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People

  • Religious Composition:

88.8% Hindus, 8.5% Muslims, and Sikhs, Jains and Sindhis less than 2%

  • Scheduled Tribes:

Meenas and Bhils

  • Major Languages:

Hindi and Marwari

  • Rajput:

The Warrior Class

  • Brahmins:

The Priest Class

  • Marwari and Jains:

The Trader Class

  • Jats and Bishnois:

The Pastoral Class

  • Muslims

The Craftsman Class


Without knowledge about the residents of a place, the knowledge about any place will not be complete. In Rajasthan, the people are quite friendly and good natured. They welcome people coming from other parts of the country or world with open arms. “Padharo mhare des” is the motto of this state. Like any part of the country, one can witness Unity in Diversity in this state. As soon as one set his foot on this desert land, he comes across the friendly and jolly nature of Rajasthani people. Demographically, a lot of diversity is seen in this state and people are divided on the basis of occupation or birth. Some regions are densely populated whereas some are sparsely populated in this state.

The 2001 census indicates 56.5 million population of Rajasthan. Though, this state is synonymous with the chivalry and bravery of Rajputs, this clan is limited to a small numberas far as total state population is concerned. Still, their influence on th society cannot be negated. Famous clans among Rajputs are Chauhans, Sisodias, Kacchwahas, Rathores, Bhatis, Pawars and Solankis. There are Mussalman Sipahis or Mussalman Rajputs too who are considered to be an extension of this clan.

There are 88.8% Hindus and 8.55 % Muslims. Rest of the population includes Jains, Sikhs and Sindhis. Brahmins among Hindus are considered to be high class in comparison to other castes of Hindus. On the basis of professions carried out by forefathers, castes are derived, though; it is not at all compulsory that their children too follow their footsteps. There is a chroniclers or writers community that includes Khatris, Kayasthas, Lodhas and Bhadaris. The trading community of the state is known as Marwaris. This category encompasses Aggarwals, Maheshwaris, Shrimals, Mahajans, Lohias, etc. Mostly Jains, Oswls hailing from Osian region near Jodhpur is another trading community.

Tribal populations also form a part of total state population and they are further categorized into several jatis. Bhils and Meenas are the two major tribal communities in this state. Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur and Udaipur districts have been inhabited by Meena community. Bhils are essentially seen in districts like Dungarpur, Bhilwara, Chittaurgarh, Banswara, Udaipur and Sirohi. They are considered to be ace archers. Sahariyas and Grasias are relatively lesser known tribal communities. Nomadic traders, Meos and Banjaras are also a part of state population. Main languages spoken in this state are Marwari and Hindi. Marwari is spoken differently in different cities. This erstwhile civilization has still managed to survive despite so many adversities and diversities. Even when belonging to different backgrounds, people live with great unity and harmony. This is the reason; tourists love to come back to this state.

The caste of people was decided by the profession adopted by them in erstwhile times. Though, this system is no longer in existence but the castes once adopted are carried forward from generation to generation. People can now choose any profession of their choice irrespective of religion or caste. This system of caste has now converted into birth related caste system.

Rajputs who used to rule this state in old times forms an essential part of the state population. People belonging to this community are blessed with good height, stout people. They used to worship Shiva, Sun and Vishnu. Many Rajputs follow Vedic religion. They carry out several auspicious activities as per Vedic Traditions and customs.

The Other Castes found in Rajasthan are as Follows:


Brahmins

People belonging to this caste opted for performing religious rites and worshipping Gods as main occupation.

Vaishya

Business was taken up by these people as livelihood source. Agricultural castes also reside in this state. They have opted for agriculture as their source of income, and major castes involved in this occupation are Mali, Jat, Kalvi, Gurjar, etc.

Religions

Costumes and religions of tribes vary considerably. They have unique costumes, religion and profession. Hindu religion is majorly followed by Rajasthanis, through people belonging to other religions also reside here.

