| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 68,548,437 (2011)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 India | |
| Languages | |
| Rajasthani,Hindi | |
| Religion | |
| Majority: Hinduism Minority: Islam andJainism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| OtherIndo-Aryan peoples |
Rajasthani people orRajasthanis are a group ofIndo-Aryan peoples native toRajasthan ("the land of kings"),[2] astate inNorthern India. Their language,Rajasthani, is a part of the western group ofIndo-Aryan languages.
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The first mention of the wordRajasthan comes from the works of George Thomas (Military Memories) andJames Tod (Annals). Rajasthan literally means theLand of Kingdoms. However, western Rajasthan and eastern Gujarat were part of "Gurjaratra".[3] The local dialects of the time use the expressionRājwār, the place or land of kings, laterRajputana.[4][5]
Although the history of Rajasthan goes back as far as theIndus Valley civilisation, the foundation of the Rajasthani community took shape with the rise ofWestern Middle Kingdoms such asWestern Kshatrapas.Western Kshatrapas (35-405 CE) were rulers of the western part of India (Saurashtra and Malwa: modernGujarat,Southern Sindh,Maharashtra, Rajasthan). They were the successors to theIndo-Scythians who invaded the area ofUjjain and established theSaka era (withSaka calendar), marking the beginning of the long-lived SakaWestern Satraps kingdom.[6]Saka calendar (also been adopted as Indian national calendar) is used by the Rajasthani community and adjoining areas such asPunjab andHaryana. With time, their social structures received stronger reorganisations, thus giving birth to severalmartial sub ethnic groups (previously called asMartial race but the term is now obsolete ). Rajasthanis emerged as major merchants during medieval India. Rajasthan was among the important centres of trade withRome, easternMediterranean and southeastAsia.[7]
Some claim thatRomani people originated in parts of the Rajasthan. Indian origin was suggested based on linguistic grounds as early as 200 years ago.[8] Theroma ultimately derives from a formḍōmba ("man living by singing and music"), attested in ClassicalSanskrit.[9] Linguistic and genetic evidence indicates the Romanies originated from theIndian subcontinent, emigrating from India towards the northwest no earlier than the 11th century.[citation needed] Contemporary populations sometimes suggested as sharing a close relationship to the Romani are theDom people of Central Asia and theBanjara of India.[10]
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Like otherIndo-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 theMatsya territories of Viratnagar (present-day Bairat) encompassingBharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli.[11][better source needed]
Rajasthani society is a blend of predominantlyHindus with sizeable minorities ofMuslims,Sikhs andJains.
Shaivism andVaishnavism is followed by majority of the people; however,Shaktism is followed in the form ofBhavani and her avatars are equally worshiped throughout Rajasthan.[12]
Meenas of Rajasthan till date strongly followVedic culture which usually includes worship ofBhainroon (Shiva) andKrishna as well as theDurga.[13]
TheCharans worship various forms andincarnations ofShakti such asHinglaj[14] orDurga,Avad Mata,[15]Karni Mata,[16] andKhodiyar.[17]
TheRajputs generally worship theKarni Mata, Sun, Shiva, Vishnu, andBhavani (GoddessDurga).[18][19]Meerabai was an important figure who was devoted Krishna.
Bishnoi (alsoVishnoi) is astrongeVaishnava community which followVedic culture, found in the Western Thar Desert and northern parts of state and are devote followers ofVishnu and his consortLakshami. They follow a set of 29 principles/commandments given bySri Guru Jambheshwar (1451–1536) who founded the sect at Samrathal Dhora, Bikaner in 1485 and his teachings, comprising 120 shabads, are known as Shabadwani. As of 2019, there are an estimated 1500,000 Bishnoi residing in north and central India.[20]
TheGujars worship theDevnarayan,Shiva, and GoddessBhavani.[21][22][23] Historically, the Gujars were Sun-worshipers and are described as devoted to the feet of the Sun-god.[23]
Rajasthani Muslims are predominantlySunnis. They are mainlyMeo, Mirasi, Khanzada, Qaimkhani, Manganiar, MuslimRanghar, Merat, Sindhi-Sipahi, Rath, and Pathans.[24] Converts toIslam 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.[25] According to 2001 census, Muslim population of Rajasthan is 4,788,227, accounting for around 9% of the total population.[26]
Some other religions are also prevalent such asBuddhism,Christianity,Parsi religion and others.[19] Over time, there has been an increase in the number of followers of Sikh religion.[19] ThoughBuddhism emerged as a major religion during 321-184 BC inMauryan Empire, it had no influence in Rajasthan for the fact that Mauryan Empire had minimal impact on Rajasthan and its culture.[27] AlthoughJainism is not that prevalent in Rajasthan today, Rajasthan and Gujarat areas were historically strong centres of Jainism in India.[28]
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 areRajputs,Raikas,Rajpurohits,,Brahmans,Bishnois,Jats,Gurjars,Yadavs,Meenas,Berwas,Chamar,Charans,Meghwals,Malis,Kolis,Agrawals,Barnwals,Kumhars,Kumawat, etc.[29][30][31][32]
