People Of Rajasthan
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 folows:
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,
Kanjar.
Religions
The religion and costumes of the tribes vary. They each
have their own religion, costumes and profession.
The religion followed by Rajasthanis, in general, is the
Hindu religion. Various other religions are also prevalent
in Rajasthan. Some of these religions are:
Jain Religion The Jains follow the teachings of Lord
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. Mahavira stressed on the
practice of Non-violence.
Sikh Religion Over time, there has been a considerable
increase in the number of followers of Sikh religion. The
Sikhs believe in formless God and worship their holy book
'Guru Granth Sahib'
Some other major religions that are followed are Buddhism,
Islam, Christianity, Parsi religion.
Costumes
The study of the people of Rajasthan is incomplete without
the knowledge of costumes and ornaments. The costumes of the
present have the reflections of the costumes of the past.
.
Both males and females dress in the customary dresses fully
influenced by climate, economy, status and the profession,
they are engaged. The traditional dresses being Potia,
Dhoti, Banda, Angrakhi, Bugatari, Pachewara, Khol, Dhabla,
amongst Hindus; and Tilak, Burga, Achkan amongst Muslims
which fast changing now with Bushirt, Salwar and Skirts,
Saris and Pants accordingly. Turbans the head dress of
Rajasthan is a differential pattern of each geographical
region designed to its terrain and climatic influence.
Clothes express ones personality and tell people which
village and caste they belong.
All over Rajasthan the bandhni, tie-dye sari and turban
reign supreme.
The common dress of the women constitutes (i) Sari or Odhani,
(ii) Kanchli or Kunchuki or Choli (iii) Ghaghra or Ghaghri
or Lahanga Besides, the women of high status and ranks wear
dupatta and patka. The use of chappals or sandals or jutees
is also common but ladies of high families use coloured
sandals studded with gold threads and stars.Thus, it is
concluded that the costumes of women are very colourful and
fascinating.
Ornaments
He use of ornaments dates back to the prehistoric times
with the passage of time new designs and varieties replace
the old ones but still there are ornaments which were used
in the past and are still used in the present.
Both men and women wear ornaments but with the passage of
time, men are giving up their use.The ornaments of gold and
silver are more prevalent in Rajasthan. There are certain
ornaments which are used by men.
In daily use the ladies wear normal ornaments of neck, hand,
nose and ear but on special occasions and social functions.
Women wear all the ornaments of different parts of the
body to look beautiful and attractive. For its exquisite
designs and delicacy of art Rajasthan Jewelry is a rage
not only for ladies of India but also for women of foreign
countries.
