Rajasthan's population includes many tribals, who today constitute
12% of the state population, nearly double the national average. The
main tribes of Rajasthan are the Bhils and the Minas that were the
original inhabitants of the area now called Rajasthan. But they were
forced into the Aravalli Range by the Aryan invasion. Smaller tribes
include the Sahariyas, Garasias and the Gaduliya lohars.
The tribes share common traits, which seem to link their past together
but it is the differences in their costumes and jewellery, fair and
festivals that set them apart from one another.
Bhils The Bhils compromise 39% of
Rajasthan's tribal population. Their stronghold is Banswara. The generic
term derives from Bhils, which describe their original talent and
strength. The Bhils maintained their numbers by mingling with rebellious
outcaste Rajputs.
According to legends, the Bhils were fine archers. Bhil bowmen are
mentioned in both the Mahabarata and Ramayan. They were highly regarded
as warriors and the Rajput rulers relied on them. Although originally
food gatherers, the Bhils these days have taken up small-scale
agriculture, city residence and employment.
The Baneshwar fair is a Bhil festival held near Dungarpur in
January/February each year and large number of Bhils gather for several
days for singing, dancing and worshipping. Holi is another important
time for Bhils. Witchcraft magic and superstition are deeply rooted
aspects of the Bhil culture.
Minas The Minas are the second largest
tribal group in the state after the Bhils and are the most widely
spread. They may have been original inhabitants of the Indus Valley
civilization. The Vedas and the Mahabharta mention them, and it was the
Kachhawah Rajputs who finally dispersed them and forced them into the
Aravallis. The Minas have a tall, athletic build with sharp features,
large eyes, thick lips and a light brown complexion.
They live in the regions of Shekhawati and eastern Rajasthan. The name
Minas is derived from 'men fish'. Originally they were a ruling tribe,
but their slow downfall began with the Rajputs, and was completed when
the British Government declared them a 'Criminal tribe' in 1924, mainly
to stop them from trying to regain their territory from the Rajputs.
Just like the Bhils, the literacy rate among the Minas was very low,
but is improving. Marriage, arranged by the parents is generally within
the tribe and most marriages take place when the children are quite
young.
Gaduliya Lohars The Gaduliya Lohars,
named after their beautiful bullock carts ('gadis'), were originally a
martial Rajput tribe, but nowadays they are nomadic blacksmiths. They
are said to have wandered from their homeland of Mewar because of their
promise to their 'lord' Maharana Pratap who was ousted from Chittaurgarh
by Akbar. This clan of warring Rajputs vowed to re-enter the city only
after the victory of Maharana Pratap who was, however, unfortunately
killed in the battlefield.
Garasias They are a small Rajput tribe
found along the Abu Road area of Southern Rajasthan. The Garasias have
an interesting custom of marriage through elopement, which usually takes
place at the annual Gaur Fair held during the full moon in March. After
the elopement, which can be spontaneous or pre-arranged, a bride price
is paid to the bride's father.
Sahariyas They are thought to be of Bhil
origin and are found in the areas of Kota, Dungarpur and Sawai Madhopur
in the south- east of the state. The Sahariyas are jungle dwellers,
their name possibly deriving from the Persian 'Sehr'. The Sahariyas are
regarded as the most backward tribe in Rajasthan and make out a living
as shifting cultivators and by hunting and fishing.
Damors The small tribal community of
Damors probably migrated from their original home in Gujarat to settle
in Dungarpur and Udaipur districts. They are mainly cultivators and
manual labourers.
|
Come and explore the exotic and beauty of Rajasthan. We can customize 
Suggested
Tour Packages
