Paintings of Rajasthan

Ancient Remains → Mukundra Hills, Kota

On hills Near bank of river Chambal (Kota)

Birth and Independent development: -

→ Rajasthani paintings took birth in Mewar under patronage of Guhil kings
→ Tibetan historian Taranath Lama has given information about painter named Shringdhar' in
Marwar in 7thcentury.
→ Acc. to Rai Krishnan Das → Rajasthani paintings evolved by influence of Gujarat &
Kashmir in Mewar in 15h Century.
→ Most ancient painted manuscript of Rajasthan is kept in Jheenbhadra Suri Bhandar
(Jaisalmer).
↳Books/ Manuscript :
1. Audh Niyukti Vriti
2. DasviKalika Sutra churni

Nomenclature: -
1. Anand Kumar Swami
↳ In 1916 A.D wrote a book. 'Rajputana Paintings' in which he categorized
paintings of Rajasthan as Rajput Paintings
2. Ram Krishna Das named paintings of Rajasthan as Rajasthani Chitrakala

Major collection houses of Paintings: -

1. Pothi Khana → Jaipur
2. Saraswati Bhandar → Udaipur
3. Man Pustak Prakash → Jodhpur
4. Jheen Bhadra Suri Bhandar→ Jaisalmer

Classification: -
Paintings are broadly classified in 4 categories based upon geography, culture and certain
distinctive features
 Name of painting school Area
1. Mewar Chawand/ Udaipur,
Nathdwara , Devgarh
2. Marwar Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer,
Kishangarh, Nagaur,
Jaisalmer
3. Dhundhad Amber/Jaipur, Uniara,
Alwar, Shekhawati
4. Hadauti Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar

A. MEWAR SCHOOL OF PAINTINGS

→ Mewar School of Paintings is called „Motherland of Paintings of Rajasthan'
→ It was influenced by Gurjar and Jain painting style.
→ Initially paintings were made inside book or manuscripts. In Mewar two most noted
examples are as follows:

Year Place King. Name of Text

1. 1260 A.D. Aahad Tej Singh. Shravana- Pratikarman- Sutra Churni

(Udaipur)

2. 1423 A.D Delwada. Mokal. Suparshvanath- Charitam

(Sirohi)

1. Chavand / Udaipur School of Paintings

i) Maharana Pratap
↳ Independent development of Mewar painting school initiated during reign of Maharana
Pratap in Chavand

↳ Nasirudin named painter depicted famous painting of „Dhola -Maru'

ii) Amar Singh-I
↳ Nasiruddin depicted Raag Mala and Barah-Masa paintings during the reign of Maharana
Amar Singh I. Mughal influence on paintings of chavand style started during his reign.

iii) Jagat Singh I

↳ His reign is considered as 'Golden Era‟ of painting school of Mewar. He established a
separate painting department named „Chitra ri Obri’. It also known as ' Tasveeran Ro
Karkhana’
↳ Sahib- ud-din was main painter in his court. He depicted Solo paintings of Maharana of
Mewar.
↳ He also depicted Bhagavad Puran.

Main Paintings → Nayika bhed,

Ramayan,
Rasik Priya

iv) Sangram Singh-II

↳ paintings on Kalila Damna and Mulla Do Pyaza ke Latifa were painted during his reign.

Main Paintings → Geet Govind, Bihari satsai

• Mulla Do Pyaya → Navratan in court of Akbar

• Kalita Danna → Persian translation of Panch Tantra

Salient Features of paintings of Chavand style. →

1. More use of Red and Yellow colours

2. Depiction of Kadam trees is seen in the background scene of paintings.
3. 3D effect in hunting Scenes
4. Background often decorated with flowers, birds and animals. margins were filled with red
colour
5. Men are depicted with long and oval face, heavy mustache, heavy Chin and neck, Big eyes.
6. Women were shown with fish shaped eyes, broad chin, Hair falling on cheeks women are
wearing ornaments such as Karanphool, Bangel and Anklets.

Main painters:
 Manohar
 Kriparam
 Gangaram
 Jagannath
 Nurudeen
2. Devgarh style
↳ Devgarh was the first grade Thikana of Mewar
↳ Development of this painting started at time of Feudal lord DwarikaDas Chundawat
↳ Famous Paintings → Mural paintings of Moti Mahal and Ajar ki Obri

Salient features of Devgarh school. –

1. More use of green and yellow school
2. This style is mixture of Mewar, Marwar and Dhundhad.
3. Shreedhar Andhare played important role in promotion of Devgarh school
4. Paintings of court scenes, elephant fighting and hunting were portrayed.

Main painters
 Kanvla
 Chankha
 Baijnath

3. Nathdwara school of paintings

↳ This painting style started its development during reign of Maharana Raj Singh
↳ Due to influence of Vallabh sect more paintings of Lord Krishna were depicted
↳ This style is mixture of Brij school and Chavand and style
↳ Pichwai of Shrinathji temple were portrayed
↳ More paintings of Cow, banana tree, dieties in sky were depicted

Main Painters
 Narayan
 Chatturbhuj
 Ghasiram
 Udayram
Female painters
 Kamla
 Elaichi
 C. Dhundhad School of Paintings
1. Amber/ Jaipur style

i) Maan Singh
Independent development of painting school of Amber started 169 paintings of text Rajam-
Nama were painted by artists of Amber.
It was composed during Akbar's time. Mural paintings of Mozamabad and Mughal garden
were depicted in Bairath.

ii) Mirza Raja Jai Singh

Paintings of Lord Krishna were portrayed for his wife Queen Chandrawati.

iii) Sawai Jai Singh

He established a painting department named Surat Khana with the construction of Haveli,
palaces and mural paintings.

iv) Iswari Singh

Sahibram was a famous painter of his court and he started portraying life size paintings of
kings

v) Madho singh
Mural paintings of Chandra mahal, Pundric Haveli, Galta temple, Sisodia Queen palace.
During his reign painters affixed wax, pearls on paintings.

vi) Pratap Singh

His reign is called Golden era of painting school of Jaipur. He established formal painting
school. Painter named lalchand depicted animal fighting scene Changan game. Hawa Mahal
was constructed and 50 painters were given royal patronage.

vii) Madho Singh II

During reign of him Influence of European style started. Important paintings of Jawahar set
of Dash- Mahavidya

Features of Amber/Jaipur School:

→ This style was influenced by Mughal style
→ Various forms of paintings were depicted such as mural painting, Manuscript painting, life
size painting and miniature paintings.
→ Usage of green colour, red, yellow, blue is seen and Margins were filled with dark green
colour.
→ Main paintings → Royal processions, Ramayan, life size portraits, Elephants and gardens
were depicted beautifully.
→ Female figures → Large eyes, bunch of long hair stout physique and pleasant mood.
Ornaments were depicted.

Painters
 Ramji Das
 Kusala
 Lal ji
 Ganga Baksh
 Raghunath
 Md. Shah

2. Alwar school of painting

i) Bhaktawar Singh
Independent development of this school started with depiction of sheesh Mahal.

ii) Vinay Singh

His reign is considered as golden era of Alwar school of paintings
↳ Baldev Singh was painting teacher. of King Vinay singh and portrayed a book →
Gulistan
↳ Author: Sheikh Shadi

iii) Shiv dan Singh

During his reign paintings related to Kamasutra were depicted

Features of Paintings of Alwar school

→ Influence of Painting school of Persia and Amber
→ Usage of bright, shinning and greasy colours is more.
→ Attire of man and women were depicted in Mughal and Rajput styles.
→ Margins are depicted with flowers and leaves
→ It was the only painting school which depicted prostitutes in graceful manner.
→ Paintings related to yoga were made in Alwar school
Main Painters: -
 Saliram
 Bakshram
 Nanak ram
 Choteram
 Jamnadas
 Nandlal

3. Shekhawati School

→ Shekhawati is known for grand Haveli and their mural paintings therefore Shekhawati is also
called 'Open Art gallery'
→ Murals of Shekhawati region is influenced by European style.
→ Use of blue colour is seen more in paintings.
→ Drawing of gods and goddess were painted in sharp outlines on the main gates were painted
→ Figures of Elephant, horses and guards were made in the brackets.
→ Interior walls of Havelis showing impact of company style. Railway trains, motor vehicles,
aeroplanes and pictures of victorian age furniture is seen
→ Mural painting of cenotaph of Jogidas is famous. It was depicted by famous painter named
Devdas

4. Uniyara (Tonk) School

→ This painting style was blend of Dhundhah and Bundi school

→ Uniyara was Thikhana of Amber princely state

Main Painters
 Bheema,
 Vis Baksh,
 Kashi
 Ram Lakhan
B. Marwar school of paintings

1. Jodhpur style
i) Rao Maldev
↳ Independent development of painting school of Marwar started during reign of Rao
Maldev
↳ Mural Paintings of Chokelav Palace and utara-Dhyan- Sutra text were depicted
during this time.

ii) Sur Singh →

↳ Dola Maru and Bhagavad Puran were portrayed
↳ In 1623 A'D Veer Vithaldasji depicted Raag Mala

iii) Jaswant Singh →

↳ During his reign Mughal influence became more prominent on paintings.
↳ More paintings of Royal court were depicted
↳ Different paintings of Lord Krishna were depicted

iv) Rao Maan Singh-

↳ His reign is considered as' golden Era‟ of Paintings of Jodhpur.
↳ Durga Puran, Shiv Puran, Panch tantra, Nath charitra and paintings on Kama Sutra
were depicted.

v) Taqat singh
↳ During his reign influence of European style started.
Famous painting of Veer Durga Das Rathore was depicted by A. H. Muller.

