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The poeple of Rajasthan are friendly and
helpful, but wary of strangers. Men and women never mix or
talk in public except for business. Amusements for the people
are in plenty but are enjoyed in segregated groups. In
temples, small fortress, or at tea shops, the people sit and
exchange information, or merely pass time. On the occasion of
a baby’s arrival, a betrothal, or a wedding, women gather in
groups, dress beautifully and sing in a chorus for hours, with
the accompaniment of the dholak (small drum). Almost all
villagers in the rural Rajasthan are multi-caste.
Traditionally, there is one or few families of the Rajput
caste who usually have larger land holdings. They hold
agriculture land and employ workers from other caste groups. A
few Brahmin families in the village supervise ritual
activities, work as priests in temples, convey information
about fasts and festivals, and regulate the local calendar of
festivals and social activities. The priest chart the
auspicious day and time for beginning a new venture at home or
in the field. The Brahmin priests are also the village
astrologers. Kumbhars make earthen pots and serve the needs of
their village. Carpenters are required for making and
maintaining agricultural implements. Various craftsmen,
puppeteers, singers, dancers, drum beaters, record-keepers,
dyers, printers and other serving caste are also there in the
village. Child marriages are quite common and mass marriages
take place on auspicious occasions. The brides and grooms are
often toddlers, and ride in a wedding procession on horseback
or camelback under the watchful gaze of guardians.
Dress of the People of Rajasthan
The colorful head-wear (pugdi or turban) of men and the gaudy
dresses of women provide a wonderful contrast to the bleak
environs of the state of Rajasthan. In the rural villages in
Rajasthan, the men wear dhotis, a kind of long fabric without
stitches and tied loosely round the waist, a waistcoat and
shirt and a long piece of brightly coloured fabric on their
head tied loosely like a turban. While in cities, the men wear
western dress as dailywear. During ceremonies and
celebrations, the city people also wear Kurta and pyjamas, a
wonderful dress which unfortunately has lost its charm in day
to day life. These Kurta and Pyjamas are available in all
possible colors and designs as per the budget, one can afford.
In Rajasthan, the rural women usually cover their faces with a
red or yellow colour odhni or dupatta and wear thick,
full-length ghaghara or skirt of the dark colour such as deep
green or dark blue with innumerable pleats and a blouse with
colorful designs. They adorn themselves with the heavy
jewellery, earrings, bracelets and rings made mainly of
silver, which tinkles and jingles when they grind grain, pound
spices or draw water. Weddings, the birth of children, and
festivals are great opportunities to find women dressed in
their finery. While in the urban cities, the women wear the
western dress, sarees and salwar kameez. One can also see some
people with very high social profile wearing the traditions
dresses at functions and festivals which are made very
lavishly.
Jewellery of the People of Rajasthan
A good deal of jewellery is worn by the people of Rajasthan.
The Rajputs prefer gold even for their feet, while silver is
favoured among the various tribes who tend to wear rather
large quantities of it. How they go about their task weighed
down by their kilos of silver is another matter, but the
designs into which it is worked is even more amazing. The
people wear these jewels on their foreheads, hair, ears,
necks, wrists, waists, round ankles and on their toes. The
village women adorn themselves with the heavy jewellery,
earrings, bracelets and rings made mainly of silver. The
ornaments are representative of certain social groups. The
higher the caste group, the lighter its use of dress (material
and colours) and ornaments. At the highest scale, fine fabrics
and ornaments made of gold are preferred. But in rural areas,
silver ornaments are preferred. Silver jewellery is usually
heavier and uses intricate, ethnic designs. Traditional
patterns are used for making necklaces, earrings, bangles and
anklets. Rings are worn on fingers and on toes. A newly
married woman wear the boron on her head all times, while the
kankati or waist-belt, and bangles of lac and glass continue
to enjoy vast patronage. They wear these jewels daily, but on
special occasions, they look quite stunning.
Night Life in Rajasthan
In most of the places in Rajasthan the main attraction are the
cultural shows that features the performances of Indian dance
and music. After a tiresome day in the heat, the villagers
amuse themselves by listening to soulful music and participate
in dances. In some of the small towns there are small theatres
in which there are night plays. In some of the towns there is
a cinema which show films in Hindi, English and Rajasthani as
well. Music and dance are an important part of Indian cinema
and combine various other things to produce a rich variety of
film art. |
