Rajasthan Culture

Rajasthan, "the land of RAJAS (or kings)". It is the second largest state of India situated in the Northwest region. Rajasthan is also called 'Rajputana', the country of Rajputs." Just as every human society possesses a culture, so does Rajasthan. Rajasthan's culture comes from its two main tribes-Bhils and Minas. The Bhils form an important group in the southern part of the state. The Minas are Rajasthan's largest and most widely spread tribal group. In the north, they inhabit the sikar belt and in the southwest, the Mina settlement mix with the Bhels. Above all the Rajputs form an important section of the population. The 'Jats' are the people living in the north and west of Rajasthan and are primarily an agricultural people. The main language of the state is rajasthani which comprises of a number of indo-aryan dialect. The four most important of these are Marwari (west), Jaipuri (east), Malwi (southeast), Mewati (nothwest). Hinduism is the main religion followed by most people of Rajasthan. Islam extended into region with the conquest of Ajmer in the 1100's. Rajasthan along with populated is also the poorest state. Most people, especially women are unable to read and write. But, at the same time Rajasthan is the most colorful of all states; as the colorful bangles, jewelry, embroidery and costume distinguish Rajastahni women from many tribes. Above all it is the state in which the roots of Henna (popularly known as MEHNDI) originated. It is from here that the custom of applying Mehndi by women on auspicious occasions originated. And, today it has spread its beauty and colors across the boundaries of India. Henna is one of the main products that are manufactured here. The traditional handicraft include pottery, jewelers, embrosed brass, block printing embroidery and decorative painting. Agriculture forms an important source of earning a living by the rajasthani people. The tribes of Rajasthan lead a very simple life away from all the noise of the cities; in the calm deserts, yet their life's are full of color and glory which is filled by the people themselves.