Monday, March 24, 2008

Rajasthan Tribes

Rajasthan tribals constitute around twelve percent of the total population of the state. The tribes of Rajasthan, India constitutes of mainly Bhils and the Minas. Infact, they were the original inhabitants of the area where Rajasthan stands now. Apart from these main tribes, there are also a number of smaller tribes in Rajasthan. However all Rajasthan tribes share certain common traits, the variations being in their Rajasthan Costumes, Rajasthani Jewelry, fair and festivals, etc

The main tribes of Rajasthan, India are:

Bhils
Around 39% of Rajasthan tribals comprises of the Bhils. Dominating in the Banswara area of Rajasthan, the Bhils are believed to be fine archers. Infact, Bhil bowmen even found a reference in the great epics Mahabarata and Ramayan. The Bhils were originally food gatherers. However, with the passage of time, they have taken up small-scale agriculture, city residence and employment. The major festivals of Bhils are the Baneshwar fair (held near Dungarpur) and Holi Festival.

Minas
The second largest tribal group of Rajasthan is that of the Minas. The original inhabitants of the Indus Valley civilization, Minas have a tall, athletic build with sharp features, large eyes, thick lips and a light brown complexion. They are found dominating the regions of Shekhawati and eastern Rajasthan. Minas solemnize marriage in the younger years of the children.

Gadiya Lohars
Gadiya Lohars are wandering blacksmiths that are named after their attractive bullock carts called gadis. Initially a martial Rajput tribe, they left their homeland when Emperor Akbar ousted Maharana Pratap from Chittorgarh.

Garasias
Garasias is a small Rajput tribe inhabiting Abu Road area of southern Rajasthan.


Sahariyas, the jungle dwellers, is considered as the most backward tribe in Rajasthan. Believed to be of Bhil origin, they 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.

1 comment:

Jaipur Tour and Travel Packages said...



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