Folk dances of Rajasthan

The country side of Rajasthan has fascinated scholars for a long time, where thirty million people belonging to over two hundred ethnic groups reside in thirty thousand villages, and away from the madding crowd of the urban centers, cherish the glory of their age old cultural traditions handed down to them from generation to generation.

A comprehensive appreciation of the life style and the ways of the village folks, however not made so far. A break through in this stupendous task has now been achieved by this research, which will portrays a glimpse of the abundant material for observation by social scientist and plenteous form and beauty to be captured by the creative artists.

This research will capture over field studies over two hundred villages , the work will be a unique blending of verbal picturing with visual depictions of the folkways in Rajasthan – has resulted in a most informative and delightful publication.

The research will be based on glimpses of the folkways of Rajasthan, where folks are intimately bound up with conventional habits of life and conduct, and their love for the countryside and cultural traditions is much stronger than the perceptions of abstract veracity. The countryside of Rajasthan has fascinated for a long time, where thirty million people belonging to over two hundred ethnic groups reside in thirty thousand.

Memories of the fascinating array of portraits of the social and culture life in the countryside of Rajasthan. My personal experiences made during the investigations in the field, encouraged me into building a study of the variegated scene of tradition and folkways in Rajasthan. There are hundred fifty important villages spread all over the province, presented a glimpse of the life style of the common folk and the current folk tradition.

This research are by way of orientation, to help reader appreciate the whole range of the splendorous spectrum of the folkways in Rajasthan; this deal with the cultural divisions and the ethnic mosaic of the state. Tradition divides Rajasthan into several cultural regions, the name of many are now getting out of use and familiar only to the folks or to those few who are frequent the areas of antiquity. As each of such regions to have characteristic elements of its own in folk tradition and culture, I have thought it necessary to bring up their names from oblivion and also attempt a map delineate the current cultural cantons. As an additional backdrop to discussion, the succeeding topic presents a profile of the ethnic pattern highlighting its antiquity, as evident from its luxuriant ramification, which indeed ha brought forth its magnificent cultural tradition. The research will include the location and dispersal of our important castes, also indicates the extent of their strength and preponderance in various regions of Rajasthan.

A research of Rajasthan would be incomplete without experiencing the Folk Music and Dances of Rajasthan. The music and dances of Rajasthan are so appealing and soothing that it matches so well with this strange and wondrous land. The state of Rajasthan has a very vibrant, highly evolved tradition of performing arts carefully nurtured and sustained over the centuries. The art of Folk Music and Dances is popular amongst the tribal people of Rajasthan. Folk Music and dances of Rajasthan arouse the desert in all moods. The spectacular beauty of the land of Rajasthan is elated with the Folk Music and dances performed by the native people.

Rajasthan is culturally rich and has extensive tradition in art and culture, which reflects Indian way life. The dance, music and art forms have been watchfully cultivated and patronised by the erstwhile courts.
The folks however realize that side by side with their great cultural heritage they have lived for long in profound darkness and ignorance. For this lapse, they know have suffered enough to cruel exploitation and now yearn for a better tomorrow. The narrow but straight paths of their traditions are currently much exposed to strong winds of change, many appear to be dissolving.

To them the sand-dunes, rugged rocks and ridges are more important than the tallest mountains; the diminutive and scanty brush woods eclipse the gigantic foliage elsewhere, and their wigwams and their paltry belongings, no less precious. They fondly dwell on their liking for things indigenous and prefer a fare of porridge made of local cereals to the greater delicacies of the world outside. The aesthetically rich folks abhor the idea of any countryside devoid of continuous plains of sand and ridges, fast moving whirlwind, tempest- like rustling of locusts and their long shadows, the dusky skyline and twilight spectacle of the return of the cattle. For them the absences of these basic elements do mean a notable deficiency in the true sublime. They have a clean, direct and healthy outlook, free of the morbid complexes of unnatural life, with beauty of nature, fresh sunlight and spontaneous laughter.

The folks, however, realize that side with their great cultural heritage they lived for a long in profound darkness and ignorance. For this lapse, they know they have suffered enough of cruel exploitation and now yearn for a better tomorrow.

The narrow, but straight paths of their tradition are currently much exposed to strong winds of change; many appear to be dissolving, hopefully new and better will rise on the ruins of the decadent.. all depends on the village elders. Torch – bearers of the fok tradition, only they have the progenitive capabilities of sowing the seeds of healthy traditions --------- embryos which will develop later into a robust culture free from all weaknesses. And, the present is the appropriate occasion, for the seed time has now arrived.
The great interest with which they are now taking the adult education programmes, where the village elders attend the classes with slates and pencils to learn the elements of literacy, is a great pointer towards their acceptance of the challenging role they are now required to play for development along the lines of their own genius.

Fortunately, the countryside is free from the modern notion of the generation – gap, and the village elders continue to enjoy the respect and confidence of the youngsters who look up to them for their matured guidance and words of wisdom. The elders retain their leadership and matter greatly in the affairs of the countryside. Recent years have brought a great change for the better in the general attitude of these elders towards life. This is bound to go a long way in weeding out and cleansing the flaws and dark spots which sully their life and work and impede progress.

The folks have to be approached with understanding, genuine respect and affection for their age – old primitive practices and their greatest treasure – the peaceful and contented life. Let them only help the village elders revive creativity in those who have lost their arts; stimulate their joy and zest in living and restore self – respect and pride in culture among those who are infected by a feeling of inferiority; and above all, give them a sense and vision to contribute their best to the country.

1.Cultural cantons

The current folk tradition divides Rajasthan into several cultural cantons which are further sub divided into various cultural units. Thus, the region towards the eastern side of the Aravali mountain range comprises four main cultural zone namely the

Dhundar
The Dundar cultural zone is composed of Dhundar, Torawati, Kathera, Gorawati, Nagarchal, Rajawati, Dhangbang, Kalimal, Dang, Dungarwara and Jadonwati cultural units.
The Mewat
The Mewat zone constitutes, Mewat, Rath, Bigotha, Machheri, Nahera, Kather,cultural units
Haruti
Haruti cultural zone besides it self has Sondhwar, as its suppletory unit.
The Mewar
The Mewar zone besides Mewar proper, has Sarwar, Bharot, Bhomat, Chappan, Wagaad, Balnot, and Kirad tracts as its cultural units.

The Marwar
The Marawar cultural zone is made up of central Marwar, surrounded by several cultural units such as Tharel, Dhat, Thaal, Tirrud, Khaawar, Khairalu, Thalaicha, Endowati, Mehow and Sewanchi units on the west. Mallani, Deorawati, Saeth, Raeth and Bhakar on the south, Nayar, Godwar, Merwara units on the east; and Shekhawati, Puniah, Baagar, Beedawati, Mohilla, Godara, Bhagore, Poogal, Johia, Asiagh, Sarun, Beniwal, and Bhatnair unita in the north.

All these cultural regions have peculiarities of their own. They have their own dialects, with difference in pronunciation of words, in grammatical forms, in their vocabulary and intonation. All these cultural regions have peculiarities of their own, dance, music and tradition does not assign dates to the creation of these cultural cantons, some of these nomenclatures, as many others in earlier history, are now fast moving towards extinction.

Tradition does not assign dates to the creation of these cultural cantons. Some of these nomenclatures, as many others in earlier history, are now fast moving towards extinction. These traditional names are, however, very important to the researcher into the current folkways in Rajasthan as they form the basic frame of reference to elicit information about the variegated customs and manners of the folks living in different parts of this province.

2. Ethnic Mosaic
The folks in Rajasthan are an ancient and multi communal society. There are about two hundred different ethnic groups, but a large number of them are very small. Of the ten largest groups, which compose the majority, the Jats contribute about 9%, the Brahmins about 7.5% the Chamars around 7% and the Bhils almost 6%. The Rajputs, Mahajans, Minas and Gujars share about 5% each, while remaining two major communities of the malis and Kumhars are around 3% each. Rest of the population living in the country side is made up of motley groups.

