Rajasthani peoples
The Rajasthani peoples or Rajasthanis are a group of Indo-Aryan peoples native to Rajasthan, a state in Northern India. Their languages, 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 and James Tod. Rajasthan literally means the Land of Kingdoms. However, western Rajasthan and eastern Gujarat were part of "Gurjaratra". 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 were rulers of the western part of India. They were the successors to the Indo-Scythians who invaded the area of Ujjain and established the Saka era, marking the beginning of the long-lived Saka Western Satraps kingdom. Saka calendar is used by the Rajasthani community and adjoining areas such as Punjab and Haryana. With time, their social structures received stronger reorganisations, thus giving birth to several martial sub ethnic groups. Rajasthanis emerged as major merchants during medieval India. Rajasthan was among the important centres of trade with Rome, eastern Mediterranean and southeast Asia.
Romani people
The “roma” apparently derives from a form ḍōmba. Linguistic and genetic evidence indicates the Romanies originated from the Indian subcontinent, emigrating from the northwest of India.Origin
Like 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 territories of Viratnagar encompassing Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli.Religion
Rajasthani society is a blend of predominantly Hindus with sizeable minorities of Muslims, Sikhs and Jains.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.Meenas of Rajasthan till date strongly follow Vedic culture which usually includes worship of Bhainroon and Krishna as well as the Durga.
The Charans worship various forms and incarnations of Shakti such as Hinglaj or Durga, Avad Mata, Karni Mata, and Khodiyar.
The Rajputs generally worship the Karni Mata, Sun, Shiva, Vishnu, and Bhavani. Meerabai was an important figure who was devoted Krishna.
The Bishnoi, also spelled as Vishnoi, is a [Sampradaya#Hindu sampradayas|Hindu Vaishnava community] or panth found in the Western Thar Desert and northern states of India. Bishnoi community is turned into a Hindu caste with time. It has a set of 29 Niyamas given by Guru Jambheshwar.
The Gujars worship the Devnarayan, Shiva, and Goddess Bhavani. Historically, the Gujars were Sun-worshipers and are described as devoted to the feet of the Sun-god.
Islam
Rajasthani Muslims are predominantly Sunnis. They are mainly Meo, Mirasi, Khanzada, Qaimkhani, Manganiar, Muslim Ranghar, Merat, Sindhi-Sipahi, Rath, and Pathans. 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 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. According to 2001 census, Muslim population of Rajasthan is 4,788,227, accounting for around 9% of the total population.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. Although Jainism is not that prevalent in Rajasthan today, Rajasthan and Gujarat areas were historically strong centres of Jainism in India.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 Rajputs, Raikas,Rajpurohits, Brahmans, Bishnois, Jats, Gurjars, Yadavs, Meenas, Berwas, Chamar, Charans, Meghwals, Malis, Kolis, Agrawals, Barnwals, Kumhars, Kumawat, etc.
- Bania are the trading communities which includes Aggarwals, Barnwals, Khandelwals and Maheshwaris. Agarwals trace their origin to Agroha, a historic town near Hisar in Haryana and Barnwal 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.
- Bishnoi is a Vaishnava 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.
- Brahmin are mostly Gaurs, Paliwals, Dadheechs, Nagars, Vyasas, Pareeks, Rankawats, Audichya Brahmin,, Saraswats, Sanadhyas, Shrimalis, Gargas, Abotis, Pushkarna Brahmins, Bhutia Brahmins. Brahmins, along with the Rajpurohit and Charan, are the only castes other than the Rajput who were granted jagirs in Rajasthan.
- Charan is a caste engaging in diverse occupations like poets, litterateurs, as well as warriors, traders and jagirdars. Charan, along with the Brahmins, are the only castes other than the Rajput who were granted jagirs and were allowed to use the title thakur.
- Gurjars 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.
- Jats are traditionally an agricultural caste and are listed under Other Backward Class of Rajasthan State. In east Rajasthan, Bharatpur and Dholpur, were ruled by Jat rulers. Jats of these two districts were removed from central OBC list after a order by Supreme Court of India in 2015. Rajasthan state government added them back in the state's OBC list but did not send the recommendation to central government, since they were removed by the Supreme Court.
- 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.
- Kumawats 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.
- Meghwal The Meghwal or Meghwar people live primarily in northwest India, with a small population in Pakistan. Their traditional occupation was agricultural farming.
- Sain Nai mostly lives in Alwar, Dausa, Bharatpur, Jaipur & some other district of Rajasthan. They worship their kuldevi sati Narayani Mata.
- [Rajput|Rajputs] 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 or General caste in India.
- 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 jagirs and were allowed to use the title thakur. Rajpurohits, Rajputs and Charan are considered to be identical for their political ideology.
- 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.
- Sunar is a community of people who work as goldsmiths. The community is primarily Hindu, and found all over Rajasthan. The Sunar caste is in central as well as the state OBC list in Rajasthan.
There are a few other colourful folks, groups like those of Gadia Luhar, Banjara, Nat, Kalbelia, and Saansi, who criss-cross the countryside with their animals. The Gadia Luhars 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 Gujarati language|Old Gujarati] . 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 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 Gaurjar Apabhramsha 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.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 Misrana. 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, from the Dingal language took form during the early formation of medieval social and political establishments in Rajasthan. Maharaja Chatur Singh 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. His contributions are largely of the heroic poetry style.
Developmental progression and growth of Rajasthani literature cand be divided into 3 stages
| 900 to 1400 AD | The Early Period |
| 1400 to 1857 AD | Medieval Period |
| 1857 to present day | Modern Period |
Culture and tradition
Dress
Traditionally men wear earrings, apadravya, moustaches, dhotis, kurta, angarkha, and paggar or safa. Traditional chudidar payjama frequently replaces dhoti in different regions. Women wear dress according to their caste culture. Poshak is worn by Rajput, Rajpurohit and Charan women only. However, dress style changes with lengths and breaths of vast Rajasthan. Dhoti is worn in different ways in Marwar or Shekhawati or Hadoti. 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.
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, bajra, maize, ragi, 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.
Rajasthani cuisine has many varieties, varying regionally between the arid desert districts and the greener eastern areas. The most famous dish is Dal-Baati-Churma. 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, 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. 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 phad paintings, 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, Jaipur, and Alwar.Development of Maru-Gurjar painting
- 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