kanchli

Rajasthani people or Rajasthanis are a group of Indo-Aryan peoples native to Rajasthan ("the land of kingdoms"), 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". 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 civilization, the foundation of the Rajasthani community took shape with the rise of ''Western Middle Kingdoms'' such as Western Kshatrapas. ''Western Kshatrapas'' (35-405 BC) 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. ''Saka calendar'' (also been adopted as Indian national calendar) is used by the Rajasthani community and adjoining areas such as Punjab and Haryana. With time, their social structures received stronger reorganizations, 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.

Romani people

Some claim that ''Romani people'' originated in parts of the Rajasthan. Indian origin was suggested based on linguistic grounds as early as 200 years ago. The ''roma'' ultimately derives from a form '' ḍōmba'' ("man living by singing and music"), attested in Classical Sanskrit. Linguistic and genetic evidence indicates the Romanies originated from the Indian subcontinent, emigrating from India towards the northwest no earlier than the 11th century. Contemporary populations sometimes suggested as sharing a close relationship to the Romani are the Dom people of Central Asia and the Banjara 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. The oldest king of Rajasthan in terms of caste was Maharaja Shalinder of Taxak Jat clan and next is Bappa Rawal’s Guhila Rajput dynasty. Around 1500 BC, it formed a part of the Matsya territories of Viratnagar (present-day Bairat) encompassing Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli.

Religion

Rajasthani society is a blend of predominantly Hindus with sizable 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.

The Khatiks of Rajasthan worship Shiva, Kali (kalika ma), Bhavani, and Ram as well as Hanuman.

Meenas of Rajasthan till date strongly follow Vedic culture which usually includes worship of '' Bhainroon'' (Shiva) 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 Jats worship the Shiva, Vishnu, Sun, Moon and Bhavani (Goddess ''Durga'').

The ''Rajputs'' generally worship the Karni Mata, Sun, Shiva, Vishnu, and Bhavani (Goddess ''Durga'').
Meerabai (''मीराबाई'') was an important figure who was devoted Krishna.

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.
File:MET DP227587.jpg, Hanuman
File:Samadhishvara - Chittor Fort - Rajasthan -DSC 4615.jpg, Shiva temple at Chittor Fort
File:Shri Karni Mata Deshnoke-2.png, Karni Mata
File:MET DP152346.jpg, Krishna in the form of Shri Nathji
File:Kodamdesar bheruji.JPG, Bheruji Temple (Bhairava)

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 (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. 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. 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 Meghwal,Jats, Rajputs, Meenas, Gurjars, Brahmans, Malis, Kolis, Agrawals, Kumhars,Kumawat etc.

Meghwal(25%) Jats (11.52%),Rajputs (10%), Meenas (10%), Gurjars (10.4%), Brahman (7.5%) of Rajasthan's population.
% of Rajasthan.

Jats and Meghwal are generally agricultural caste in Rajasthan and are listed under Other Backward Castes of Rajasthan State. In the village Kanswa it was proved the rule of Jat king Shalinder(409 AD) of Sialkot(Shalpur) which was till Kota region founded by James Tod. In East Rajasthan Bharatpur and Dholpur were ruled by Jat rulers. Jats had a empire in Medieval period known as Jangaldesh Empire, the prominent Jat clans of this empire were Godaras, Johiyas, Saharans, Punias and others who ruled the Northern Rajasthan for around four centuries as an Independent possession. Some of the rulersof Jats in Rajasthan were Surajmal, Maldeo Chahar, Pandu Ram Godara and others. Jats of these 2 districts(Bharatpur and Dholpur) were removed from Central OBC list after a ruling by Supreme Court of India in 2015. Rajasthan State Government added them back in the state's Other Backward Caste list but didn't send the recommendation to Central Government, since they were removed by Supreme Court.

Rajputs are well-known warrior people of Rajasthan. Rajputs are descendants of ancient ruling dynasties. Rajput status vary from princely stage to common cultivator . They hold distinctive identity as opposed to Rajputs of other regions of the country. This identity is usually described as "proud Rajput of Rājputāna". They traced their lineage from a mythical fire atop Mt. Abu–a mountain in Rajasthan (''Agni Kula'' or the Fire Family), Rajput clans like chamaan of shakmbhari chalukya / solanki of gujarat and parmars are protectors of india from islamic Arab and turk invaders . Rajputs ruler bappa rawal of guhilot dynasty,Chaulukya Rajput king make an alliance to protect india from Arabs and turk invaders
the sun (''Suryavanshi'' or the Sun Family), and the moon (''Chandravanshi'' or the Moon Family). ''The Sun Family'' includes Sisodias of Mewar (Chittaur and Udaipur), Rathores of Jodhpur and Bikaner, and Kachwahas of Amer and Jaipur while ''The Moon family'' includes Bhati of Jaisalmer whereas The Fire family includes Chauhans of Bundi and Kota and Solankis of Baran and Desuri.