Most folks are engaged in cultivation and excepting those working in well irrigated areas. Most vivacious and zestful folks , however is the group of the ancient in habitants, the forest and hill tribes called the Bhil, Girasia and Sehria inhabiting the region down south, South – West and South – East of Rajasthan. There are a few other colorful folks, groups like those of Banjara and Gadia Lohar , who criss cross the countryside with their animals.

As stated earlier the folks in Rajasthan are an ancient society. Over the ages, the various groups constituting it have grown and branched off into a large number of minor groups. Many communities are music lovers by profession or casually they are associated with music and dance and have their own art form, which is known by the particular cast art form. They make simple musical instruments.
Since they give an idea of their antiquity, which is indeed the mother of all culture and tradition, it is interesting to go into the ethnic details about a few of these communities.

3. Dwelling and household effects
Dwelling and domestic effects are also related with music , dance , craft and art. Many song and dances are related with their living pattern and houses, even song and dances are to be performed while building these houses.

In tune with the great variegation in its cultural regions and ethnic composition, the landscape of the countryside in Rajasthan too is equally varietals, varicolored and picturesque. Amongst such varied magnificence of nature, the people in the country side live a life in perfect harmony and unison in a lively manner. They reside mostly at a central place in villages, while a small section settles around it at are called Dhani.

The folks use a large variety in the structural designing as well as in the materials for the construction of their traditional dwelling which is largely determined by geography, climate and cropping patterns in their respective regions. The tribal people also constructs their dwelling artistically. They traditionally build their huts on separate forest hillocks or ridges. Folks in rural Rajasthan live in a joint family.

4.Dialects

The Rajasthani folks speak quite a large variety of dialects. Each major cultural region ha s a distinct of its own, standard patois. In the various sub divisions of each such cultural zone, however, they speak what may be called the pidgin, a variety of form of speech differentin g some what form standard patois but which is blend of the neighboring ones.

This dialect reflects in their respective art forms. Some times the folks speak a word a little differently to result into a completely different connotation. The intonation, pitch and modulation of the voice of the speaker gives a particular meaning to the word; an inflection in the expression, however, while speaking the same word gives a different meaning. Thus, the distinguishing meanings of the word Padharo are conveyed by tone varitations purporting please come at on etime, and please go the other. An outsider to Rajasthani tonetics, however, can understand the implication only by observing the gesture of the speaker.

5.Aesthetics
The concept of doing things which have both beauty and utility is the key note of folk aesthetics. This is visible in the adornment of their dwellings and in the embellishment of their house hold goods. The artisans in the countryside, such as Khati, carpenter who makes wooden carts, bedposts, doors and awning; the Kumhar potter who turns out a variety of earthen crocks; the Basera, basketeer who interweaves bamboo strips and twigs to produce wicker – baskets, and even the ordinary housewife who makes her own mud bowls and sundry containers, all have tectonics as their basic idea and perception.
The women folk all over the countryside are very fond of decorating the walls and floors of their dwellings.

Their art of designing broadly revolves around the few simple motifs.
A very interesting expression of aesthetics in the countryside is found in the body decoration by means of tattooing. Cast and community plays major role in this.
Hair style, ornaments and costumes are also depend according to the cast and communities.

6.Amusement
The children in the countryside amuse themselves by rolling wheeled sticks and toy carts, moving up and down on the sea saw, or playing miniature musical instruments. There are different types of games; some are separately used by boys and girls. Out door games are mostly for boys in the countryside start by the formation of two teams. To dispel their tedium, the village elders are seen playing the traditional games called Chaupar. The older folks in the countryside are also fond of narrating tales as the youngsters of listening. The great reservoir of their tales contains all kind of stories.

In March – April around the festive occasion of Holi, the folks entertain themselves by participating in Drama, called Khyal or Rammat. Acrobats also provide village folk much fun and excitement. The string puppet show is a popular source of amusement.

Religious festivals are major source of amusement of the folks, which apart from frolic and fun ,provide them an opportunity to strengthen and reinforce the stream fraternity.

Fairs and congregations, an essential part of social fabric, cultural life and amusement of the folk’s countryside, are meeting ground of many ethnic groups and their cultures.

