Ethnic groups of Rajasthan, major tribes and their life styles
Ethnic Groups of Rajasthan:- Ethnic Group is group of people who share a similar culture (beliefs, values, and behaviors), language, religion, ancestry, or other characteristic that is often handed down from one generation to the next.
Examples:- Rajputs, Brahmins, Jats, Muslim Settlers, Bishnois, Bhils, Minas, Gujjars, Tribals, Rebaries, Gavarias, Banjaras, Charans, Gadia Lohars
Major tribes and their life styles:-
> Rajasthan tribals form approximately twelve percent of the total population of Rajasthan. In fact, they were the original inhabitants of the area presently called Rajasthan.
> The Bhils and the Minas are the principal tribes of Rajasthan, India.
> Amongst the smaller tribes are Sahariyas, Gaduliya Lohars and the Garasias.
> The common traits shared by the different tribes of Rajasthan link their past together.
> Each tribe is distinguished by difference in their costumes, festivals and ornaments.
Some of the main tribes of Rajasthan are:
1. Bhils:-
- Bhils, the principal tribe of Rajasthan, comprise approximately 39% of the total tribal population in Rajasthan.
- Banswara area is dominated by this tribal group.
- They were believed to be fine archers and some Bhil bowmen found a mention in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
- In order to maintain their number, the Bhils mingled with the Rajputs.
- A number of Bhils gather at the Baneshwar festival held in Dungarpur.
- They rejoice by singing and dancing at the festival.
- Yet another festive time for Bhils is Holi. Superstition is deep rooted in the Bhil culture.
2. Minas:-
- Minas, the second largest tribe in Rajasthan, dominate the area of Shekhawati and other eastern parts of Rajasthan.
- They originally resided at the Indus Valley civilization.
- Minas have tall and athletic built and sharp features including large eyes, light brown complexion and thick lips.
- Alike the Bhils, the literacy rate amongst the Minas is low.
- They are married in quite young years.
3. Gadiya Lohars:-
- Originally a martial tribe, Gadiya Lohars derived their name from the attractive bullock carts popularly called gadis.
- Nowadays, they are nomadic blacksmiths.
- They left their homeland after Maharana Pratap was ousted from Chittorgarh by Emperor Akbar.
4. Garasias:-
- Garasias, small Rajput tribe resides along the Abu Road area in southern Rajasthan.
- Marriage through elopement is an interesting custom followed by this tribal group.
5. Sahariyas:-
- Sahariyas, the jungle dwellers, are found in Kota, Dungarpur and Sawai Madhopur areas o southern Rajasthan.
- Thought to be of Bhil origin, they are considered the most backward tribe in Rajasthan.
- Hunting and fishing are the main sources of earning a livelihood.
6. Damors:- Damors, chiefly, cultivators and manual laborers migrated from Gujarat to Rajasthan and settled in the Udaipur and Dungarpur districts.