Salient features of Jodhpur style

1. Usage of Yellow and red colours is more.
2. Margins are filled with Yellow colour
3. Paintings reflecting emotions of love were depicted.
Ex : - Mumal Mahendra,
Dhola Maru
4. Features of men - Chiselled Physique, High Royal Turban, Nut brown eyes.
5. Features of Females-Heavily decorated dresses, Pearl Jewellery, golden foot wears
6. Depiction of Nature → Sand dunes, small bushes, Crimson Cloud, Mango trees in abundance
Main painters –
 Shivdas Bhati
 Amardas Bhati
 Jeetmal
 Chajju
 Kishan das
 Devdas
 Narayan
2. Bikaner School

i ) Rai Singh-Independent development of Bikaner style started during reign of Rai Singh.
 Painting of Bhagwat Puran were depicted.

ii) Anup Singh- His reign is considered as Golden era of painting school of Bikaner.
→ Bikaner School had two distinct painting styles. i. e.
a) Mathena
b) Usta art
→ King Anup Singh invited Usta artist from Lahore.
→ Hisam-ud-din Ustad has been awarded Padam Shree and National Craft master person
award.
→ Usta art is taught in Camel hide training centre in Bikaner.

Main painters of Usta art-

 Ali Raja
 Ruknuddin
 Aaseer Khan

Mathena Art →
→ It was practiced by Matherna Jain painters in Royal court
→ They depicted paintings on wet plaster which was called Aala-geela The same art is called
Pano in Shekhawati. It is also called fresco

Main painters of Matherna –

 Mukund
 Munnalal
 Chandanlal

Herman Goetz wrote a book named „The Art of India‟. It consist information about
development of Bikaner painting school.

Features of Bikaner school: -

→ Use of grey, Brown, purple and blue colour
→ Influence of Mughal, Deccan and Punjab school of paintings.
→ Muslim painters drew paintings of Hindu gods.
→ Painters of Bikaner mentioned their name and date on paintings
→ Sky is depicted in golden curls covered in clouds
→ Portrayal of cranes and flying birds
3. Jaisalmer school of painting
→ This school of painting was not influenced by any other school of painting
→ Use of Multi colour is seen
→ Paintings of Mumal were depicted therefore Mumal is called “Monalisa of Maand”
→ Independent development of Jaisalmer school started during reign of Harraj Bhati
→ Reign of Akheraj Bhati is called golden era of Jaisalmer School of painting

4. Kishangarh painting school -

→ Independent development of this style was initiated during reign of Shawant singh
→ He was follower of Vallabh sect and he changed his name to Nagaridas
→ His reign is considered as golden era of painting school of Kishangarh.
→ Due to influence of Vallabh sect more paintings of Radha and Krishna were depicted
→ Erick Dickson and Dr. Faiyaz Ali played important role in promotion of Kishangarh school.
→ Mordhwaja Nihalchand was the main painter of his court.
→ Rasik Bihari (Beloved of shavant Singh)was depicted as Radha.
→ Nihal Chand also painted individual portrait of Rasik Bihari which is known as Bani Thani.
→ Erick Dickson has called BaniThani as 'Monalisa of India'
→ A postal stamp was issued in1973 A.D. on Bani Thani
→ Nihalchand depicted Nagar Samuchay. Shavant Singh was author of this book.
→ Painter Ameerchand portrayed 'Chandni Raat ki Ghosti

Features of Kishangarh School: -

→ Influence of Kangra style
→ Prominence of Pink and white colour was seen
→ Margins were filled with light pink colour.
→ Women figure → Pointed nose, long deep smutty eyes, Hands holding half blossomed lotus,
wearing lehengas and decorated odhni. Nose ring vesari is also prominently depicted
→ Portrayal of Banana trees, date trees, ponds, boats, cranes, ducks, colourful gardens
→ Depiction of love of lord Krishna Radha in vermillion clouds

Other important paintings →

 Nauka Vihar
 Saanj leela
 Divine couple

Important painters: -
 Nanak ram
 Sitaram
 Bhanwarlal.
 Dhanna
 Ramnath
 Sur dwaj

5. Nagore school
→ Dull and off shades were used in Nagore paintings
→ Depiction of transparent clothes
→ Mural paintings on walls and gate of Nagore fort were depicted
→ Old age depiction is done beautifully

6. Ajmer style
→ Sahiba named painter depicted many paintings in Ajmer style.
→ Men were depicted tall and strong wearing Mojadi

Main Painters:
 Taiyabji
 Chand
 Ram singh
 Madho singh
 Alla Baksh
 D. Hadauti School of painting
1. Bundi School

i) Rao Surjan Singh-

→ Independent development of Bundi style started during his reign Important paintings -
Deepak-Raag, Bhairav-Raagni, Mural paintings of Badal palace of Bundi

ii) Sattru Sal

→ He got constructed Rang Mahal. It is famous for mural paintings

iii) Umeed Singh

→ His Reign was 'golden Era‟ of paintings of Bundi school
→ He constructed chitrashala. It is called „Heaven of mural painting‟.

Features of Bundi school

→ Influenced by Mewar, Mughal and Deccan styles.
→ Females are depicted with thin lips, eyes full of emotions, long pointed nose, round face,
double chin, slightly backward tilted forehead
→ Males depicted with full face, long mustache, depicted with masculinity
→ Use of green, white, red, orange and pink colours.
→ Nature Black clouds signalling rain with dancing peacock, wild animals wandering in the
foothills of mountains, Depiction of water reservoirs filled with flowers, Banana and date
trees in background
→ This school is also called „ Bird And animal school‟ of painting.
→ Main painting → Painting of umeed singh hunting a wild boar

Main Painters: -
 Surjan
 Sadhuram
 Ahmed Ali
 Ramlal
 Kishan

2. Kota School

i) Ram Singh
→ During his reign independent development of Kota School started.

ii) Bheem Singh

→ Due to influence of Vallabh sect paintings of Lord Krishna were depicted

iii) Umeed Singh

→ His reign is considered as golden era of paintings of Kota.
→ Mural paintings of Haveli of Zalim Singh jhala were depicted during his reign
Features of Kota school

→ More use of Yellow and green colour is seen

→ Women were depicted with thin waist, blossoming lips, long nose
→ Men with heavy beared and long moustache
→ The school took animal hunting to new heights. Dense forest with various animals such as
lion tiger, wild boar were depicted
→ Women have been shown hunting wild animals
Main Painters
 Noor Mohammed
 Dalu
 Govindram
 Lachuram
 Raghunath

Modern painting school of Rajasthan

→ With the arrival of British the company style became more prominent on Rajasthan paintings.

Main Painters of modern Rajasthan paintings.

1. Kundanlal Mistri

 He depicted paintings related to life of common people

 He adopted Neo-Impressionist style
 He was awarded with the Wellington Award
 He was given title of Chitra Nipun and Chitra bhushan

Main paintings:
 Kumharin Bazar Ki Aur
 gram Baha
 Shamadan
 Seeta Svyamvar

2. Ram gopal Vijayvargiya

 He was disciple of Shailendra Nath Deyand was the first painter to conduct a solo painting
exhibition of paintings in Rajasthan
 He wrote a book named Abishar Nisha

3. A. H Muller

 He was painter of German origin

 He was famous for realistic paintings
 He depicted political and cultural history of Rajasthan through his paintings.

Main paintings –
 Rao Jodha,
 Veer Durga das Rathore,
 Prithvi Raj Rathore's Letter to Maharana Pratap to continue War against Akbar,
 Jai Jangaldhar Badshah,
 Rao Jait Singh's attack on Kamran

4. Bhoor Singh Shekhawat

 He depicted paintings related to freedom fighters

 He also depicted paintings on folk life of people of Rajasthan

Main paintings →
 Woman making food in winter evening
 Folk artist playing sarangi

Painters. Painting. Title.

5. Govardhan Lal Baba Paintings of Bhils Painter of Bhils

6. Pramanand Choyal Buffalo paintings Painter of Buffalo

7. Jagmohan Mathodiya Dog Paintings. Painter of Dog

8. Saubhagyamal Gehlot. Painting nests. Nest painter

9. Jyotiswaroop Kachwaha. Painting of Jungle

10 Devkinandan Painting of living objects

11. Shail Choyal. miniature paintings

12. Somendra - Used traditional methods to make satire on modern age

Questions in previous exam

Subjective questions

2 Marks → 20 words

Q.1. Bani Thani (RAS 1994)

Q.2. ChoKha and Baijnath painters (RAS 2008)
Q.3. Mention two distinctive features of Nathdwara School of paintings? (RAS 2013)
5 Marks → 50 words

Q.1. Explain in detail feature of Kishangarh school of painting. (RAS 1994,1997)

Q.2. Mewar School of painting (RAS 2002,2003)
Q.3. Bhoor Singh Shekhawat (RAS 2003)
Q.4. Jaipur School of painting (RAS 2007)
Q.5. Illustrate similarities and difference of Kishangarh and Bundi School of paintings (RAS
2016)

10 Marks – 100 words

Q.1. Illustrate the important features of Rajput paintings? ( RAS-1994)

Q.2. Explain in detail the different schools and their subjects of paintings (RAS-2008)

Practice Questions
Handicraft of Rajasthan
The history of handicrafts in Rajasthan is a sold as the history of stone age. Kalibanga,
Bairath, Ahad and many other sites of ancient civilization reveal many articles of handicraft
in form of clay bangles, pot and terracotta

Important Handicraft art of Rajasthan

1. Thewa Art
 Fine work of gold on Glassware is known as Thewa Art. coloured Belgium glass is used
on which gold is embossed.
 Main centre- Pratapgarh
 Main artists – Nathuji Soni (founder)
- Mahesh Raj Soni (Padam-Shree)

2. Meena Kari (Enamelling)

 Meenakari is old art of decorting metal with coloured enamel.

