People
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.
