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.
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