It is believed that the Rajputs are of Scythian origins who were originally the residents of Iran and Caucasia in central Europe.There are also other records which states that the Rajputs belong to the warrior clan or the descendants ofthe Ksatriyas of Vedic India. These Rajputs are classified into various castes and sub castes where the GurjarPratiharas are supposed to be the earliest of the Rajput clan.Some of the other Rajput clan includes the Sisodias,Rathors, Chauhans, Kachawahas, Bhattis, Panwars and Solankis.The Rajputs are noted for their bravery who fought toprotect their land from several Muslim invaders like Mohamed Ghori. The Rajputs are brave warriors and excellent rulers and administrators.Atleast 12% of the total population of Rajasthan is constituted by the tribal people. Some of the major tribes of Rajasthan are the Bhils, Minas, Lohars, Garasias and Sahariyas. Udaipur is mainly occupied by theBhils tribal community anddistricts like Jaipur and Madhopur are inhabited by the Minas. Garasias and Sahrias tribes belong to the Sirohi and Kota district. The lohars are nomads who found their home in Udaipur. The Sahariyas inhabit the jungles of Shahbad, Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Dungarpur and Udaipur.
The Rajasthani’s own the pride of not only enriching the culture of Rajasthan but also the entire culture of India. The people of Rajasth are known for their culture which is nearly 5000 years old and which is a blend of tradition and history with the present contemporarylifestyle. There are lot of customs and traditions followed by the diverse population of the state and it adds to the embellishment of the culture of the people. The cultural heritage of the Rajasthani’s are influenced by various features like its folk music and dances, differentlanguages and dialects, the majestic forts,palaces, mansions and divinely holy places of religious worship, its multihued fairs and festival and its cuisine. Notonly the people but also the commercial markets give a picture of the vibrant culture of the Rajasthani’s. Variousproducts of the people of Rajasthan which can reflect the culture of the state are tie and die textiles, intricately carved wooden furniture withalluring motifs, block print textiles, lavish Bandhej saris and kurtis, zari and embroidered saris, luxurious and royal hand knotted carpets and durries, astonishing blue pottery, captivating mojaris and jutis, and so on.
The customs and traditions followed by the people of Rajasthan are those that pertain to that of the Vedic rites and rituals. The people of Rajasthan very strictly adhere to these traditional customs which is very essential according to every man and woman of Rajasthan. Each and every custom and rituals from birth to death according to the Vedas is followed by the people with just slight variations based on their region and the numerous sub castes. These ceremonies which have to be done as a part of their customs are known as Samskaras which depict the three stages of life namely birth, marriage and death. There are nearly sixteen Samskaras. At the time of a girl’s pregnancy charms are tied around the neck and waist and also to prevent the evil eye falling on her, a knife is put under her pillow every night and is not allowed to go under certain specific tree where the Rajasthani’s believe that spirits reside on those trees. The girl who is pregnant for the first time has to come to her parents well in advance. Festivities start and women assemble to sing songs specially meant for such an occasion, some describing the changing behavior and liking of a pregnant woman.