Tribes of Rajasthan :

Rajasthan's population includes many tribals, who today constitute 12% of the state population, nearly double the national average. Rajasthan has been home to numerous nomadic and tribal communities. The state has tribes such as Bhils and Minas. These are the tribes which have dominated in major parts of Rajasthan apart from small tribes existed in the state. The tribes here are very different from each other and represent a very distinct heritage from the rest of the civilized population.

While Bhil and Mina are among the tribes to rule the land from as early as the beginning of mankind until 1400 BC when they were invaded by the Aryans. Eventually finding a retreat in the woods of southern and eastern Rajasthan. Eventually, a number of other tribes too, formed over the time.

List of Tribes of Rajasthan :

Sahariyas :

Sahariyas is one of the most backward Rajasthani tribe. Sahariyas people inhabits mainly in Jungle. They are also noted to be Bhils. Southeastern Rajasthan in Dungarpur, Kota and Swaimadhopur are some places where Sahariyas can be found. Sahariyas are mostly farmers, fisherman, and hunters.

Minas :

Minas is the second biggest tribe in Rajasthan. Mina’s tribesmen and women generally possess a good physic with an athletic body built, big eyes and sharp features. They are known to be the inhabitants of Indus Valley Civilization. They have broad lips and a wheatish complexion. Eastern part of the state in Shekhawati belt of Rajasthan is the main area where Minas are in populous condition. Minas was the tribe which duly performed child marriages for many years.
Minas are easily the largest tribal group in Rajasthan spread over various regions in Rajasthan. The tribe derives its name from the word ‘Meen’, meaning fish, as the tribe claims to be the descendant of Lord Vishnu’s ‘Meen’ reincarnation (avatar).

Bhils :

Bhils are the biggest tribe in Rajasthan. Banswara is the main area where Bhils in large numbers. Previously Bhils main occupation was to collect the food. Famous epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata depicted that Bhils were famous for their skills in arching. From collecting food, they started farming for their livelihood. Baneshwar fair in January and February is the best place to know more about Bhil tribe.
the Bhil tribe speaks Bhili language and even finds mention in mythological legends including Ramayana and Mahabharata. The tribe derives its name from the word ‘Bil’ meaning bow, which is supposed to be their key skill-set. At present, they account for 39% of the tribal population in Rajasthan.

Gadiya Lohars :

Gadiya Lohars are known to be a small Rajput Rajasthan tribe. Gadiya Lohars were the blacksmiths in the army of Maharana Pratap of Mewar. After Mughals attack they migrated and traveled from one place to another place on bullock carts named as “gadis”, hence the name ‘Gadiya Lohar’. Gadhiya lohars are found are Kathodi and Rabaris in Mewar region.

Garasias :

Garasias are another small Rajput Rajasthan tribe residing in Mount Abu Road area of Udaipur District in Damors of Dungarpur in southern Rajasthan. The tribe is one of the minority tribes in Rajasthan and also has a peculiar tradition of marriage via elopement. Every year, there is a Gaur fair held during March where this tradition is followed.

Bishnois :

Particularly found in western Rajasthan regions, the Bishnois are known as the followers of Guru Jambeshwar, a 15th century saint, and are known as conservators due to their extreme commitment to saving all plant and animal life. Generally identified with their white, big turbans and striking nose-rings, the Bishnois do not allow any felling or hunting in the area they occupy. They also hold a belief that the tribe people become a deer in their reincarnation.

Rebaries :

The Rebaries are still nomadic, and an equally colourful sub-group that still travels over the desert in search of pastures for its flocks of sheep and camels. Their ancestor were brought into existence by Lord Mahadeva in order to tend the first camel, which had just been created by Parvati for her amusement. Their two main divisions are Menu and Chalkias.

Gavarias :

The Gavaria is a community traditionally associated with rope making in the countryside. Their community life is strictly governed by their panchayats. The consolidated panchayat of the whole region functions as the Supreme Court which sits in a grand style in a circular ring to hear the appeals from the lower panchayats. Its decisions are the last word for the members of the community. While the males mostly look after the rope-making activity, the females attend to its marketing.

Banjaras :

The Banjaras are nomadic people who travel with bullock carts or oxen-laden caravan from place to place and continue their travelling wherever their caravans were in demand. In the past, there were usually bullock-caravans in thousands or lakhs. Since they performed a very important role, armies rarely troubled them. Now, the modern means of transport have robbed them of their livelihood and they have now settled into a semi-nomadic existence, doing jobs, entertaining, and farming.

Damors :

The small tribal community of Damors probably migrated from their original home in Gujarat to settle in Dungarpur and Udaipur districts. They are mainly cultivators and manual labourers.

Sidhis :

The Sidhis from the area bordering Gujarat are believed to have originally come from Africa in the 13th century. They retain some element of African dress and customs such as breaking coconuts with their heads and fire-walking.

                                        The major concentration of these tribes of Rajasthan is found mainly in the foothill of Vindhya, Aravalli mountain ranges. Each and every tribes of Rajasthan have contributed with their unique customs and rituals, thereby making the whole of the culture of Tribes of Rajasthan are quite enriched. Their styles of making houses, festivals, costumes all bear witness to the cultural exquisiteness of the tribes of Rajasthan.