Social and Cultural Status of Major Tribes in Rajasthan
This post presents short and informative questions and answers for B.A. Part-II students, based on the social and cultural life of Rajasthan’s major tribes.
(Word limit: approximately 400 words)
Q.1. Write a short note on the social and cultural status of the Meena Tribe.
Answer:
The Meena Tribe is the largest, most educated, and economically advanced tribal community in Rajasthan.
- Origin and Habitat:
The word Meena originates from “Meen” meaning fish. The Meenas believe that their origin is linked to the Matsya Avatar (Fish Incarnation) of Lord Vishnu.
They mainly inhabit the districts of Alwar, Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, and Udaipur. - Social Structure:
Their houses are called “Jhompdi”, and villages are known as “Pal”. The village head is called a “Patel.”
Historically, Meenas were divided into two classes — Zamindar Meenas (landowners and farmers) and Chaukidar Meenas (guards of royal treasuries). - Marriage and Customs:
The Meenas practice endogamy (marriage within their community). Traditions like Nata Pratha and Jhagda Vivah are common.
The communal feast after death is known as “Moser” or “Nukta.” - Religious Beliefs:
They are mainly worshippers of Shakti (divine energy). Their chief deity is Gomteshwar (Bhuriya Baba).
Q.2. Describe the marriage customs of the Garasia Tribe and the status of women in their society.
Answer:
The Garasia Tribe mainly resides in the Sirohi, Udaipur, and Pali districts. Their social life is marked by progressive marriage customs.
- Marriage Practices:
Love marriages are more common than arranged ones. Boys and girls usually select their partners during fairs and festivals.
The unique “Dapa System” resembles a live-in relationship, where couples live together before marriage.
Once financially stable or after childbirth, they formally marry through customs like “Mor Bandhiya” (ceremonial marriage), “Pehravna” (without rituals), or “Tadna/Tanna Vivah” (marriage by paying bride price). - Status of Women:
Garasia women enjoy high social status and freedom compared to men. They have the right to choose or change partners, provided the new partner pays a higher amount.
Women actively participate in agriculture and decision-making, symbolizing gender equality in tribal society.
Q.3. Explain the habitat pattern and main socio-economic characteristics of the Bhil and Sahariya Tribes.
Answer:
(a) Bhil Tribe:
- The Bhils live in small villages or hamlets on hill slopes and valleys. Their houses are called “Koo” or “Tapra,” hamlets are “Phala,” and a group of phalas is called a “Pal.”
- They are engaged in farming, hunting, and cattle rearing. The Bhils are known for their archery skills — the term Bhil itself means “bow.”
- Marriage involves bride price, and divorce is known as “Chheda Fadna.”
(b) Sahariya Tribe:
- The Sahariya are Rajasthan’s only Primitive Tribal Group (PTG). The term derives from an Arabic word meaning “forest.”
- They mainly inhabit Shahbad and Kishanganj tehsils of Baran district. Their settlements are called “Saharana,” while the group of huts is known as “Saharol.”
The central hut, used for social and religious gatherings, is called a “Bangla.” - Economically, the Sahariyas are backward and depend on agriculture, animal husbandry, and forest produce. Their traditional head is called a “Kotwal” or “Patel.”