There are few othertribal communities in Rajasthan, such asMeena andBhils. Meena ruled onDhundhar near 10th century. TheGhoomar 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[52] which included Meenas, Gujars, etc.[53][54] as "criminal tribes". Any group or community that took arms and opposedBritish rule were branded as criminal by the British government in 1871.[55] This Act was repealed in 1952 by Government of India.[52] Sahariyas, the jungle dwellers, who are believed to be of Bhil origin, inhabit the areas of Kota, Dungarpur and Sawai Madhopur in the southeast of Rajasthan. Their main occupations include working as shifting cultivators, hunters and fishermen.[56][57] Garasias is a small Rajput tribe inhabiting Abu Road area of southern Rajasthan.[56][57]
There are a few other colourful folks, groups like those ofGadia Luhar,Banjara,Nat,Kalbelia, andSaansi, who criss-cross the countryside with their animals. TheGadia Luhars are said to be once associated withMaharana Pratap.[58]
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 asOld Gujarati(1100 AD — 1500 AD) (also calledOld Western Rajasthani,Gujjar Bhakha,Maru-Gurjar). The language derived its name from Gurjara and its people, who were residing and ruling inPunjab,Rajputana, centralIndia, and various parts of Gujarat at that time.[59] It is said thatMarwari andGujarati has evolved from thisGurjar Bhakha later.[60] The language was used as a literary language as early as the 12th century. PoetBhoja has referred toGaurjar Apabhramsha in 1014 AD.[59] Formal grammar of Rajasthani was written by Jain monk and eminent scholar Hemachandra Suri in the reign ofChaulukya kingJayasimha Siddharaja. Rajasthani was recognised by the State Assembly as an official Indian language in 2004. Recognition is still pending from the government of India.[61]
First mention of Rajasthani literature comes from the 778 CE novelKuvalayamala, composed in the town of Jalor in south-easternMarwar by Jain acharya Udyotana Suri. Udyotan Suri referred it asMaru Bhasha orMaru Vani. Modern Rajasthani literature began with the works ofSuryamal Misrana.[62] His most important works are theVamsa Bhaskara and theVira satsaī. TheVira satsaī is a collection of couplets dealing with historical heroes. Two other important poets in this traditional style areBakhtavara Ji andKaviraja 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 asvirkavya (heroic poetry), from theDingal language took form during the early formation of medieval social and political establishments in Rajasthan.Maharaja Chatur Singh (1879–1929) was a devotional poet fromMewar. 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.[63]
Developmental progression and growth of Rajasthani literature cand be divided into 3 stages[64]
| 900 to 1400 AD | The Early Period |
| 1400 to 1857 AD | Medieval Period |
| 1857 to present day | Modern Period |
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Traditionally men wearearrings,apadravya,moustaches,dhotis,kurta,angarkha, andpaggar orsafa (headgear resembling aturban)( Safa wearing style,colour,etc. vary by caste, age factors,etc)(Different styles of Safa). Traditionalchudidar payjama (puckered trousers) frequently replacesdhoti 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 andsafa despite both being Rajasthani headgear. Mewar has the tradition ofpaggar, whereas Marwar has the tradition ofsafa.
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-studdedgold andsilver ornaments. Historically, silver or gold ornaments were used for interior decoration stitched on curtains, seat cushions, handy-crafts, etc. Wealthy Rajasthanis used Gems-studdedgold andsilver on swords, shields, knives, pistols, cannon, doors, thrones, etc., which reflects the importance of ornaments in lives of Rajasthanis.[65]
RichRajasthani 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 ofJowar,Bajri, legumes and lentils, its distinct aroma and flavor achieved by the blending of spices includingcurry leaves,tamarind,coriander,ginger, garlic, chili, pepper,cinnamon, cloves,cardamom,cumin, and rosewater.
The major crops of Rajasthan arejowar,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.[66][67]
Rajasthani cuisine has many varieties, varying regionally between the arid desert districts and the greener eastern areas. The most famous dish isDal-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, andKer-Songri made with a desert fruit and beans.
Rajasthani Music has a diverse collection of musicians. Major schools of music includesUdaipur,Jodhpur, andJaipur. Jaipur is a major Gharanas which is well known for its reverence for rare ragas.Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana is associated withAlladiya Khan (1855–1943), who was among the great singers of the late 19th and early 20th century.Alladiya Khan was trained both inDhrupad andKhyal styles, though his ancestors were Dhrupad singers.[68] The most distinguishing feature of JaipurGharana is its complex and lilting melodic form.
The colourful tradition of Rajasthani people reflects in art of paintings as well. This painting style is calledMaru-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 arephad paintings,miniature paintings,kajali paintings,gemstone paintings, etc. There is incredible diversity and imaginative creativity found in Rajasthani paintings. Major schools of art areMewar,Marwar,Kishangarh,Bundi,Kota,Jaipur, andAlwar.