 Enameling is done on semi precious stones, gems and ornament of gold and silver.
 Traditionally black, blue, dark yellow, orange and pink colours are used for enamelling.
 Maharaja Maan Singh of Amber invited these artists from lahore.
 Main centre : Jaipur, Nathdwara
 Main Artist: Kudarat Singh (Padam Shree)

3. Terracotta (Molela Art)

 Terracotta is a type of Earthenware. Itused to make sculpture such as flower pot, vessels,
other decorative items.
  Dung is used with sand to make clay and This clay is used to make figures After drying
clay figure is backed at high temperature and given ochre or orange colour.
 Ancient toys of terracota are found at Badopal (Hanumangarh)
 Main centres - Molela ( Rajsamandh)
 Harji (Jalore)
 Boo (Nagore)
 Main artists → Mohanlal Kumawat (Padam Shree)

Molela Art Blue Pottery

4. Blue Pottery

 Vessels of white China clay are painted with blue colours and a special solution is put on
it for Shine.
 This art flourished during reign of King Ram Singh II of Jaipur and he sent Chandan
andKalu Kumar to Delhi to learn this art.
 Main centre → Jaipur
 Main artists → Kripal Singh Shekhawat
(Padam Shree)
 Kripal Singh Shekhawat used more than 25 colours and developed a new style
 Known as ‘Kripal style’

5. Tahnishan

 Designs are carved on brass and thin wire is filled in the carvings
 Main centre-Alwar, Jaipur
6. Tar Kashi
 In this art thin silver wires are used to decorate ornaments and decorative items.
 Centre → Nathdwara, Rajsamandh

7. Koftagiri
 Fine work of gold wire is done on iron and metal equipment such as Sword, Shields,
dagger
 Main centre → Alwar, Jaipur

Tahnishan. Tar Kashi. Koftagiri

Dyeing Printing

i) Ajarakh Style
 Centre - Balmer
 Colour - Real and blue colours are used
 Geometrical designs are made on clothes which shows Turkish influence

ii) Maleer Print

 Centre – Maleer
 Colour- Black and Kathai colours are used

iii) Sanganeri Print

 Centre- Sanganer, Jaipur
 Colour- Black, red and white
 Various attractive designs are imprinted on turban, pillow, bed sheets etc.
 Manna lal goyal promoted this art at international level
Ajarakh Print. Maleer Print

Sanganeri Print. Bagru Print

iv) Bagru Print

 Centre-Bagru Jaipur
 Natural colours are used to make flowers andleaves on cloth
 white colour is used in Background
v) Dabu Print
 Centre - Akola (Chittorgarh)
- Sawai Madhopur
- Balotra (Barmer)
 In this print specific portion of cloth is compressed by using clay, wax, wheat and that
part remains colourless

vi) Bandhej Print

 Centre- Jaipur
 Main artist-Yasin
 It is also known as tie-and dye as cloth is dyed after tying with threads

vii) Lehsiya print

 Centre-Jaipur
 Lehriya are popular among women
 women in Rajasthan wear it on Teez festival

Lehriya. Bandhej. Dabu

Viii) Kota Doriya
 Centre - Kaithun (Kota)
 Mangrole (Baran)
 It is print on saree having square shaped designs and attractive colours. These sarees have
300 squares in total.
 Silk thread and cotton is used with golden lace to create a special designs white clay is
also used by weavers.
 This art was founded by artesian named Mansur Ahmed, hence it is called Man Suriya art
 Main artist- Jainab

ix) JaajamPrint
 Centre - Chittaur

x) Chundai Print
 Centre – Jodhpur

Jajjam Print. Kota Doriya

9. Carpets
 Centre- Jaipur, Tonk, Kota
 Carpet is woven on wooden loom by putting warp of cotton and silk
 The Shah of Iraq Shah Abbas gifted a carpet to Mirza Raja Singh. It is kept in
government museum

10. Matting
 Centre - Salawas (Jodhpur)
- Tankla (Nagore)
- Lava (Dausa)

11. Gota Kinari

 Main centre- Khandla (SiKar)
 There are four types of gota-Kinari namely- Kiran, Lappi, Lappa , Bankli
12. Jadai
 Centre- Jaipur
 Jadai refers to cutting and setting precious and semiprecious stones
 This art has influence of Mughals

13. Swords
 Centre-Sirohi
 The art became popular during reign of Man Singh

14. Lakh work

 Centre – Sawai Madhopur,
Indragarh (Kota)
Lakshmangarh (Sikar)
 Artisan- Ayaz Ahmed
 Bangles, toys are made by lakh

15. Engraving of ivory and sandalwood

 Centre- Jaipur
Merta (Nagore)
Udaipur
 Artisans- Maalchand and, Ramesh Chandanwala, Govardhan, Lal Chand
 Bangles of ivory are made in Jodhpur
 Radha krishna , bookshelves, elephants are made of sandalwood

16. Kavad / Bevan

 Centre- Bassi (Chittorgarh)
 Kavad are the wooden temples made by artisans. These temples have many gates and on
each gatedrawings are made.
 The background is painted in red colour and drawings of god and goddess are made with
various colours.
 Bevan is also a wooden temple, which is open from front and closed from three directions
Aesthetic carving is done on Bevans

Other important art and their centres

Name of Art Centre
1. Black Pottery Kota
2. Zine idols Jodhpur
3. Marble idols Jaipur
4. Ramakada(Toys). Galiyakot ( Dungarpur)
5 Mojadi Bheenmal, Badagaon (Jalore)
6. Mirror work. Jaisalmer
7. Patchwork. Shekhawati
8. Atari Tari. Sirohi
9. Designer Furniture Barmer
10. Sports goods Hanumangarh
11 Agriculture Equipment Kurada (Nagore)
12 Puppet Udaipur
13. Bow and Arrows. Bodigama (Dungarpur)
Chandujika Gadha (Banswara)
14. Beedi. Tonk
15. Umbrella Falna(Pali)
16. Badle Jodhpur
17. Namda Tonk

GI Tags in Rajasthan
1. Kota Doria of Kota
2. Blue Pottery of Jaipur
3. Molela clay work of Molela, Rajsamandh
4. Puppets of Udaipur
5. Sanganeri Hand block prink of Sanganer Jaipur
6. Thewa Art of Pratapgarh
7. Makrana Marble of Makrana, Nagore
8. BagruPrint of Bagru Jaipur

MCQs
Q1. Centre of Thewa art is located at which place? (RAS-1996)
A. Bikaner. B. Jaipur
C. Banswara D. Pratapgarh

Q2. Which of the following is correctly matched? (RAS-2008)

A. Badle- Jaipur. B. Namda-Jodhpur
C. Masuriya Saree -Kota. D. Carving on Marble-Kota

Q3. Ajarak print is related to which of the following district? (Ras-2007)

A. Jaipur. B. Jodhpur
C. Jaisalmer D. Barmer

Q4. The famous craft of Blue pottery of Rajasthan originated from which place? (RAS-2003)
A. Persia B. Kashmir
C' Afghanistan D. Sindh
Q5. Badla, which is used to keep water cool are manufactured at which place?
A. Ajmer B. Jaipur
C. Ganganagar. D. Jodhpur.

Q6. For which craft, Shree Hisamuddin was awarded Padam Shree in 1986?
A. Tarkashi B. Embroidery on camel hide
C. Theva art D. Enamelling

Q7. Which of the place is famous for workof Terracotta? (RAS-2013)

A. Kaithun. B. Sanganer
C. Molela. D. Mangrole

Q8. Which king is credited with introduction of enameling in Rajasthan?

A. Sawai Ram Singh B. Jai Singh II
C. Maan Singh. D. Jaswant Singh

Q9. Which of the following places are known for manufacturing carpets?
A. Tankla-Salawas B. Molela-Boo
C. Akola-Balotra. D. Indragarh–Lakshmangarh

5 Marks questions
Q1. Terracotta of Malda (RAS-2003,2013)

Q2. Which of the handicrafts of Rajasthan has been given the GI Tag under intellectual
property rights (RAS- 2013, 2015)

Q3. Present scenario of Handicraft of Rajasthan (RAS-2007)

Q4. Sculptor castes of Rajasthan (RAS-2010)

10 Marks Question

Q. Write a short essay describing the various handicrafts of Rajasthan (RAS-2008

 Saints of Rajasthan

1. Dadu Dayal ji

 He was born in Ahmedabad in 1544 A. D. but he spent most of his life in Rajasthan
 Vraddhanand Ji was his spiritual guru
 Dadu Ji promoted formless devotion or Nirgun Bhakti. According to him the Almighty is
shapeless formless and cannot be defined.
 He started Nipakh movement
 He opposed idol worship, superstition, religious rituals and promoted Hindu Muslim unity.
He is also called as ‘Kabir of Rajasthan’
 Dadu ji’s main center is in Naraina (Jaipur).
 He met Akbar in year 1585 in Fatehpur Shikari.
 He composed text Vaani during the reign of King maan Singh of Amer
 Other important text of Dadaji are - Pad Sakhi, Aatmabodh, Kaya Bali
 He delivered his sermons in local language Dhundhari and Sadhukadi
 He delivered his first sermon at Sambhar in 1568 A.D
 His temples are called Dadu Dwara Instead of idol worship his text Vaani is worshipped in
his temple
 As per his teachings dead body should not be burned or buried but it should be left for
animals to consume
 His dead body was left in the hills of Bhairana. This place is called DaduKhol/ DaduPalki
 There were 152 main disciples of Dadu Ji. Out of them 52 were wanderers and they are
called 52 pillars of Dadu – Panth

Main branches off Dadu sect our as follows :

 Khalsa –It includes those monks who live in the main site Nariana belongs to this branch.
 Virakta- It includes those monks who are wanderers and spread the teachings of Dadu Ji .
 Uttarde /Sthandhari-This branch was established by disciple Banwaridas ji in Hariyana.
 Khaki-Those monks who wear khaki are from this branch
 Naga- They are nude monks.

