Culture of Rajasthan

Culture of Rajasthan – The land of Kings, the land of Rajputs, the land of colours, the land of Palaces, desert state of India. Rajasthan has so many different names and in so many ways, it reflects the ancient lifestyle of India. Rajasthani culture is rich, special and also colourful which also shows the colourful and interesting history of state. The biggest state in India by its area which is located on the north western side of the country and also is populated with a number of splendid Palaces, strong and spectacular Forts, stunning Havelis and the vibrant life style of the people shows the royalty of the old long gone era.

History
Rajasthan, the land of Kings, has royal grandeur and a glorious history; it is a charming and captivating state of India. It is known for many brave kings, their deeds; and their interest in art and architecture. Its name means “the land of the rajas”. It was also called Rajputana (the country of the Rajputs); whose codes of chivalry shaped social mores just as their often bitter and protracted feuding dominated their politics.

The first mention of word Rajasthan comes from the works of George Thomas and James Tod. However, western Rajasthan with eastern Gujarat was part of “Gurjaratra” or Gurjarabhumi, land of Gurjars. The local dialects of the time use the expression Rājwār, the place or land of kings, later corrupted by the British to Rajputana. The history of Rajasthan goes back as far as Indus Valley Civilization, the foundation of Rajasthani community took shape with the rise of Western Middle Kingdoms such as Western Kshatrapas, who were the successors to the Indo-Scythians who invaded the area of Ujjain and established the Saka era.

Rajasthani Tradition
Rajasthan has cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. Rajasthani society is a blend of predominantly Hindus with sizable minorities of Muslims and Jains. Jats are mostly Hindus and Sikhs. Meenas of Rajasthan till date strongly follow Vedic culture which usually includes worship of Bhainroon (Shiva) and Krishna as well as the Durga.

Rajasthani Costume
Traditionally men wear dhotis, kurta, angarkha, and paggar or safa (kind of turban headgear). Traditional Chudidar payjama (puckered trousers) frequently replaces dhoti in different regions. Women wear ghagra (long skirt) and kanchli (top). However, dress style changes with lengths and breaths of vast Rajasthan. Dhoti is worn in different ways in Marwar (Jodhpur area) or Shekhawati (Jaipur area) or Hadoti (Bundi area). Similarly, there are a few differences between pagri and safa despite both being Rajasthani headgear. Mewar has the tradition of paggar, whereas Marwar has the tradition of safa.

Rajasthani Cuisines
Rajasthani cooking was influenced by both the war-like lifestyles of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this arid region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred. The scarcity of water and fresh green vegetables have all had their effect on the cooking.

Rajasthani Music and Dance
The Ghoomar dance from Jodhpur Marwar and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have gained international recognition. Folk music is a large part of the Rajasthani culture. Kathputli, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindr, Kachchhighori, and Tejaji are examples of traditional Rajasthani culture.
The Ghoomer dance is performed on various auspicious occasions like fairs & festivals. It is called as `Ghoomer`, from the `ghoomna` of Ghaghra i.e. the flowing of Ghaghra, a long skirt of the Rajasthani women. There is an amazing grace as the skirt flair slowly while the women folk twirl in circles, their faces covered with the help of the veil. The performers in Ghoomar dance sway their colorful ghagras that are rich in embroidery work and it is also embellished with mirror-work. They are dressed in the traditional ghaghra and choli with chunaris. They deck up in traditional silver jewelry and glass bangles. The Ghoomar is performed during women’s gatherings like the ritual of haldi during a wedding, or to entertain a queen in her personal quarters, etc.

Rajasthani Art and craft
Rajasthan is known for its traditional, colorful art. The block prints, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, and Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and crafts, carpets, and blue pottery are commonly found here. Shopping reflects the colorful culture, Rajasthani clothes have a lot of mirror work and embroidery.