Development ofMaru-Gurjar painting[69]
Phad paintings ("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. ThePhad of God Devnarayan is largest among the popular Pars in Rajasthan. The painted area of GodDevnarayan Ki Phad is 170 square feet (i.e. 34' x 5').[70] Some other Pars are also prevalent in Rajasthan, but being of recent origin, they are not classical in composition.[70] Another famous Par painting isPabuji Ki Phad.Pabuji Ki Phad is painted on a 15 x 5 ft. canvas.[70] Other famous heroes of Phad paintings areGogaji,Prithviraj Chauhan,Amar Singh Rathore, etc.[71]
The rich tradition of Rajasthanis also reflect in thearchitecture of the region. There is a connecting link betweenMāru-Gurjara architecture andHoysala temple architecture. In both of these styles, architecture is treated sculpturally.[72]
Agriculture is the main occupation of Rajasthani people in Rajasthan. Major crops of Rajasthan arejowar,bajri,maize,ragi, rice, wheat, barley, gram, tur, pulses, ground nut, sesamum, etc. Agriculture was the most important element in the economic life of the people of medievalRajasthan.[73] In early medieval times, the land that could be irrigated by one well was calledKashavah, which is a land that could be irrigated by oneKnsha or leather bucket.[74] Historically, there were a whole range of communities in Rajasthan at different stages of economy, from hunting to settled agriculture. TheVan Baoria,Tirgar,Kanjar,vagri, etc. were traditionallyhunters and gatherers. Now, only theVan Baoria are hunters, while others have shifted to agriculture related occupations.[75] There are a number ofartisans, such asLohar andSikligar.Lohar are blacksmiths while Sikligar do specific work of making and polishing of arms used in war. Now, they create tools used for agriculture.
Historically,Rajasthani business community (also calledMarwaris,Rajasthani:मारवाड़ी) 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.[76] The success of Rajasthanis in business, that too outside of Rajasthan, is the outcome of feeling of oneness within the community.[citation needed]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.[77] It is a rare and most revered quality for any successful businessman. Today, they are among the major business classes in India. The termMarwari 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.[78]
TheMarwari group of Rajasthanis have a substantial diaspora throughout India, where they have been established as traders.[79] 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.[80]
InMaharashtra, Rajasthanis are mainly merchants and own large to mid-sized business houses.Maheshwaris are mainly Hindus (some are also Jains), who migrated fromRājputāna in the olden days. They usually worship all Gods and Goddesses along with their village deities.[81]
Charans regard themselves as devotees of a goddess named Hinglaj, a mahashakti, who herself was a Charani born to Charan Haridas of Gaviya lineage in Nagar Thatta.
This Avad is believed to be an incarnation of the mother and stands second in the Charan worship, the first being Durga.
Karni : Presiding Deity of Rajputs and Cāraņas
For Charans, Khodiyar is the kuldevi for obvious reasons. In her iconic images, her attire—long skirt, long jacket, and a scarf covering her head and front of the jacket—clearly reflects her Charan identity.
Among the crowds are many Rajputs who link their community's existence, or survival, to the help of Karni Mata.
Devnarayan is worshiped as an avatar or incarnation ofVishnu. This epic is associated with the Gujar caste
The Gujars of Punjab, North Gujarat and Western Rajasthan worship Sitala and Bhavani
The most influential caste in Rajasthan, Jats are known to be vocal and assertive. In the Assembly elections last year, the Congress fielded 34 Jats and the BJP 31. The Congress's tally of 69 seats from a total 200 was partly due to its performance in the Shekhawati region, which is a Jat belt.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)Jats comprise almost 15% of the total votes in the poll bound Rajasthan, making the largest vote bank in the desert state. Predominantly, this farmer caste is spread across the state, but is dominant mainly in theShekhawati region, comprising Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu districts, and has a significant presence in districts such as Nagaur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Barmer, Tonk and Ajmer. The state presidents of both the Congress and the BJP were from the same caste till BJP replaced DrSatish Poonia with CP Joshi, a Brahaman leader. In the past, the state has seen many important Jat Leaders likeShishram Ola from Juhnjhanu,Parasram Maderana from Jodhpur,Ramniwas andNathuram Mirdha from Nagour andKumbha Ram Arya from Churu. All these stalwarts had served the state as well as the Central government in different positions.
Among jagirdars, all were not Rajputs. Jagirs were also granted to Charans and Brahmins. They were also known as thakurs.
Charans are a caste peculiar to Gujarat and Rajasthan and their ranking is controversial. In Rajasthan, they were bards and 'literateurs', but also warriors and jagirdars, holders of land and power over men; the dependents of Rajputs, their equals and their teachers. There were no Rajputs in this village, though one of my original criteria in selecting a study village was the presence of Rajputs. On my initial visit and subsequently, I was assured of this fact vis-a-vis Panchwas and introduced to the thakurs, who in life-style, the practice of female seclusion, and various reference points they alluded to appeared as Rajputs. While other villagers insisted that Rajputs and Charans were all the same to them, the Charans, were not trying to pass themselves off as Rajputs, but indicating that they were as good as Rajputs if not ritually superior.
Among jagirdars, all were not Rajputs. Jagirs were also granted to Charans and Brahmins. They were also known as thakurs.
Charans received lands in jagir for their services, and in parts of Marwar, certain Charan families were effectively Darbars.
It is an established fact that during 10th-11th century.....Interestingly the language was known as the Gujjar Bhakha..
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