Main disciples of Dadaji are as follows: -

Rajjabji- was Pathan from sanganer

After listening to the teachings of Dadaji, He did not get married and remained in the groom's
dress for his entire life.

Books- Rajjab Vani, Sarvangi

Sundar Das

Chief Centre –Getolav (Dausa)

He established the Naga branch of Dadu sect.
Naga Sadhu helped Pratap Singh during Maratha Attack

Text of Sundar dasJi -Sundar vilas,

Sundarsarand
Gyan Samundra

Jana Gopal
He wrote biography of Dadu Doyal ji called Jeevan Parchi

Other disciples:-
Garibdas ji
Miskindas ji
Bakhnaji
1. Jambhoji

He was born in year 1451 A.D.

 Birth place- Peempasar (Nagore)

 Father- Lohatji
 Mother- Hansa Bai
 Childhood name- Dhan-Raj
 Chief Centre - Mukam, Bikaner
 He took Samadhi in 1526A.D.
 Fair - Ashwin Amavashya
 Fagun Amavashya
 Guru –Gorakhnath

 He is considered as incarnation of lord Vishnu because he was born on Bhadrapad Krishna

Aastmi
 He is also called scientific Saint. He opposed evil practices and promoted Hindu-Muslim
unity
 He delivered 29 holy sermons at Samrathal (Bikaner)therefore his followers are called
Vishnoi.
 Jambhoji was contemporary of Sikander Lodhi.

Important texts of Jambhoji

 Jamba Sanhita
 Jambh-SagarShabdavali
 VishnoiDharma Prakash
 120 SabadhVaaniya
Holy sites of Jambhoji

 Peesmpasar (Nagore)
 Rota (Nagore)
 Jambha (Jodhpur)
 Ramdawas (Jodhpur)
 Jaglu (Bikaner)

Important teaching: →
 He prohibited cutting of green trees.
 He opposed killing of animals and considered deer as sacred
 He preached that one should not wear blue clothes.
 He said one should not consume alcohol andintoxicants

3. Jasnath Ji (Sect: Jasnathi)

He was born in 1482 A.D.

 Basic Details

Birth Place Katriyasar (Bikaner)

Father Hammer Ji
Mother Rupa De
Chief Centre Katriyasar, Bikaner
Thice in a year: Aashvin Shukla Saptami, Magh Shukla Saptami,
Fair
Chaitra Shukla Saptami

 He delivered 36 teachings to his disciples.

 His followers wear black wool thread in their necks and consider Jaal tree and peacock
feather very sacred.
 Fire dance is performed by his followers.
 His wife Kal-De is also worshipped along with him.
 All his teachings are compiled in books 'Simbhudadha' and 'Konda'.
 Jasnath Ji composed a text named as "Gorakh-Chando".
 Famous saints of this sect are – Laldas Ji, Hanso Ji and Haro Ji.

4. Charan Das Ji (Sect: Charandasi)

He was born in 2706 A.D.

 Basic Details

Birth Place Dehra (Mevat)

Father Murali Dhar
Mother Kunjo Bai
Chief Centre Delhi

 He delivered 42 teachings to his disciples. He endorsed a mix path of Sagun as well a Nirgun
Bhakti.
 He was a disciple of Saint Shukdev.
 Followers of Charandasi sect worship Lord Krishna in form of Sakhi and wear yellow
clothes.
 He predicted the attack of Nadir Shah on Delhi.
 Texts of Charandas Ji: Brahma Charitra, Gyan-Sarvodaya
 Female disciples
 Daya Bai – She composed Daya Bodh and Vinay Malika texts.
 Sahajo Bai – She composed Sahaj Prakash.
 He used to preach in Mevati language.

5. Lal-Das Ji

He was born in 1540 A.D.

Basic Details

Birth Place Dholi-Dub (Alwar)

Father Chandmal
Mother Samda
Chief Centre Nangla Jahaj (Bharatpur)
Samadhi Place Sherpur (Alwar)
Guru Gaddan Chisti
Fair Twice in a year : Aashwin Ekadashi, Magh Purnima

 He was contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and Saint Dadu-Dayal.

 He was a wood cutter of Mev tribe.
 He delivered his teachings in Mevati language and had more influence in Mevati region.
 Saint Laldas Ji also promoted Nirgun Bhakti and said that god cannot be defined. According
to him whosoever wishes to join the sect should not be fond of materialistic pleasures.
 The main text of this sect is "Laldas Ki Chetavaniya', which contains sermons of Laldas Ji.

6. Hari-Das Ji

Basic Details

Birth Place Kapdod (Nagaur)

Chief site Gadha (Deedwana, Nagaur)
Real Name Hari Singh Sankhla

 It is said that initially he was a dacoit but later on became a Saint.

 He started Niranjani sect or Hari-Dasi sect.
 He delivered messages of Nirgun as well as Sagun Bhakti. He emphasized on the virtues of
tolerance and co-existence.
 Almighty is referred as Alakh-Niranjan or Hari-Niranjan by this sect.
 Texts composed by Hari-Das Ji
 Mantra Raj Prakash, Hari Purush Ki Vani
 Saints of Rajasthan

7. Saint Peepa ji

Basic Details

Real Name Pratap Singh Khinchi

Temple Samdari (Barmer)
Cenotaph Gagraun (Jhalawar)
Cave Toda (Tonk)
Guru Ramanand Ji

 He was the King of Gagraun (Jhalawar). Later on, he became a saint and abdicated his throne
in favor of his younger brother Achaldas Khinchi.
 He promoted Nirguna Bhakti and Darji (Tailor) community considers him as their chin deity.
 He professed equality among all living irrespective of caste, creed, gender, colour wealth and
physical attributes which is expressed in below mentioned couplet.
u dksbZ iq:"k ugha dksbZ ukjh] uk dksbZ nkÙkk uk dksbZ fHk[kkjh
uk dksbZ jad ugha dksbZ jk.kk] y?kq nh?kZ >wB dfj tkuk
 He wrote a small poetry book named "Chintavani Jog".

8. Saint Dhanna Ji

Basic Details

Birth Place Dhuvan (Tonk)

Guru Ramanand Ji
Temple Boranada (Jodhpur)

 He was born in a Jat family and was among one of the main disciples of Saint Ramanand ji.
 He is credited with starting the Bhakti movement in Rajasthan.
 The commentary on Bhaktamal by Priyadasa tells that he used to practice idol worship before
he became a disciple of Ramanand Ji.
 Bhaktamal is a text written by Saint Nabha Dassa in Brij language which has short
biographies of more than 200 saints and devotees.
 He opposed ritualstic practices and said that instead of going to temples, one can worship the
god from home.

9. Saint Mao Ji
 He was born at a place called Sabla in Dungarpur.
 He used to worship Lord Krishna in 'Nishkalanki' form.
 The sect started by him is also known as Nishkalanki sect. Nishkalanki means unblemished
or flawless.
 He composed texts in the form of debates which are known as 'Chopda'
 His followers consider him as the 10th incarnation or Kalki incarnation.
 He respected untouchables and used to call them 'Sadh' and he tried to reform the tribal
society by removing social evils and creating awareness.
 The main temple of Mao Ji is located in Sabla where there is an idol of Mao Ji with a conch,
mace and Padma flower riding a horse.

10. Saint Navaldas

Basic Details

Birth Place Harsolav (Nagaur)

Chief center Jodhpur
Sect Naval
Text Navleshwar Anubhav Vani
11. Saint Lalgiri Ji

Basic Details

Birth Place Sulakhiya (Churu)

Chief center Bikaner
Sect Alakh
Text Alakh Stuti Prakash

 He also believed in Nirguna Bhakti, his Samadhi is located in Galta ji.

12. Bal-Nandacharya
 His chief center is located in Lohargal (Jhunjhunu).
 He used to keep an army and therefore he was referred as 'Lashkar-Saint'. Lashkar means
army.
 He had protected around 52 idols from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
 He had sent army to support Raj Singh of Mewar and Durgadas Rathore of Marwar

13. Rajram Ji

 His chief center is located in Shikarpur (Jodhpur).

 People of Patel community worship him as their chief deity.
 He gave the message of environment conservation.

14. Narhad Pee

 His main center is located at Narhad (Jhunjhnu).

 He is also known by the name of "Shakkar (Sugar) Wale Baba" and Baggad Ka Dhani
(Master)".
 A fair is organized in his memory on Krishna Janmashtami.
 He was the guru of Sheikh Saleem Chisti, after which akbar named his son Saleem.
 His center is considered as a place of communal harmony.
 This place is known for their treatment of mentally unstable people.

15. Sant Das Ji

 His main center is located in Dantda (Bhilwara)

 He used to wear clothes made off Gudada (rags, tatters), and hence his sect came to be
known as Gudad sect. He believed in Nirguna Bhakti.

16. Meera Bai

Basic Details

Birth Place Kurki (Pali)

Father Ratan Singh
Husband Bhojraj (Mewar)
Guru Raidas Ji

 Meera Bai was raised by her grandfather Rao Duda Ji in Merta.

