Mt. Abu
major states and
is well above the national growth rate of 23.5%. Despite being periodically destroyed by a
draught, the population is no longer killed by famine, as improved transport
infrastructure and communication enable the famine stricken inhabitants to receive aid in
the form of grain and fodder. Rajasthan is still a relatively poor state and there is a
correlation between poverty and the size of families. The average life expectancy is 61
years of age. While the average number of people per sq. km. is about 130. Densities vary
drastically according to desert region. The Gujjars, who profess Hinduism, dwell in
eastern Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Udaipur, Alwar, Kota and Bharatpur. They are divided
into two groups, the Laur and the Khari. The nomadic tribes of Rabari or Raika, are also
Hindu. They are divided into two groups- the Marus, who breed camels, and the Chalikas,
who breed sheep and goats.The affluent Oswals hail from Osiyan, near Jodhpur and are successful in trade and commerce. They are predominantly Jains, although a few profess Vaishnavism. Oswal women are compelled to observe strict purdah system.
Tribal People of Rajasthan
The main tribes of Rajasthan are the Bhils and the Minas that were the original inhabitants of the area now called Rajasthan. But they were forced into the Aravalli Range by the Aryan invasion. Smaller tribes include the Sahriyas, Damariyas, Garasias and the Gaduliya lohars.
According to legends the Bhils were fine archers. Bhil bowmen are mentioned in both the Mahabarata and Ramayan. They were highly regarded as warriors and the Rajput Rulars relied on them. Although originally food gatherers, the Bhils these days have taken up small-scale agriculture, city residence and employment. The literacy rate of the Bhils was very low, especially of the women of Bhils, but the situation has been reversed now and one of the Bhil women has even entered the state parliament. The Baneshwar fair is a Bhil festival held near Dungarpur in Jan/Feb each year and large number of Bhils gather for several days for singing, dancing and worshipping. Holi is another important time for Bhils. Witchcraft magic and superstition are deeply rooted aspects of the Bhil culture.
Minas
The Minas are the second largest tribal group in the state after the Bhils and are the most widely spread. They live in the regions of Shekhawati and eastern Rajasthan. The name Minas is derived from 'men fish'. Originally they were a ruling tribe, but their slow downfall began with the Rajputs, and was completed when the British Government declared them a ‘Criminal tribe’ in 1924, mainly to stop them from trying to regain their territory from the Rajputs. Just like the Bhils, the literacy rate among the Minas was very low, but is improving. Marriage is generally within the tribe. The parents arrange this and most marriages take place when the children are quite young.
Gaduliya Lohars
The Gaduliya Lohars, named after their beautiful bullock carts (gadis), were originally a martial Rajput tribe, but nowadays they are nomadic blacksmiths. Their traditional territory was Mewar (Udaipur). They fought against the Mughals.
Garasial
They are a small Rajput tribe found along the Abu Road area of Southern Rajasthan.
Sahariyas
They are thought to be of Bhil origin, They are found in the areas of Kota, Dungarpur, Sawai Madhopur in the South- east of the state. These tribes are generally illiterate; only 5% of the total population is literate. These laborers have been cruelly exploited during the ages and are generally employed as bonded laborers.