The quaint villages of Rajasthan present a contrasting picture to the royal cities of the state. They do not have forts, palaces, gardens and wildlife sanctuaries. Yet they have an appeal of their own. Their appeal lies in the simplicity and they present the life of Rajasthan at its most basic. The rural life of Rajasthan reflect the strong will of the people who survive in the most adverse conditions. It is here that the majority of the craftsmen originate. The arid and semi arid zones are thickly populated. The rural areas surrounding the reserves are populated. Most of the villagers are generally into agriculture. The rest of them are into some handwork or the other.

The main attraction of the villages lies in their history and culture. While the cities flaunt an amalgamated culture or Western influence the villages still hang onto their roots. In case the travelers are interested in the traditions and beliefs of ancient Rajasthan then its villages will be perfect for them. There are 123 villages in Rajasthan. More or less these have common features. The best way to find out a village is by locating the herd of cattle. Otherwise it is quite difficult to find out a settlement in the vast stretch of the desert. However at times there may not by any signs at all. The existence of a village is only deemed upon reaching it.

The social structure of the villages in Rajasthan still follows the older hierarchical order. In this the state is similar to most of the villages in India. Villages are dotted with circular thatched roof huts while the wall is made up of clay, cow dung, and hay. The houses are with by beras, which are made up of dry branches or bamboos. The sharp thorn in the boundaries ensures that the cattle do not stray. If the villages are bigger then the houses here are bigger too. Havelis can still be spotted in many villages that belong to the Zamindars or moneyed people. The ordinary houses are only decorated with a texture of plaster or designs entrance and at the threshold of the kitchens. These decorations are supposed to ward off evil spirits.

Every village has a temple or other religious monument. Religion is an indispensable part in the life of the villagers. It is interesting to witness the different festivals that take place here. The villagers abide by al the rituals that are required to complete the veneration. There can be no shortcut as far as religion is concerned. Hence the caste system is also strictly followed. These systems are a set of unsaid rules that must be followed. However it is their religious faith that helps them to survive in the immensely rough situations. What is interesting is the way they lead their lives and the elaborate rituals they follow for birth, marriage and death. The practice of the rudaalis was once upon a time very popular. Today, however, it is not no longer frequently performed.

Most of the villages in Rajasthan are led by the Rajputs. The best means to explore these villages are on a camel back. The tourists can visit the villages and can personally experience the Rajasthani hospitality. The folk dances and music are rooted in these villages of Rajasthan. What better place can be there than these villages to know more about folk music, dance, art and culture?

Though there are numerous villages, which are worth a visit, but the most famous amongst these are the villages in the region of Shekhawati, Jaisalmer and Bikaner. To put it briefly the villages of Rajasthan encompass the history, traditions, beliefs, culture and customs of ancient Rajasthan.