 Meera Bai considered Lord Krishna s her husband and the main sentiment of her devotion
was intense love for her revered deity i.e. Lord Krishna.
 She did not belong to any sect but it is said that she was impressed with Jeev/Roop Goswami
of Chaitanya/Gauriya sect.
 She is referred as "Radha of Rajasthan".
 It is said that she merged herself in the idol of Lord Krishna at Ranchod Das temple in
Dwarika.
 According to Mahatma Gandhi, Meera Bai was the first woman to fight against injustice by
using the tool og Satyagraha.
 Texts composed by Meera Bai are in Rajasthani, Brij, Gujarati and Punjabi languages. Some
of the major texts composed by her are mentioned below
 Satya Bhama No Rusano, Geet-Goving Ki Teeka
  Rag-Goving, Meera ri Gareebi, Rukmani Mangal
 Nar Si Ji ro Mayaro (Aided by : Ratna Khati)

17. Gavri Bai

 She is considered as "Meera of Vagar", as she worshipped Lord Krishna in husband form.
 Shiv Singh, King of Dungarpur constructed a Balmukund temple for her. It is also known as
"Temple of Gavri Bai".

18. Bhakt-Kavi Durlabh

 He is called as "Nar Sing of Vagar".

19. Acharya Tulsi

 Acharya Tulsi was born in Ladnu, Nagaur.

 He started an ideological revolution "Anuvrata" for the moral upliftment of the masses.
 He headed the 'Terapanth sect' of Jains. He organized a huge Maryada Mahotsavain
Sujangarh in Churu in 1994.
 He gave directions regarding the national, international and political problems and gave the
theory of Visarjan.
 Important Sects

1. Vaishnava Sect

 Four Acharya's of Vaishnava sect are famous as they wrote texts on Vedanta and started their
own respective sects
 Ramanuja : He wrote Shribhasya and started Ramanuja sect.
 Nimbarka : He wrote Vedanta-Parijatya and started Nimbarka sect.
 Chaitanya Mahaprabhu : He started Gaudiya sect. A scholar named Baldev
Vidhyabhushan wrote "Govind-Bhasya" in Jaipur and started Achintya-Bhed-abhed sect
 Vallabha : He wrote Anu-Bhasya and started Vallabha sect or Pushti-Margiya sect

2. Vallabha Sect

 It is also known as Pushti-margiya sect and it has a long history in Rajasthan

 As per the traditions of this set Lord Krishna is worshipped in child form.
 Pushti means the Path of Grace and there are three important features of Pushti Marg
 There are 7 main centers/temples of Vallabha sect, out of which 5 are located in Rajasthan
 Mathuresh Ji (Kota)
 Shrinath Ji (nathdwara)
 Dwarika-Dheesh (Kankroli, Rajsamand)
 Gokul Chandra (Kaman, Bharatpur)
 Madan-Mohan (Kaman, Bharatpur)
 There is a total of 41 temples of the Vallabha sect in Rajasthan.

3. Nimbark Sect

 As mentioned above, this sect was founded by Nimbarkacharya.

 They consider Radha as wife of Lord Krishna and worship them in pair. A fair is also
organized on Radha Ashtami.
 Salemabad centre of Nimbark sect was established by Saint Parshuram Devacharya.
 He wrote Parshuram Sagar text in local language.
 His footwears are worshipped in Salemabad temple
 Jaipur's King Jagat Singh-II went to Salemabad seeking blessings for the birth of a son.

4. Gaudiya Sect

 Devotees of Gaudiya sect follow the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

 They worship Lord Krishna and Radha by doing Sankeertans.
 This sect has wide influence of the region of Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur and Karauli.
 King Man Singh-I of Jaipur had also constructed a temple of Govind Dev Ji in Vrindavan.
 The temple of Govind Dev Ji was built in Jaipur by Sawai Jai Singh and Kings were
considered as Deewans of Govind Dev Ji.
 Other important temples of Gaudiya Sect in Jaipur are
 Radha Damodar
 Radha Vinod
 Gopinath

5. Ramanandi Sect

 This sect is a branch of the Ramanuja Vaishnava sect and was founded by Saint Ramanand
Ji.
 Ramanand Ji is considered as the promulgator of the Bhakti movement in North India.
 This sect worships Lord Rama in 'Rasik-Nayak' form. Rasik Nayak reflects the affectionate
side of Lord Rama so this sect is also known as Rasik sect.
 They worship Ram and Seeta in pair depicting their love and affection for each other.
 During the reign of Sawai Jai Singh, his court poet Krishna Bhatt wrote a book named "Ram
– Raso" . This book describes the love of Ram and Seeta. During the reign of Sawai Jai
Singh Ramanandi sect became popular in Jaipur.
 This sect has 2 main centers in Rajasthan, Glata Ji (Jaipur) and Raivasa (Sikar).
 Galta Ji
 This center was established by Krishna Dhar Payhari. Payhari refers to a person who only
consumes milk.
 Galta Ji was also called as "Uttar-Totadri", as this was an important center of the
Ramanuja sect in North India.
 Krishna Dhar Payhari composed many texts which include Charitra, Brahmageeta,
Prematava Nirupta.
 He defeated Chaturnath, Guru of Amber King, in a debate and reduced the influence of
the Nath sect in Amber.
 Amber King Prithivi raj and her wife Balal Bai were disciples of Krishna Dhar payhari.
 Galta Ji is also famous by the name of "Monkey valley".
 Raivasa (Sikar)
 This was established by Agradas Ji, who was a disciple of Krishna Dhar Ji.

6. Ramsnehi Sect

 Ramsnehi sect was established by Swami Ramcharan Ji.

 In this sect temple is called as Ramdwara, and it practices Nirguna Bhakti.
 The followers do not practice idol worship, word Rama in Ramsnehi does not refer to King
Dasrath's son Ram instead it refers to formless, indefinite god.
 Saints of this sect wear pink clothes and 'Fuldol festival' is celebrated on the next day of Holi.
 This sect has 4 major centres which are mentioned below
 Shahpura (Bhilwara)
 This center was established by Saint Ramcharan Das Ji.
  He was a disciple of Swami Kriparam Ji and he took most of his lessons at Dantda
(Bhilwara).
 He opposed idol worship, polytheistic rituals and believed in the theory of one god.
 He faced opposition and had to shift to Shahpura and King Ran Singh constructed a
cenotaph and established a monastery for him.
 His teachings are captured in the text "Anbhai Vani"
 Rain (Nagaur)
 This center was established by Dariyav Ji, he hailed from a Pthan family.
 His sect is also known as Dariyav sect, his place of Samadhi is called as Dariyav-Dham.
 Seenthal (Bikaner)
 This center was established by Hariramdas Ji.
 He was a disciple of Jaitmaldas Ji.
 He wrote a text named 'Nishani', it is a text on Yoga.
 His disciple, Saint Dayaldas wrote his biography in a ttext names as 'Hariramdas Ji Ki
parchai'.
 Khedapa (Jodhpur)
 This branch was established by Saint Ramdas Ji.
 He was a disciple of Saint Hariramdas Ji and hailed from Meghwal community.
 His followers were categorized in 5 types- Virakta, Videh, Parmahansa, Pravarati and
Grihasthi.

7. Shaiv Sect

 Shaiv sect has four branches which are listed below

 Kapalik
 Pashupata
 Lingayat
 Kashmirak
 Pashupata sect was founded by Lakulish in 2nd century AD. The rulers of Mewar were
associated with this sect.
8. Nath Sect

 Nath sect is a sub sect of Shaivite sect and it was established by Nath Muni.
 King Man Singh of Jodhpur was follower of Nath sect and considered Ayas Dev Nath as his
spiritual Guru.
 There are two branches of the Nath sect in Rajasthan
 Man-Panthi (Mahamandir, Jodhpur)
 Vairag-Panthi (Ratadunga, Pushkar)
 Folk Deities of Rajasthan

1. Pabu Ji

 The Basic details are mentioned below

Born Kolumand (Jodhpur)

Father Dhandhal Ji
Mother Kamla De
Wife Fulam De/Supyar De (Sodha princess of Amarkot)
Aides/Allies Chanda, Dama (2 Bhil Brothers)
Mare Kewsar Kalmi (Real owner: Charan woman named Deval)
Fair Chaitra Amavsaya

 Pabu Ji had borrowed the mare 'Kesar Kalmi' from Deval Charan and in return promised that
if any harm is done to her cattle herd in the absence of the mare he would leave everything
and come to her aid.
 Jeendrao Khinchi, King of Jayal, looted the herd of Deval Charan in absence of her mare.
 Pabu Ji true to his promise returned midway from his own marriage and died fighting against
Jeendrao Khinchi in a battle at Dechu (Jodhpur).
 Pabu Ji is considered as an incarnation of Lord Laxmana, younger brother of Rama.
 It is believed that camels in Rajasthan were brought by Pabu Ji and hence he is known as
'camel-protector deity'. he is the chief deity of Raika/Raibari/Devasi community. which is a
camel rearing community.
 It is also believed that Pabuji protects from plague and is also considered as a cow protector
deity.
 Pabuji is extremely popular in Thori or Bhil tribe as he provided refuge to 7 downtrodden
then brothers Gujarat. This fact is mentioned in "Muhnot Nainsi ri Khyat".
 Paju ji ki Phad is sung by Bhil/Thori priests (Bhopa) while playing the musical instrument of
Ravan Hattha. Generally it is played when a desired wish comes true.
 The devotional songs of Pabuji are known as Pabuji Ke pVade and are sung with Maat
instrument.
 The symbol of Pabuji is of a cavalier carrying a spear.
 In recent past, government of Rajasthan has constructed a panorama of Pabuji in Kolu in his
memory.
 Books written on Pabuji
 Pabu Praksh- this book is written by Aasiya Mod ji. It is a biography of Pabuji.
 Pabuji ra Doha- Laghraj

