Tribes & Communities
Rajasthan GK · जनजातियां और समुदाय
📋Quick Overview
Rajasthan has a rich diversity of scheduled tribes (STs), who make up about 13.5% of the state's population. The Bhil is the largest tribal group in Rajasthan — and also the largest tribal group in India. The tribal belts are concentrated in the southeastern and southern districts (Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur). The Bishnoi community, though not a tribe, is globally famous for their 500-year-old tradition of environmental conservation.
Bhil is the LARGEST TRIBE IN INDIA — concentrated in Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. In Rajasthan, their highest concentration is in Banswara and Dungarpur (known as 'Wagad' region).
📖Major Tribes of Rajasthan
| Tribe | Location | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Bhil | Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand | Largest tribe in Rajasthan and India; expert archers ('Bhil' = bow in Dravidian); Meena-Bhil conflict historically; Bhil Nadu demand |
| Mina / Meena | Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Alwar, Dausa, Tonk | 2nd largest tribe in Rajasthan; Matsyavanshi (fish clan); scheduled tribe; forest dwellers; Meena warriors were famous |
| Garasia | Abu Road (Sirohi), Pali, Udaipur | Scheduled tribe; folk dance Ghoomar originated here; related to Bhil; Garasia women famous for colorful dress |
| Saharia | Baran district (Kishanganj, Shahabad) | PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group); most backward tribe of Rajasthan; honey and forest produce collectors |
| Damor | Dungarpur, Banswara | Scheduled tribe of southern Rajasthan; practice shifting cultivation; related to Bhil group |
| Kathodi | Udaipur, Dungarpur | Scheduled tribe; extremely poor; charcoal makers (Kath/wood); mostly laborers |
📖Bishnoi Community — India's Original Environmentalists
The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan (mainly in Jodhpur, Nagaur, Bikaner districts) is world-famous for their strict environmental ethics. Founded by Guru Jambheshwar in 1485, Bishnois follow 29 (Bis = 20 + noi = 9) rules of living. They protect trees (especially Khejri) and animals (especially deer/blackbuck) as a religious duty. In 1730, Amrita Devi Bishnoi led 363 people who sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees — the world's first recorded environmental martyrdom.
1730 CE — Amrita Devi Bishnoi (Khejarli village, Jodhpur) — 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives hugging Khejri trees to prevent Maharaja Abhay Singh's woodcutters. This event inspired the Chipko Movement of 1970s.
- •29 rules of Bishnoi: includes protection of environment, not cutting green trees, protecting animals, vegetarianism, hygiene
- •Khejri tree is the state tree of Rajasthan — revered by Bishnois
- •Bishnois protect deer (chinkara) and peacocks — don't allow hunting in their villages
- •India's first 'Amrita Devi Bishnoi Award' for wildlife conservation is named after her
📖Other Important Communities of Rajasthan
| Community | Known For |
|---|---|
| Manganiyar | Hereditary Muslim musicians; Thar Desert; Sindhi Sarangi, Khamaycha; perform for Rajput patrons |
| Langa | Hereditary Muslim musicians; different from Manganiyar; Sindhi Sarangi players; Barmer district |
| Kalbelia (Sapera) | Snake charmer community; Kalbelia dance (UNESCO 2010); unique black skirts; traditionally nomadic |
| Bhopa-Bhopi | Itinerant storytellers; narrate Pabuji/Devnarayan folk epics via Phad (scroll painting); hereditary tradition |
| Marwari community | Trading/merchant community of Rajasthan; spread across India; Seth, Baniya, Oswal subgroups; control large business empires |