People of Rajasthan include the population of Rajasthan its proper culture. According to the latest census report the population of Rajasthan is about 56.5 million. Almost 90% of the Rajasthani people are Hindus and the rest of the population make up the minority group.
This minority group consists of Muslims. Jains trades and merchants from Rajasthan constitute a significant presence. Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes are also part of the Rajasthani people. The state is, however, dominated by the tribal people. The original inhabitants are the Bhils. They along with the Meenas forming the largest group. The lesser-known tribes like Sahariyas, Damariyas, Garasias, Lohars still form an important group.
Bhil Tribe of Rajasthan
They are largely concentrated in the area around Chittorgarh, Udaipur and Dungarpur. They consist 39% of the tribal population. They are the finest warriors who are adept at guerilla warfare and archery. Bhils are also mentioned in the Hindu epics, Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The Rajput rulers valued the guerilla tactics of the Bhils and without their active support the Muslim and the Maratha attacks could not have been repelled.
The lifestyle of the Bhils is, however, undergoing several changes with improved communication and rapid growth in the economy. They are abandoning their original life of hunting and gathering and hunting and settling down the in the mainstream.
Meenas Tribe of Rajasthan
Meenas are the second largest tribal group and the most widely spread throughout eastern Rajasthan. One can find early references of them in the Vedas and Mahabharat. Their downfall was brought by the Kachhawaha Rajputs. Most Meenas are cultivators and worship Lord Shiva or Mahadeva.
Gadia Lohars of Rajasthan
Gadia Lohars were named after beautiful bullock carts or gadis. They were originally a martial Rajput tribe. Maharana Pratap was the leader of this group. He was ousted from Mewar by Akbar and hence the tribe kept on wandering from place to place who wandered from their homeland of Mewar. Today they earn their livelihood as blacksmiths and prefer to remain nomadic rather than resettle
Garasias Tribe of Rajasthan
This tribe is found in the Abu Road area, South Rajasthan. They have an interesting custom of marriage through elopement. The Garasias are thought said be of Bhil origin and regarded as the most backward tribe in Rajasthan. They dwell in the areas of Kota and Sawai Madhopur
Gurjars and Rabari or Raika Trine of Rajasthan
The Gurjars and Rabari or Raika are the other tribal groups that are also found in Rajasthan. Apart from them there are the Rajputs who are the pride of Rajasthan. Hailing from a royal family they were always famous for their bravery, chivalry and code of honor. The Rajasthani people, thus, will make a traveller"s visit to Rajasthan more interesting.