7. Music and dance
There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and puppet shows and other community festivities, which transform the hardworking Rajasthani in-to fun loving and carefree individual. Each region has it’s own folk entertainment, the dance style differ as do the songs. Interestingly enough, even the musical instruments are different.

Musical instruments
In the realm of the folkways dance and music rule supreme and one can not of Rajasthan without this important element of it’s folk life. A large variety of musical instruments are used in the countryside. It ranges from the soft tinklers to thunderous kettledrums, from simple, slender flute to intriguing trumpets; and from the rustic looking resonators for basic rhythm to elegant and fully developed bowing or plucking devices. Some of the most important of these instruments can be classified according to their uses in the following manner.

Enhancer or Embellishers
1.String Instruments
A. Drone : Apang or bapang , Dotra, Kendru, Chutara or tandoora, or Nissan and Duska
B Chanter :
i.Bowing ------- Rawanhatta, Gujaratan, Sarangi, Jogia sarangi, Sindhi Sarangi, Kamayacha and Surinda.
ii.Plucking------- Rewaj and Janter.
2.Wind instruments
A.Metal : Nagfani, Bankia, and Morchang .
B.Wood : Murla, Peli, Sanai, satara, Algocha, Pavri and Bansuri.
Rhymers and Time-keepers
1. Percussive instruments

A.Membranous : Deru or Dhak, Chang of duff, Dhol , Khanjari ,
Dholak, Maadal, and Nagara.
B.Non- membranous : Ghanti, Tikor, and Thali

2.Tintinnabulary Instruments

A.Jinglar : Bhiroonji ka Ghoongroo
B.Tinkler : Manjeera and Bhoongroo
C.

3.Rattling Instruments

A.Clapper : Khartal
B.Scrapper: Kagrach
C.Clinker : Chipia, Hankal
Music and songs
Rajasthan, s most sophisticated style of folk music and has come a long way from the time it was only sung in royal courts, in praise of the Rajputs rulers. Singers sing the ballads of Moomal-Mahendra, Dhola-Maru, Saini-Beejanand, Jethwa-Ujali, Parihar, Amalde-Kheenwji, Moomal and other legendry lovers and heroes.

Various folk and tribal dances of Rajasthan
Although almost all communities perform dance on festive occasions all over the countryside of Rajasthan, for the tribal communities Bhils, Minas, Dhobi, Sansi, Nayak, Mali, Mirasi, and Bhopa, it is a part of their life, the main source of their pleasure and amusement. They perform several dance forms called the Ghoomar, Gair, Dandia, Geender, Charee, Teratali, Kachhighodi, Raasmandal etc. Some of the batters known forms are: -

Division of the folk and tribal dances by
A.Based Geographical divisions
B.Based community & caste division
C.Based on fair and festivals
D.Based on economical background
E.Professional and non professional dances
Although almost all communities perform dance on festive occasions all over the countryside of Rajasthan, for the tribal communities Bhils, Minas, Dhobi, Sansi, Nayak, Mali, Mirasi, and Bhopa, it is a part of their life, the main source of their pleasure and amusement. They perform several dance forms called the Ghoomar, Gair, Dandia, Geender, Charee, Teratali, Kachhighodi, Raasmandal etc.
8.Art and craft

Rajasthan is the almost richest states in the country as far as the field of arts and crafts is concerned. Stone, clay, leather, wood , ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles were given the most brilliant forms.

For women there was infinite variety – tie and dye fabrics, embroidered garments, enamel jewellery inlayed with precious and semi precious stones, leather jooties.
9.Fair and festivals

Rajasthan love for colour and joyous celebrations is proved by the elabrote rituals and the gay abandon with which he surrenders himself to the numerous fairs and festivals of the region. In addition to the festivals celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims and others, there are also the traditional fairs.