Baniya (बनिया) are the trading communities which includes Agarwal, Khandelwal and Maheshwari. Agarwals trace their origin to Agroha, a historic town near Hisar in Haryana 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. They are among the influential and prosperous communities of Rajasthan. Baniyas are also known for their society serving. A number of Schools, Colleges, Hospitals, Dharmshalas, etc are built by the Baniya Community which provide their facilities at very minimum rates to serve the society. Baniya people are strict vegetarians and many even avoid eating onion and garlic. Drinking alcohol is also strictly prohibited in Baniya Society.

Khatik(खटीक/खटक) 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, though some claim warrior caste origin. Because they once handled carcasses.
They found in good numbers in Rajsthan.

Gujjars, Gurjar,gujar (गूजर, गुज्जर) are well known people from Rajasthan. Historically, the Gujar caste is 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.

Sain Nai mostly lives in Alwar, Dausa, Bharatpur, Jaipur & some other district of Rajasthan. They worship their kuldevi ''sati Narayani Mata'' (Temple in Alwar)

l.Jibraeil: "Position of Jats in Churu Region", The Jats - Vol. II, Ed Dr Vir Singh, Delhi, 2006, p. 223

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.

Kumawat are also found all over Rajasthan with majority in Jaipur, Pali, Bikaner, Jodhpur etc. . Kumawat are also called as Kheti Ghar Kumar as their 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 Meena 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 ''Rajputs'' for their bravery and martial capabilities. ''Meenas'', in ancient times, were ruler of ''Matsya'', i.e., Rajasthan or ''Matsya'' Union. However, during colonial rule, the British government declared 250 groupsThe Indian constitution--: a case study of backward classes by Ratna G. Revankar, Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press, 1971, pp.239 which included Meenas, Gujars, etc. as "criminal tribes". Any group or community that took arms and opposed British rule were branded as criminal by the British government in 1871. This Act was repealed in 1952 by Government of India. 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. Garasias is a small Rajput tribe inhabiting Abu Road area of southern Rajasthan.

Rajpurohit Sanskrit:राजपुरोहित, Gujarati:રાજપુરોહિત) is a caste residing in South Asia natively in western Rajasthan of India.They maintain traditions that are similar to both Brahmins and Rajputs. They are historically engaged into administration, trading, jagirdar, royal council Member and are spread across entire country. They were given villages at boundary of kingdom. According to political analysts, Rajput, Rajpurohit and Charancommunities are considered to be identical in regards to their social customs and political ideologies.

Rajasthani Brahmins are mostly Rajpurohi (jagirdar ),dadheechs, Pareeks, Saraswats, Gujar Gaur, Khandelwal Brahmins or Khandal, Shrimalis, Garg Brahmins, Sharma Brahmins, Bhutia Brahmins, Paliwals, Pushkarna Brahmins, jangid bramhin and Gaur. Pushkarna Brahmins in particular are the group of people who fled Muslim persecution in Sindh during the conquest of the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century and later settled in the Marwar region, mainly in cities of Marwar (west Rajasthan) like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Falaudi etc. Pushkarna Brahmins still maintain a blend of old sindhi culture and marwadi culture to this day.
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 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 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 recognized 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 a well known work ''Kuvalayamala'', inscribed c. 778 in the town of Jalor in south-eastern Marwar by Jain acharya Udyotan 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'' (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.

Developmental progression and growth of Rajasthani literature cand be divided into 3 stages

Culture and tradition

Dress

Traditionally men wear ''Earring'', Apadravya'', ''Moustache'', ''dhotis'', ''kurta'', ''angarkha'' and ''paggar'' or ''safa'' (kind of turban headgear). Traditional ''Chudidar payjama'' (puckered trousers) frequently replaces ''dhoti'' in different regions. Women wear ''ghagra'' (long skirt) and ''kanchli'' (top). 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 jewelry 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 characterized 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

HOME


Content is Copyleft
Website design, code, and AI is Copyrighted (c) 2014-2017 by Stephen Payne


Consider donating to Wikimedia



As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases