. The heroic and ethical poetry were the two major components of Rajasthani literature throughout its history. The development of Rajasthani literature, as well as virkavya (heroic poetry), from the Dingal language took form during the early formation of medieval social and political establishments in Rajasthan. Maharaja Chatur Singh (1879–1929) was a devotional poet from Mewar. His contributions were poetry style that was essentially a bardic tradition in nature. Another important poet was Hinglaj Dan Kaviya (1861–1948). His contributions are largely of the heroic poetry style.[History of Indian Literature: .1911-1956, struggle for freedom By Sisir Kumar Das, p 188]
Developmental progression and growth of Rajasthani literature cand be divided into 3 stages[Medieval Indian literature: an anthology, Volume 3 By K. Ayyappapanicker, Sahitya Akademi, p 454]
| + Historical stages of Rajasthani literature |
| The Early Period |
| Medieval Period |
| Modern Period |
Culture and tradition
Dress
men wear
,
apadravya,
,
dhotis,
kurta,
angarkha, and
paggar or
safa (headgear resembling a
turban)( Safa wearing style,colour,etc. vary by caste, age factors,etc)(
Different styles of Safa). Traditional
chudidar payjama (puckered trousers) frequently replaces
dhoti in different regions. Women wear dress according to their caste culture. Poshak is worn by Rajput, Rajpurohit and Charan women only(As per tradition). However, dress style changes with lengths and breaths of vast Rajasthan.
Dhoti is worn in different ways in Marwar (Jodhpur area) or Shekhawati (Jaipur area) or Hadoti (Bundi area). Similarly, there are a few differences pagri and
safa despite both being Rajasthani headgear. Mewar has the tradition of
paggar, whereas Marwar has the tradition of
safa.
Rajasthan is also famous for its amazing ornaments. From ancient times, Rajasthani people have been wearing jewellery of various metals and materials. Traditionally, women wore Gems-studded gold and silver ornaments. Historically, silver or gold ornaments were used for interior decoration stitched on curtains, seat cushions, handy-crafts, etc. Wealthy Rajasthanis used Gems-studded gold and silver on swords, shields, knives, pistols, cannon, doors, thrones, etc., which reflects the importance of ornaments in lives of Rajasthanis.[Rajasthan, Part 1 By K. S. Singh, p 15]
Cuisine
Rich Rajasthani culture reflects in the tradition of hospitality which is one of its own kind. Rajasthan region varies from arid desert districts to the greener eastern areas. Varying degree of geography has resulted in a rich cuisine involving both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. Rajasthani food is characterised by the use of
Jowar,
Bajri, legumes and lentils, its distinct aroma and flavor achieved by the blending of spices including
curry leaves,
tamarind,
coriander,
ginger, garlic, chili, pepper,
cinnamon, cloves,
cardamom,
cumin, and rosewater.
The major crops of Rajasthan are jowar, Pearl millet, maize, Finger millet, rice, wheat, barley, gram, tur, pulses, ground nut, sesamum, etc. Millets, lentils, and beans are the most basic ingredients in food.
The majority of Hindu and Jain Rajasthanis are vegetarian. Rajasthani Jains do not eat after sundown and their food does not contain garlic and onions. Rajputs are usually meat eaters; however, eating beef is a taboo within the majority of the culture.[Serving Empire, Serving Nation by Glenn J. Ames, The University of Toledo, Pg 26]
Rajasthani cuisine has many varieties, varying regionally between the arid desert districts and the greener eastern areas. The most famous dish is Baati. It is a little bread full of clarified butter roasted over hot coals and served with a dry, flaky sweet made of gram flour, and Ker-Songri made with a desert fruit and beans.
Art
Music
Rajasthani Music has a diverse collection of musicians. Major schools of music includes Udaipur,
Jodhpur, and
Jaipur. Jaipur is a major Gharanas which is well known for its reverence for rare ragas.
Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana is associated with
Alladiya Khan (1855–1943), who was among the great singers of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Alladiya Khan was trained both in
Dhrupad and
Khyal styles, though his ancestors were Dhrupad singers.
[Tradition of Hindustani music By Manorma Sharma, p 49] The most distinguishing feature of Jaipur
Gharana is its complex and lilting melodic form.
Rajasthani paintings
The colourful tradition of Rajasthani people reflects in art of paintings as well. This painting style is called
Maru-Gurjar painting. It throws light on the royal heritage of ancient Rajasthan. Under the Royal patronage, various styles of paintings developed, cultivated, and practised in Rajasthan, and painting styles reached their pinnacle of glory by 15th to 17th centuries. The major painting styles are
,
miniature paintings,
kajali paintings,
gemstone paintings, etc. There is incredible diversity and imaginative creativity found in Rajasthani paintings. Major schools of art are
Mewar,
Marwar,
Kishangarh,
Bundi,
Kota district,
Jaipur, and
Alwar.