2. Ramdev JI

 The Basic details are mentioned below

Born Undu Kashmir (Barmer)

Father Ajmal Ji (Feudal lord of Pokhran)
Mother Maina De
Wife Netal De (Sodha Princess of Amarkot)
Guru/Perceptor Balinath Ji
Horse Leelo
Flag Neja
Meghwal Devotee Rikhiya
Jagran Jamo

 Ramdev Ji is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu/Krishna and Muslims refer to him

as Ram Shah Pir and Piron-Ka-Pir (Pir of Pirs)
 Beeramdev JI, his big brother is considered as an incarnation of Lord Balrama, elder brother
of Krishna. He is also of worshipped as folk deity.
 He took Samadhi on Bhadrapada Shukla Ekadashi or 11th bright day of Bhadrapada at
Runicha/Ramdevra (Jaisalmer).
 His sister Dali Bai Meghawal took Samadhi on Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi or 10th bright
day of Bhadrapada.
 A fair is organized in his memory from Bhadrapada Shukla Dvitiya to Ekadashi in Runicha.
 Ramdev Ji started 'Kamdiya sect', women of this sect perform Terhatali dance.
 Ramdev ji was a social reformer and he tried to eradicate the practice of untouchability and
emphasized on social harmony and unity.
 Ramdev ji is the only folk deity who was also a peot and he composed a text named 'Chaubis
baniya'.
 The devotional songs sung by the devotees of Ramdev Ji are known as Byavale.
 In the temples of Ramdev ji his feet are worshipped which is called as "Paglya-Pujan".
 There is a 'Parcha Baori' (step well) located in runciha which is famous for curing skin
disease.

3. Goga Ji

 Basic Details

Born Dedreva (Churu)

Father Jewar Singh
Mother Bechal De
Wife Delhi

 Gogaji fought a battle against Mahmud Ghaznavi and Ghaznavi referred to Gogaji as 'Jahir-
Pir'.
 Poet Meh has written a poem named 'Gogaji Ka Rasavala', in which he mentions about the
bravery of Gogaji in the battle against Muslim invaders.
 He died while fighting against his cousin brothers Arjan and Sarjan for protection of cows.
 Temples of Gogaji
 Dadreva (Churu) – Sheersh-Medi.
 Gogamedi (Hanumangarh) – Dhur-Medi
  Khileriyon Ki Dhani (Sachore, Jalore) – Gogaji ki oldi
 The gogamedi temple is constructed like a tomb and the word Bismillah is written on it.
 Generally temples of Gogaji are constructed under the Khjadi tree.
 Gogaji is considered as a Snake-protector deity and he was contemporary of Guru
Gorakhnath.

4. Harbu Ji Sankhla

 He was born in Bhundel in Nagaur and was a maternal cousin of Ramdev Ji.
 He was scholar of astrology.
 He blessed Rao Jodha that he will retrieve Mandore from Mewar and gifted him his dagger.
 Rao Jodha after gaining victory gifted him the village of Bengati (Phalodi, Jodhpur).
 Later on, King Ajit Singh of Jodhpur constructed a temple in Bengati in his memory.
 Bullock cart of Harbu ji is worshipped in this temple.
 Jackal is the vehicle of Harbu ji.
 "Sankhla Harbu ka Haal" is a book written on the life of Harbu Ji.

5. Mehaji Mangaliya

 Basic details of Mehaji are as follows

Father Gopalraj Sankhla

Temple Bapini (Jodhpur)
Horse Kirad Kabra
Fair Krishna Janmashtami

 He died while fighting against the Ranagdev Bhati of Jaisalmer. It is believed that Priests of
Mehaji are not blessed with sons.
6. Teja Ji

 Basic details

Birth Place Khadnal (Nagaur)

Father Tahad Ji
Mother Raj Kanwar
Wife Pepal De (Paner, Ajmer)
Mare Leelan

 Tejaji got grievously injured while protecting the cows of a Gurjar woman named Lacha and
eventually died because of snake-bite at Sursura Village, Ajmer.
 Teja Ji is considered as a snake-protector deity and priests of Teja Ji's temple are known as
Ghudla.

8. Dev Baba

 Temple of Dev Baba is located at Nangla Jahaj (Bharatpur).

 Fair of Dev Baba is organized twice in a year
 Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami
 Chaitra Shukla Panchami
 Dev baba is considered as a deity of Veterinary medicines therefore he is revered by Gurjars.
 It is believed that is order to please him 7 cow-keepers must be fed, it is also known as Gwala
Jeeman Dawat.
 Male buffalo is the vehicle of Dev Baba
9. Mallinath Ji

 Basic details

Born Marwar
Father Salkha Ji
Mother Jani De
Wife Rupa De
Guru Ugam Singh Bhati

 Mallinath Ji was a Rathore King of Mewar, he defeated the armies of Nizzamuddin

(Commander of Firoze Shah Tuglaq) in 1378 AD.
 A big cattle fair is organized in Tilwara (Barmer) in his memory. Malani horses are traded in
this fair.
 Mallinath Ji and Rupa De tried to eradicate untouchability from the society.
 Mallinath ji practiced formless devotion towards the all encompassing god.
 He organized a big Oratorio in 1399 in which all the saints of Marwar participated.

10. Tallinath Ji

 Basic details

Real Name Gangdev

Father Veeramdev
Guru Jalandhar Nath

 He was King of Shergarh (Jodhpur)

 Tallinath ji was an environmentalist and emphasized on protection of trees.
 He is referred as the deity of Oran. Oran refers to the green area surrounding the temple in
which cutting of trees is prohibited
 His temple is located on the Panchmukhi hills in Panchota, Jalore.
 His worship is recommended during poisonous insect bites.

11. Jharda Ji

 He was nephew of Pabu ji.

 He avenged the death of his father and uncle by killing Jeendrao Khinchi.
 He joined the Nath-Sect and came to be known as Saint Roopaknath.
 In himachal Pradesh he is worshipped as Balkanth
 Following are the temples of Jharda Ji
 Kolumand (Jodhpur)
 Simbhudhada (Bikaner)

12. Bigga Ji

 Basic details

Born Rori (Bikaner)

Father Mahan
Mother Sultani

 He had a special fondness towards cows and he died fighting for the protection of cows.
 Jakhar sub clan of Jats considers Bigga Ji as their clan deity
 Temple of Bigga Ji located in Rori i.e. his birth place.

13. Jhunjhar Ji

 Basic details
 Born Imloha (Sikar)
Temple Syalodra (Sikar)
Fair Chaitra Shukla Navmi

 He died fighting for the protection of cows along with his brothers.
 His temple has 5 statues Bride, Groom and 3 brothers

14. Alam Ji

 Alam Ji was Rathore of Jaitmalot clan, his temple is located in Dhori-Manna (Barmer)
 A fair in his memory is organized on Bhdrapada Shukla Dvitiya or 2nd bright day of
Bhdrapada.
 He is considered as a horse-protector deity.

15. Mama Dev

 He is considered as a deity of rain of Rain God.

 There is no temple of Mama-dev, instead his wooden Toran is worshipped outside the
village.
 In order to please him, a male buffalo is sacrificed.

16. Kesariya Kanwar Ji

 He was the son of Goga Ji.

 He is considered as a Snake Protector deity and his symbol is a white flag.
17. Hariram Ji

 Temple of Hariram Ji is located in jhorda, Nagaur.

 Fair is organized on Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami or 5th bright day of Bhadrapada.
 He is considered as a snake protector deity. Pit of snake is worshipped in the temple

18. Veer Fatta Ji

 Temple – Santhu (Jalore)

 Fair – Bhadrapada Shukla Navmi or 9th bright day of Bhdrapada.
 He died for the protection of cows.

19. Khetla Ji

 Temple – Sonana (Pali)

 Fair – Chaitra Shukla Ekam or 1st bright day of Chaitra
 Children who stammer are treated here.

20. Dung Ji – Jawahar Ji

 They were two brothers by the name of Dungar Singh and Jawahar Singh.
 They were the feudal lord of Bathot-Patoda.
 Later on, they became dacoits and used to rob rich people and distributed the wealth among
the poor
 They are known for looting the Naseerabad cantonment of the Britishers.
 Britisher after nabbing them wanted to hang them, but due to public pressure they were put
under house arrest. Dung Ji was house arrested in Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur) and Jawahar ji
was house arrested in Junagadh (Bikaner)
 Aides – Lotiya Ji Jat, Karna Ji meena.

21. Bhuriya Baba/Gotameshwar

 Bhuriya Baba is the tutelary deity of Meena tribe.

 His temple is located in the hills of Chandila village, Sirohi.

22. Kalla Ji

 Kalla Ji was the nephew of Mira Bai and Jaimal Rathore of Merta.
 He died fighting in the third Saka of Mewar.
 He is called as deity of four hands and two heads, it is believed that he is the incarnation of
Lord Sheshnaga.
 A temple of Kalla ji is located in Samaliya, Dungarpur. The idol is made of black stone and
saffron is offered in worship.
 Other names of Kalla Ji – Kehar, Kamdhaj, Kalyan and Bal Brahmachari.

23. Veer Panraj Ji

 Panraj Ji laid down his life for the protection of cows.

 A fair is organized in his memory in Panrajsar village in Jaisalmer. The fair is held twice in a
year.
 Folk Goddesses of Rajasthan

1. Karni Mata (करणी माता)

Basic details
Born Suap (Jodhpur)
Temple Deshnoke (Bikaner)
Childhood name Riddhi Bai
Fair Chaitra Navratri, Aashwin Navratri

• She was born in a Charan family and her main temple is located at Deshnoke.
• The temple is known as the temple of rats and these sacred rats are called as Kabbas',
• The sighting of white rats in this temple is considered as auspicious.