There are different types of fairs like – animal fair, religious fair, and there are fairs to mark the changing seasons. In fact, celebrations occur almost round the year and are a splendid opportunity for the visitor to gain an insight into the life of the Rajasthani. Other than the traditional fairs, recently established festivals which involve elephants, camel races , dance and music is a important part of the festivals. Among the better known fairs of Rajasthan are :- Nagaur festival – Nagaur, Desert festival – Jaisalmer, Baneshwar fair – Baneshwar, Gangaur festival – Jaipur, Mewar festival – Udaipur, Elephant festival – jaipur, Urs Ajmer Sharif – Ajmer, Summer festival – Mount Abu, Teej – Jaipur, Marwar festival – Jodhpur, Pushkar fair – Ajmer and Camel festival – Bikaner.

10.Convictions
Out of the dim past has come to the folks an inherited belief in certain gods and goddesses, legendary saints and heroes and superstitions.

Almost all the major religions are represented her. Apart from Hindus, who from majority, there are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Janis. Shiva, Ganesh, Hanuman, Rama , Krishna, are the major gods.
Folk Gods and goddess: - Rajasthan also has its share of myths and folklores. Several folk heroes are worshiped and are can see hundreds of simple shrines in every village. Stones are painted and established in tiny temples under the trees and near walls.

Folk heroes like Bhairoo, Mamoji, Kherrapal, Bhomia, Kali, Sheetla, Karni maa Pabuji, Gogaji, Baba Ramdeo, Habuji, and Mehaji are reverted. Some of the major temples and important religious centers like Nathdwara, Pushkar, Deshnok, and Mamar exist in this state. The names of few worrior and saints have gone into eternal memories of the folks and they have vast, highly imaginative oral literature about them, both in prose and verse. Pabu Ji, Kesar Kali, Rawal Malinatrh, Tejaji, Harba Sankhala, Ram deo rather, Goga Ji Chuhan are the famous among them.

Songs left by Meera, Raidas, Jambhaji, Charandas, Mavji, are sung by the devotees time to time.
The folks have the highest regards and hallowed sense of glorification for the women who had performed satee, self immolation.

Jainism: - Jains have built some of the most exquisite temples in Ranakpur, Mount Abu, Shree Mahaverji, Jaisalmer, Chitturgarh and other parts of Rajasthan.

Islam: - The Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti lies in Ajmer. Another pilgrimage center is the Atarki Dargha, The Tomb of Hammiddin Nagori at Nagaur.

There is also a large majority of Sikhs and Christians who have managed with other communities to give Rajasthan a cosmopolitan flavor.

Some times odd articles around are tied round the base of the horns. Greatest care is exercised by the folks to protect the children from the evil eye.

11.Customaries

Birth marriage and death are inextricably woven in the pattern of the folk costoms and tradition. The cultural cycle commences at conception, passes through birth and marriage, and continues even after death. The folk consider barrenness as great misfortune for a family. The nomadic communities of Sansi and Kanjars have custom of preparing a special apartment as a delivery room. Children are usally named after God and Goddesses. The tribal folks name their children after the genius presiding over the days on which they are born.

It is usally the first or third year after birth that the folks have a tonsure ceremony for the child called Mundan or Jadula. Amongst all communities ear lobes of the children are generally pierced when they are about five years old. There are interesting marriage ceremony in different communities and tribes. Towards the end of the cultural cycle comes the phase of the death rites. The folk tradition keeps the memory

of the deceased alive from generation to generation. Entertaining relatives, friends and acquaintances at meals is a part of the folk customaries on the occasion of marriage.

Quite a few people deny themselves a comfortable life and only on occasions like these do they throw their cloak of poverty aside when they disinter their savings which are thus lavished with great extravagance, the number of participants in the ceremonial meals forming the measure of their liberality and munificence.
thus then is a glimpses survey of the folkways in Rajasthan, where folks are intimately bound up with conventional habits of life and conduct, and their love for the countryside and cultural traditions is much stronger than the perceptions of abstract veracity. The folks however realize that side by side with their great cultural heritage they have lived for a ling in profound darkness and ignorance. For this lapse, they know they have suffered enough of cruel exploitation and now yearn for better tomorrow.
All these connected with the rural development programme and social work must always keep in view the practical realities of the folkways in the countryside.

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