Rajasthani Castes and communities

Rajasthanis form ethno-linguistic group that is distinct in its language, history, cultural and religious practices, social structure, literature, and art. However, there are many different castes and communities, with diversified traditions of their own. Major sub ethnic groups are Ahirs, Jats, Gurjars, Rajputs, Mali (also known as Saini), Meenas, Bhils, Kalvi, Garasia, Kanjar, etc.

Sahariyas

Sahariyas, the jungle dwellers, is considered as the most backward tribe in Rajasthan. Believed to be of Bhil origin, they inhabit the areas of Kota, Dungarpur and Sawai Madhopur in the southeast of Rajasthan. Their main occupations include working as shifting cultivators, hunters and fishermen.

Garasias Garasias is a small Rajput tribe inhabiting Abu Road area of southern Rajasthan.

Gadiya Lohars

Gadiya Lohars are wandering blacksmiths that are named after their attractive bullock carts called gadis. Initially a martial Rajput tribe, they left their homeland when Emperor Akbar ousted Maharana Pratap from Chittorgarh.

Gurjars are well known people from Rajasthan. Historically, they were rulers and protectors of Gurjaratra (portions of Rajasthan and Gujarat). Some scholars believe, Gurjars guarded the entire Northern and Western India against foreign invasion until the end of tenth century and thus came to known as pratiharas (protectors). Praiseful references can be found in Arab chronicles about administration and might of these Gurjars.

Rajputs are well known warrior people of Rajasthan. Rajputs "are considered to be the best soldiers in India". Rajputs of Rajasthan (historically called Rājpūtāna) hold distinctive identity as opposed to rajputs of other regions of country. This identity is usually described as "proud Rajput tribes of Rājputāna". They traced their lineage from a mythical fire atop Mt. Abu–a mountain in Rajasthan (Agni Kula or the Fire Family), the sun (Suryavanshi or the Sun Family), and the moon (Chandravanshi or the Moon Family). The Sun Family includes Sisodias of Marwar (Chittaur and Udaipur), Rathores of Jodhpur and Bikaner, and Kachwahas of Amber and Jaipur while The Moon family includes Bhattis of Jaisalmer. There is a tradition that in year 747 all Rajput clans were purified by sage Vashishta and admitted to the royal cast of Kshatriya. It is believed that Rajput tribes of Rajasthan were not Indo-Aryans until the purification. They are Scythian descent who might have migrated from the Caucasus in Central Asia towards the Indus Valley.

Jats are among native tribal group of Rajasthan. They are mostly hindus and muslims. Historically, their origin can be traced to tribal groups from the Indo-Scythian period of roughly 200 BC to AD 400. Jangladesh was the name of a region of northern Rajasthan where Jats established their rule.

There are few other tribal communities in Rajasthan, such as Meena and Bhils. The Ghoomar dance is one well-known aspect of Bhil tribe. Meena and Bhils were employed as soldiers by Rajputs for their bravery and martial capabilities. Meenas, in ancient times, were ruler of Matsya, i.e., Rajasthan or Matsya Union. However, during colonial rule, the British government declared 250 groups which included Meenas, Gujars, etc. as "criminal tribes". Any group or community that took arms and opposed British rule were branded as criminal by the British government in 1871. This Act was repealed in 1952 by Government of India.

Rajasthani Brahmins are mostly dadheechs, Shrimalis, Pushkarnas, and Gauds. Some of them are migrants from Kashmir and Punjab while others trace their origin in Gujarat and further south.

There are a few other colourful folks, groups like those of Gadia Luhar, Banjara, Nat, Kalbelia, and Saansi, who criss-cross the countryside with their animals. The Gadia Luhars are said to be once associated with Maharana Pratap.