• Temple of Temde Rai Mata ji is also located in Deshnoke. Karnimata used to worship Temde
Rai Mata Ji.
• Symbol of Karni Mata is an eagle and she is also referred as a white bearded old lady.
• Kani Mata is the tutelary goddess of Rathore Kings of Bikaner Kingdom.

2. Jeen Mata

• Main temple is located in Raivasa, Sikar and the idol has 8 hands
• This temple was constructed by Hattad Mohil, feudal lord of Prithvi Raj I.
• This temple is surrounded from three sides by hill and is open only from the eastern
direction.
• 5 huge idols of the Pandavas are also located here as it is believed that they lived here some
time during their exile.
• It is said that Harsha was the brother of Jeen Mata, his temple is located near the Jeen Mata
temple. .
• The folk song of Jeen Mata is the longest song in Rajasthan's folk literature. It is sung with
Sarangi and Damru musical instruments,
• She is also considered as a deity of honeybees. A Chatra was offered to her Aurangzeb.

3. Sikrai Mata (ससकराय माता)

• Temple: Udaipurwati (Jhunjhunu)

• She is also known by the name of Shakambhari
• She is the tutelary goddess of Chauhan and the clan deity of Khandelwals
• The idol of the deity has 8 hands and is riding a lion. Other temples of Sakri Mata are located
at Sambhar (Jaipur), and Saharanpur (UP)

4. Ashapura Mata

• The main temples of Ashapura Mata are Situated in Nadol (Pali) and Modara (Jalore)
• The temple was constructed by King Laxman Singh, founder of Nadol branch of Chauhans.
She is also known as 'Mahodari Mata'.
• She is clan-deity of 'Chauhans' as well as 'Bissa-Brahmins"
• There are traditions that while worshipping her women don't apply Heena on their hands and
also keep a veil.

5. Kaila Devi (कैऱा दे वी)

• Temple of Kaila Devi is located on Trikuta Hills near the banks of the Kalisil river Karauli
river at Karauli.
• She is the clan deity of the Jadaun dynasty of Karauli.
• A fair is held on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami. She is the only goddess whose fair is only held
once in a year, for rest all goddesses, two fairs are organized in a year.
• She is considered as a sister of Lord Krishna and some believe that she is mother of Lord
Hanuman
• Her disciples are called as Languriya
• There is a cenotaph of Bohra Bhakta in front of the temple where young children an treated

6. Sheetla Mata (शीतऱा माता)

• Temple - Chaksu (Jaipur)

• Fair – Chaitra Krishna Ashtami
• She is the goddess whose broken worshipped.
• People of Kumhar community worship Sheetla Mata and believed that she deity who protects
from small pox disease.
• The women offer prayers in the hope of a long life of their children. The fair also known as
bullock cart fair.
• Sheetla Mata is also known as Maha-maimata and Anama Mai. The temple was constructed
by King Madho Singh Jaipur.
7. Aai Mata

• Temple – Bilara (Jodhpur)

• She was disciple of Ramdev ji and tried remove the practice untouchability and established
Hindu-Muslim Unity.
• Her main temple called as 'Bader' and rest of temple is called 'Dargah'
• Saffron continuously falls from the lamp that is lit in the temple of Mata ji.

8. SachiyaMata (सच्चियाय माता)

• Temple – Osian, Jodhpur

• She is considered as clan deity of Oswals.
• The Temple in Osian is renowned for its architecture and grander. It was constructed by
Gurjara-Pratihara King and is build in the Maha-Maru style.

9. Chamunda Mata

• Temple- Mehrangarh Jodhpur

10. Tanot Mata

• Temple –Tanot Jaisalmer

• She famously called as "Vaishno Devi of Thar" and "Rumal Ki Devi".
• The worship performed by the soldiers the BSF.

11. Swangiya Mata (सवाांसिया माता)

• Temple -Bhadariya, Jaisalmer

• She the clan deity of the Bhati dynasty Jaisalmer.
• The literal meaning of Swang spear, there bent spear hand sacred bird of Suga-Chiri the
emblem of Jaisalmer state.
12. Avad Mata (आवड माता)

• Temple - Temdi Bhakar, Jaisalmer

• She the tutelary deity of the Bhati dynasty of Jaisalmer.
• She considered as an incarnation Hinglaj Mata.

13. Sundha Mata (सांधा माता)

• Temple - Hills of Jaswantpura near Bhinmal, Jalore

• To make this place more tourists friendly ropeway was started here.
• SundhaMata bear sanctuary was established for the conservation bears.

14. Latiyal Mata (ऱटियाऱ माता)

• Temple - Phalodi, Jaisalmer.

• She is Considered as the clan deity of Kalla-Brahmins
• Other name- Kejhad Rai Bhavani.

15. Dadhimati Mata (दसिमती माता)

• Temple Goth Manglod, Nagaur

• She is clan deity of Dadhich Brahmins.

16. Kevay Mata (केयास माता)

• Temple – Kinsariya, Nagaur

• This temple was constructed by a feudal lord named Chach
• Kevay Mata is considered as the clan deity of Dahiya community

17. Bhunwal Mata (भांवाऱ माता)

• Temple - Bhanwal (Nagaur)
• In order to please her 2 and a half bowls of liquor is offered during worship.
18. Rana Bai (राणा बाई)

• Temple - Harnawa (Nagaur)

• Fair- Bhadrapada Shukla Trayodashi (13th bright day of Bhadrapada)
• She is the only female saint who became a Sati though she was not married.
• It is believed that she protected King Abhay Singh of Jodhpur during his Ahmedabad
campaign.

19. Mata Rani Bhatiyani (माता रानी भटियाणी)

• Temple - Jasol (Barmer)

• Fair- Bhadrapada Shukla Trayodashi or 13th bright day of Bhadrapada.

20. Rani Sati (रानी सती)

• Temple - Jhunjhunu.
• Real Name - Narayani Devi.
• Husband - Tan Dhan Agarwal.
• Fair - Bhadrapada Amavasya..
• She is also called as "Dadi-Sati'.

21. Narayani Mata (नारायणी माता)

• Temple –Alwar
• Clan deity of Nai community.
• Priests of this temple are from Meena community

22. BrahmaniMata

• Temple – Sorsan(Baran)
• Fair - Magha Shukla Saptami
• A fair is organized in her memory in which donkeys are traded.
• She is the only deity whose back is worshipped.
23. Brahmani Mata (ब्राह्मणी माता)

• Temple - Pallu (Hanumangarh)

• There is an idol of Kalika Mata in the temple.

24. Chink Mata (छ ांक माता)

• Temple - Jaipur Fair - Magha Shukla Saptami

25. Tripur Sundari Mata (त्रिऩरसांदरी माता)

• Temple - Umrai Village in Talwada (Banswara).

• She is also known by the name of Turtaimata and Tripur-Mahalaxmi.
• She is worshipped by ironsmith community.
• In the lower part of idol there is a Shree-Yantra engraved on the idol.

26. Badli Mata (बदऱी माता)

• Temple - Akola (Chittaurgarh).

• There are 2 Tibari's in the temple where young children are treated

27. Mahamaya (महामाया)

• Temple - Mavli (Udaipur),

• In this temple young children are treated for their disease.

28. Aamaj Mata (आमजा माता)

• Temple - Riched (Rajsamand),

• She is worshipped by the Bhil community
29. Ambika Mata

• Temple- Jagat Udaipur.

• This temple is referred as 'Khujraho of Mewar' as it is contemporary to Khujraho temples.
• Khajuraho temples are in Madhya Pradesh. These temples are constructed by the Chawand
Kings. There is an idol of Dancing Ganesha

30. Aavri Mata

• Temple - Nikumbha (Chitturgarh).

• The deity is famous for curing the paralyzed People.

31. Radha Mata (भदाणा माता)

• Temple - Kota.
• People who suffer from ill-effects of Tantrik Vidhya are treated here.

32. Jisala Mata (ज्वाऱा माता)

• Temple - Jobner (Jaipur)

• She is the tutelary deity of Khangarot Rajputs.

33. Rajeshwari Mata (राजेश्वरी माता)

• Temple - Bharatpur
• She is the clan deity of the Jat dynasty of Bharatpur,

34. Harshad- Mata (हषषद माता)

• Temple - Abhaneri
• There is a famous step-well named Chand Baori in Abhaneri (Dausa) and the temples located
near the stepwell.
35. Markanda Mata (मरकांडी माता)
• Temple - Neemaj, Pali

36. Shemkari Mata (ऺेमकारी माता)

• Temple - Bhinmal, Jalore

37. Vankal Mata (वाांकऱ माता)

• Temple - Viratra Mata, Barmer

38. Chewar Mata (घेवर माता)

• Temple - Rajsamand

39. Jaldi Mata (च्जऱाडीमाता)

• Temple - Behror, Alwar

40. Arbuda Mata/Adhar Devi

• Temple- Mt. Abu, Sirohi

41. Kantheshwari Mata

• There is no temple of Kantheswari Mata but she is considered as the clan deity o tribals.
 Fairs and Festivals of Rajasthan
Vikrami Calendar
 This calendar is a lunar based calendar which makes use of Lunar Synodic month. The AD
calendar that is the official calendar is a solar based calendar and is 57 years the Vikram
calendar (2020 AD - 2077 VS).
 This calendar has 29.5 days and 12 months, which amounts to 354-355 days in a year
 According to the celestial movements the month is divided in two fortnights, dark fortnight
(Waning moon) and bright fortnight (Waxing moon).
 To make Vikrami calendar equal to a solar calendar, every 3 year additional month added
known as Adhik Mass.