Development of Maru-Gurjar painting[Art and artists of Rajasthan by R.K. Vaśishṭha]
-
Western Indian painting style - 700 AD
-
Mewar Jain painting style - 1250 AD
-
Blend of Sultanate Maru-Gurjar painting style - 1550 AD
-
Mewar, Marwar, Dhundar, and Harothi styles - 1585 AD
(" Mewar-style of painting") is the most ancient Rajasthani art form. Phad paintings, essentially a scroll painting done on cloth, are beautiful specimen of the Indian cloth paintings. These have their own styles and patterns and are very popular due to their vibrant colours and historic themes. The Phad of God Devnarayan is largest among the popular Pars in Rajasthan. The painted area of God Devnarayan Ki Phad is 170 square feet (i.e. 34' x 5').[Indian Murals and Paintings By Nayanthara S, p 15]
Architecture
The rich tradition of Rajasthanis also reflect in the architecture of the region. There is a connecting link between Māru-Gurjara architecture and Hoysala temple architecture. In both of these styles, architecture is treated sculpturally.[The legacy of G.S. Ghurye: a centennial festschrift By Govind Sadashiv Ghurye, A. R. Momin, p-205]
Occupation
Agriculture is the main occupation of Rajasthani people in Rajasthan. Major crops of Rajasthan are
jowar,
Pearl millet,
maize,
Finger millet, rice, wheat, barley, gram, tur, pulses, ground nut, sesamum, etc. Agriculture was the most important element in the economic life of the people of medieval
Rajasthan.
[Rajasthan through the Ages the Heritage of By R.K. Gupta, p 56] In early medieval times, the land that could be irrigated by one well was called
Kashavah, which is a land that could be irrigated by one
Knsha or leather bucket.
[Rajasthan studies by Gopi Nath Sharma] Historically, there were a whole range of communities in Rajasthan at different stages of economy, from hunting to settled agriculture. The
Van Baoria,
Tirgar,
Kanjar,
vagri, etc. were traditionally
hunters and gatherers. Now, only the
Van Baoria are hunters, while others have shifted to agriculture related occupations.
[Rajasthan, Volume 1, Anthropological Survey of India, p 19] There are a number of
artisans, such as
Lohar and
Sikligar.
Lohar are blacksmiths while Sikligar do specific work of making and polishing of arms used in war. Now, they create tools used for agriculture.
Trade and business
Historically,
Rajasthani business community (also called
Marwaris,
) conducted business successfully throughout India and outside of India. Their business was organised around the "joint-family system", in which the grandfather, father, sons, their sons, and other family members or close relatives worked together and shared responsibilities of business work.
[The rise of business corporations in India By Shyam Rungta, p 165] The success of Rajasthanis in business, that too outside of Rajasthan, is the outcome of feeling of oneness within the community.
Rajasthanis tend to help community members, and this strengthens the kinship bondage, oneness, and trust within community. Another fact is that they have the ability to adapt to the region they migrate. They assimilate with others so well and respect the regional culture, customs, and people.
[Business history of India By Chittabrata Palit, Pranjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, p 278, 280] It is a rare and most revered quality for any successful businessman. Today, they are among the major business classes in India. The term
Marwari has come to mean a canny businessman from the State of Rajasthan. The Bachhawats, Birlas, Goenkas, Bajajs, Ruias, Piramels and Singhanias are among the top business groups of India. They are the famous marwaris from Rajasthan.
[History, Religion and Culture of India By S. Gajrani]
Diaspora
The
Marwaris group of Rajasthanis have a substantial diaspora throughout India, where they have been established as traders.
Marwari migration to the rest of India is essentially a movement in search of opportunities for trade and commerce. In most cases, Rajasthanis migrate to other places as traders.
[Business history of India By Chittabrata Palit, Pranjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, p 280]
Maharashtra
In
Maharashtra, Rajasthanis are mainly merchants and own large to mid-sized business houses.
are mainly Hindus (some are also Jains), who migrated from
Rājputāna in the olden days. They usually worship all Gods and Goddesses along with their village deities.
[People of India: Maharashtra, Volume 2 By Kumar Suresh Singh, B. V. Bhanu, Anthropological Survey of India]
== Images ==
See also
-
List of people from Rajasthan
-
Culture of Rajasthan
-
Mandore
-
Suthar
-
Kathputli (Puppet)
External links
-
People of Rajasthan Government of Rajasthan
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Some Myths that every Rajasthani has to deal in rest of the part of India People from Rajasthan migrate to different parts of India for the purpose of business, work, Education etc. and during their stay outside they experience various myths about their native place that are prevalent in the rest of India. Those myths are clarified here with reasons.
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"Jaisalmer Ayo! Gateway of the Gypsies" sheds light on the lifestyle, culture and politics of nomadic life in Rajasthan as it followsa group of snake charmers, storytellers, musicians, dancers and blacksmiths as they make their way across the Thar Desert to Jaisalmer.