Some of these Religions are:


Jain Religion

Lord Mahavira and his teachings are followed by people belonging to this religion. Mahavira was 24th Tirthankara and laid focus on Non violence.

Sikh Religion

In recent times, the number of people following Sikh religion has increased significantly. Sikhs worship Guru Granth Sahib.

Other main that are followed by Rajasthanis are Islam, Buddishm, Parsi and Christianity religion.

Origin

Exact origin of people residing in Rajasthan is not known due to absence of written records.
Since a long time, Rajasthnis have made Rajasthan their home. The oldest kingdom in Rajasthan is believed to be Alwar located in the North East of this state. Close to 1500 BC, Alwar became a part of Viratanagar’s Matsya territories’ that includes Dholpur, Bharatpur and Karauli.

Costumes

It is necessary to gain knowledge about the costumes of Rajasthanis in order to understand them better. Customary dresses are worn by both males as well as females. Their dresses depend on economy, climate, profession and status. Dhoti, Potia, Angarkhi, Banda, Khol, Pachewara and Dhabla are the traditional dresses of Hindus. Muslims usually wear Burqa and Achkan. These are traditional dresses and are worn on specific occasions. Usually people wear shirt, trousers, saree, or salwar suits. Head dress is the most peculiar part of traditional dress. These turbans differ from region to region hence one can find out about the native place of a person by the turban he is wearing. Personality is expressed by clothes.

Rajasthan is also famous for its tie and dye, bandhni, and unique turbans. Women usually wear Odhani or saree, Choli or Kanchli, Lahanga or Ghaghra. Woem with high status wear patka or dupatta. Jutis are commonly worn which is available in great varieties. In high clas women, the jutis are embellished using gold thread. Thus, colourfully vivid dresses are worn in Rajasthan.

Ornaments

Ornaments have been in use since times immemorial. The fashion and designs have changed but the love for these ornaments has not waned in any way. Men as well as women love to wear ornaments, though it is comparatively higher in women. Ornaments made from silver and gold are most common. Bor, thussi, timaniya, rakhdi, bajuband, gokhru, kamarbandh, nath, etc are few of the popular ornaments worn by women in Rajasthan. Some ornaments are also worn by men. Rajasthan is known for its lac bangles and intricately carved jhumke. Women love to wear them.

Occupation

The main occupation of the people of Rajasthan is agriculture. Crops majorly grown in this state are bajri, jowar, ragi, maize, wheat, rice, gram, barley, pulses, tur, sesame, groundnut, etc. Agriculture plays a major role in the life of many people. Irrigation of land in medieval age was done through wells which were known as Kashvah. Many communities used to earn their livelihood through agriculture. Earlier they used to hunt for fulfilling their needs but later switched to agriculture. Traditional gatherers and hunters were Tirgar, Van Baoria, Vagri, Kanjar, etc. Except Van Boaria, rest communities have now adopted agriculture. Sikligar and Lohar are artisan’s community.

Trade and Business

Business was conducted all over the country as well as foreign countries with unprecedented success by Rajasthani trading and business community. Joint system of family was the basic of their business where right from the grandfather, father, uncles, cousins, brothers and close relatives used to get involved in business sharing business responsibilities. The unprecedented success witness by business community of Rajasthan comes from the feeling of one. It is basic nature of these people to help other members of their community. This not only strengthens oneness but trust and kinship bondage among community. Their sense of adapting to a new religion, culture and customs is great. When they migrate to different regions, they are capable of assimilating with native culture without any trouble. Birlas, Bachhawats, Goenkas, Ruias, Bajajs, Singhanias and Tatas are few names that have carved a name for themselves.

Diaspora

Considerable Diaspora can be seen in Rajasthani Marwaris where they have made their name as successful traders. In order to seek best possible opportunities, they had migrated to various part of the country and outside country.  The major reason behind their migration was commerce and trade.

Maharashtra

A large number of Rajasthanis can be seen in Maharashtra where they have established themselves as traders and merchants. They successfully own their own businesses, whether small or large. Major community migrating from Rajasthan is Maheshwari.

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