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Rajasthan's
population includes many tribals, who today constitute 12% of the state
population, nearly double the national average. 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 Sahariyas,
Garasias and the Gaduliya lohars.
The tribes share common traits, which seem to link their past together
but it is the differences in their costumes and jewellery, fair and
festivals that set them apart from one another. Bhils
The Bhils compromise 39% of Rajasthan's tribal population. Their
stronghold is Banswara. The generic term derives from Bhils, which
describe their original talent and strength. The Bhils maintained their
numbers by mingling with rebellious outcaste Rajputs.
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 rulers relied on them. Although originally food
gatherers, the Bhils these days have taken up small-scale agriculture,
city residence and employment.
The Baneshwar fair is a Bhil festival held near Dungarpur in
January/February 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 may have been original
inhabitants of the Indus Valley civilization. The Vedas and the Mahabharta
mention them, and it was the Kachhawah Rajputs who finally dispersed them
and forced them into the Aravallis. The Minas have a tall, athletic build
with sharp features, large eyes, thick lips and a light brown complexion.
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, arranged by the parents is generally within the
tribe 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. They are said to have wandered from their homeland of Mewar
because of their promise to their 'lord' Maharana Pratap who was ousted
from Chittaurgarh by Akbar. This clan of warring Rajputs vowed to re-enter
the city only after the victory of Maharana Pratap who was, however,
unfortunately killed in the battlefield.
Garasias
They are a small Rajput tribe found along the Abu Road area of Southern
Rajasthan. The Garasias have an interesting custom of marriage through
elopement, which usually takes place at the annual Gaur Fair held during
the full moon in March. After the elopement, which can be spontaneous or
pre-arranged, a bride price is paid to the bride's father.
Sahariyas
They
are thought to be of Bhil origin and are found in the areas of Kota,
Dungarpur and Sawai Madhopur in the south- east of the state. The
Sahariyas are jungle dwellers, their name possibly deriving from the
Persian 'Sehr'. The Sahariyas are regarded as the most backward tribe in
Rajasthan and make out a living as shifting cultivators and by hunting and
fishing.
Damors
The small tribal community of Damors probably migrated from their
original home in Gujarat to settle in Dungarpur and Udaipur districts.
They are mainly cultivators and manual labourers.
Sidhis
The Sidhis from the area bordering Gujarat are believed to have
originally come from Africa in the 13th century. They retain some element
of African dress and customs such as breaking coconuts with their heads
and fire-walking.