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PEOPLE OF RAJASTHAN

The Rajasthanis are sturdy, cheerful and simple folks relatively untouched by the fast pace of modern times. The people of Rajasthan are one of the most colourful. To offset the barren, colourless landscape and the monotony of its cloudless sky, the people of Rajasthan show a distinct preference for bright costumes.

From the simple village folk or tribal, to the Kings and Queens, the preferred colours are bright red, dazzling yellow, lively green or brilliant orange, highlighted by a lavish use of sparkling gold and silver zari or gota. Tribal and nomadic women are known for their love for silver jewelry (although men too sport ear studs and earrings). The ornaments follow age-old designs typical of a particular tribe.

India is a land of diversities. It is all the more pronounced in Rajasthan. An old local saying sums it up - "The dialect, cuisine, water and turbans in Rajasthan change every 12 miles." In fact there are about 1,000 different styles and types of turbans in Rajasthan, each denoting the class, caste and region of the person. Turbans come in all shapes, sizes and colours; and there are specific turbans for specific occasions as well.

Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage has produced some of the finest artistes of international repute. They include celebrated sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, the Grammy winner Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt, the Dhrupad singers – Dagar Brothers, the legendary oriental dancer Uday Shankar and the noted ghazal singer Jagjit Singh, to name a few.

Rajasthani women have been renowned for their grace and beauty.

Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, was so smitten by the beauty of the legendary Maharani Padmini Devi of Chittaurgarh that he waged a war - in vain - for her hand. In her heydays, the present day Rajmata of Jaipur, Maharani Gayatri Devi, was considered by Vogue to be amongst the Ten Most Beautiful Women in the World. And her charm hasn't diminished one bit till today!

Rajasthan's greatest contribution to the country's economy has been in the field of Human Resources. The term Marwari is a misnomer. Literally speaking, it signifies a person from the Marwar(Jodhpur) region of Rajasthan, although the majority of Rajasthan's businessmen are from the Shekhavati belt. However, colloquially it has come to denote emigrant businessmen from the vicinity of Rajasthan. Traditionally, traders par excellence, they migrated from their home state way back in the 16th century and established trading outposts as far away as Assam - the eastern corner of India. With their ingrained thrift and perseverance (in those days, people had to walk miles and miles over scorching sands for a pot of water!) and business acumen, they soon converted these small businesses into industrial empires. Today, the marwaris dominate India's business and economy. As an American sociologist put it, "more than half the assets in the modern sector of the Indian economy are controlled by the trading castes originating in the northern half of Rajasthan."

Marwaris, as a rule and custom, marry only within the community. Horoscope matching by the family astrologer is the first and foremost step in every marwari marriage. Grand weddings with music, decor, food and entertainments are a part of the marwari community in India and abroad. People gift even the entire factories and estates; apart from jewellery, silverware, cash, designer wear etc. Lakhs of rupees are spent on lavish parties, highflying caterers, musicians, dresses and fancy decorations by almost every marwari family for their marriage.

Sangeet, bachelor parties, sagai ceremony and miscellaneous functions ensure a huge amount being spent on every marwari marriage. Marwaris always believe in doing the best, wearing the best and eating the best. Infact every marwari marriage reflects simply the same.

Marriage Ceremonies in order of occurrence:

1. Matchmaking.

2. Official engagement ceremony.

3. Ganapati sthapna.

4. Griha shanti ceremony.

5. Pithi dastoor ceremony.

6. Mehfils.

7. Mahira dastoor ceremony.

8. Janev ceremony.

9. Palla dastoor.

10. The marwari baraat.

11. Grihapravesh.

12. Pagelagni

In olden days, the profession of the people decided their caste. This system has now been broken. Today, individuals have the freedom to opt for any profession irrespective of caste. The profession based caste system has now been transformed into birth-based caste system. People of various castes and sub-castes reside in Rajasthan. The Rajputs, who were the rulers of most of the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan, form a major group of residents of Rajasthan. Rajputs are generally, stoutly built people of good height. The Rajputs generally worshipped the Sun, Shiva, and Vishnu. Vedic religion is still followed by the Rajputs. All the auspicious and inauspicious activities are done in accordance to the Vedic traditions.

The other castes found in Rajasthan are as follows:
Brahmins : Their main occupation was worshipping and performance of religious rites.
Vaishya : These people generally took up business as their source of livelihood. These days they are settled in every nook and corner of the country.

There is a large group of agricultural castes to be found in Rajasthan. These people depend on Agriculture for their livelihood . Some of these castes are Jat, Gurjar, Mali, Kalvi etc.

Irrespective of the birth-based caste system, each individual is free to follow the profession / occupation as per choice, in modern Rajasthan. Many tribes are also found in different parts of Rajasthan. These tribes have their own social systems and customs. Some of the commonly known tribes are Meena, Bhil, Garasia, Sansi and Kanjar.