Following are the 12 months of Vikram Samvat calendar

1. Chaitra
2. Vaisakh
3. Jyaestha
4. Asadh
5. Shravana
6. Bhadrapada
7. Ashvin
8. Kartik
9. Marg Sheesh
10. Paush
11. Magha
12. Falgun

According to the Vikrami Calendar, New Year falls on the First night days of Chaitra month
(चैत्र-शुक्ल-पक्ष-एकम)

Hindu festivals start from Choti-Teej (3rd Bright day of Shravana) and end with Ganga There is
a famous couplet that says that with Teej brings the festive season and with Gangaur the season
of festivals come to an end

Shravana Month
Dark Fortnight (Krishna Paksha )
 On 5" day or Panchami, Nag Panchami is celebrated .
 9 day or Navmi, Nidari Navmi is celebrated on this day mongoose is worshipped Amavasya
or 15 day Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated Following fairs are organized
 Fateh Sagar Lake fair at Udaipur
 Kalpavriksha fair at Mangliyawas, Ajmer
 Buddha Jauhad fair at Anupgarh, Ganganagar

Bright Fortnight(shukla Paksha)

 On the 3rd day Tritiya, Choti Teej is celebrated, which officially marks the beginning of the
festive season. Choti Teej is celebrated with great fervour and Choti Teej of Jaipur is very
popular
 This festival celebrates love between husband and wife. Folk songs of Rajasthan capture this
feeling in a beautiful .
 This festival reflects the intimacy of nature and mankind as farmers start sowing theirfields
and sing songs in praise of rains
 There is a tradition of sending gifts or Sinjara (fært) by parents of newly weddedbrides to
bride. leheriya is worn by women on this day.
 On the 1Sth day or Purnima, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated. It is also called Nariyal Purnima.
 Shravan Kumar, known for his devotion towards his parents, is worshipped on this day.

Bhadrapada Month
Dark fortnight ( Krishna Paksha)
 On 3rd day Tritiya Badi Teej is celebrated also known as Budhi Teej, Kajali Teej and Satudi
Teej
 This festival marks the celebration of reunion of Lord Shiva and goddess Parva
 Badi Teej Kajli Teej of Bundi is famous, girls pray for qualified and worthy husband
 A procession of Teej Mata is carried out from Naval Sagar to Azad Park in Bundi
 On 6th day Chat, Ub-Chat and Hal Chat is celebrated Ub-Chat is celebrated by bachelor
women who pray for well qualified husbands As perthe tradition, women observe fast and
pray by standing entire day
 Hal Chat marks the anniversary of Lord Balrama, elder brother of Lord Krishna
 On 8th day Ashtami, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord
Krishna. Huge processions of idols of Lord Krishna are taken out.
 On 9th day/Navmi. Goganavmi is celebrated Farmers tie 9 knots on their plough on this
occasion. A cattle fair is organized in the memory of folk deity Gogaji.
 Two major fairs are organized to mark the anniversary of Gogaji * Gogamedi in
Hanumangarh
 Dadreva in Churu
 On 12 day Baras, Bach-Baras ( URA) is celebrated Calf is worshipped on this dayand use of
knife is forbidden
 Whole grains are consumed and no processed food is consumed on this day
 Amavasya 15th day is known as Sati Amavasya. On this day, Rani Sati fair is organizedin
Jhunjhnu This fair is organised in the memory of Sati Narayani Devi Bhadrapada Month

Bright Fortnight/Shukla Paksha

 2nd day Dvitiya, Baba Ri Beej (ard--att) or Ramdev ji anniversary is celebrated.
 A big fair takes place in Runicha (Jaisalmer) from 2nd day (Dvitiya) to 11th day(Ekadashi)
 This fair is a symbol of harmony and unity and various castes participate in this fair with
enthusiasm It is also known as Kumbha of Marwar
 4th day Chaturthi, on this Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated. It is also known as Shiv Chaturti
Kalank Chaturthi Chatra Chaturthi
 Fairs organised on Ganesh Chaturthi - Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur
 Chung Teenh, Jaisalmer
 On 5 th day ( Panchami ) Rishi Panchami is celebrated. Sapta-Rasta is worshipped on this
day And following fairs are organized
 Bhojan Thali Mela at Kamun. Bharatpur
 Hariram ji ka Mela at Jhorda, Nagore
 On 8th day Radha-Janmashtami is observed. This is celebrated by Nimbark Sect at
Salemabad ( Ajmer). It is also the main site of Nimbark Sect.
 On 10th day Dashmi ,Teja Dashmi is celebrated and a big fair is organized in Nagaur.
 A tree fair Vriksha mela is organized in Khejadli in the memory of Amrita Devi Vishnoi,
who laid down her life for the protection of trees
 On 11th day( Ekadashi)Jal-Jhulni gyaras or Dev Jhulni Ekdashi is celebrated. procession of
Lord Krishna is taken and the idol is given a bath. This procession is also known as Rewari
 14th day Chaturdashi is also referred as Anant-Chaturdashi. ThisThis festival is celebrated
with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra in which idols of LordGanesha are immersed in water.
 15th day/Purnima marks the commencement of Shradha.

Aashvin Aasoj
Dark Fortnight (Krishna Paksha)
 In this entire fortnight Shraddha (Worshipping of ancestors) are observed. In total Sharddhs
are observed for a period of 16 days
 During this time period Goddess Sanjhi is worshipped. The idols are made up of cow dung
 In the Matesyndranath temple of Nathdwara Saanjhis are made up of banana The goddess is
worshipped by unmarried girls hoping for a good husband

Bright Fortnight(Shukla Paksha)

 Ist day/Ekam marks the beginning of Sharad Navratra
 Jaswant cattle fair is organized in Bharatpur from Panchami to Purnima.
 On 8th day Ashtami, Durga-Ashtami/Homa-Ashtam is celebrated
 On 10th day Dashmi, Vijaya Dashmi or Dussehra is celebrated. The Dussehra celebration of
Kota and Mysore is famous in India. Weapons, arms and sacred tree of Khejdli/Khejdi are
worshipped on this day
 15th day Purnima is also known as Sharad Purnima Raas Purnima Marwar festival or Mannd
festival is organized on this day in Jodhpur. The main attraction of this festival is the folk
music and folk dance and it goes on for 2 days. Meera festival is organized in Udaipur

Kartika
Dark Fortnight ( Krishna Paksh)
 On 4th day Chaturthi, Karva Chauth is celebrated and women observe fast for long life and
sound health of their husbands.
 8 th day/ Ashtami, Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated and women keep fast and pray for the good
health and well being of their children
 13th day Trayodashi, Dhanteras is celebrated in the memory of Saint Dhanvantri. Dhanvantri
is considered as Hindu god of medicine and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu
 On 14th dayChaturdashi, Roop Chaudas/Roop Chaturdashi is observed by women to gain
beauty and look good for Diwali
 15th day/ Amavasya, Diwali is celebrated in entire country. This day also marks the death
anniversary of Lord Mahavira and Dayanand Saraswatı.

Bright Fortnight (Shukla Paksha)

 On 1st day Ekam, Govardhan worship is done by the devotees in which a variety of food
offered to Lord Krishna as a mark of gratitude. AnnakutaAnnakuta festival is celebrated in
Nathdwara in which various delicacies are offered to lord Krishna
 On 2nd day Dooj. Bhaiya Dooj/Yam-Dooj is celebrated.
 8th day is Gopa-Ashtami, On this day cow keepers Dairymen are worshipped
 9th day Navmi - This day is also known as Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Akshaya Navmi. Amla
is eaten in all the meals of the day.
 11th day/Ekadashi - This is called as Dev Uthni Gyaras/ Prabodhini Gyaras/Tulsi gyarash All
the auspicious occasion such as marriages, house-warming start from this day it is believed
that Lord Vishnu wakes up from his sleep after four months.The famous fair of Pushkar also
starts on this day. People take bath in the sacred lake ofPushkar. This is one of the largest
fairs of Rajasthan. It is also famous for trading of camels and other animals There is a
practice of Deep-Dan (lamp donation) on this day.
 15th day Purnima, it is also known as Satya Narayan Purnima.Following fairs are celebrated
on this day
 Pushkar fair ends on this day,
 Kolayat fair (Bikaner)
 Chandrabhaga fair (Jhalrapatan)
 Rameshwaram fair (Sawai Madhopur)
Magh
Dark Fortnight (Krishna Paksha)
 4h day Chaturthi is known as Til(sesame seeds) Chaturthi. Chauth ka Barwada fair is
celebrated in the memory of Chauth Mata in Barwada, Sawai Madhopur.
 On the 11th day/Ekadashi, Shat-Tila Ekadashi is celebrated. This is dedicated to the worship
of Lord Vishnu by using sesame seeds in 6 different ways.
 On 15 th day Amavasya is also known as Mauni Amavasya. Royal bath of Kumbha fair
takesplace on this day

Bright Fortnight(Shukla Paksha)

 1st day/Ekam - Gupta Navratras (Secret)
 5th day/ Panchami - Basant Jayanti is celebrated in which Goddess Saraswati isworshipped,
hence also known as Saraswati Jayanti In Rajasthan
 On 15th day Purnima, on this day Beneshwar fair is organized at Nevatpura, Dungarpur.
TheThe Beneshwar Dham temple is located at the meeting point of three rivers Mahi
Somand Jakham. This temple was constructed by Saint Maoji. The temple of Beneshwar is
famous as the broken idol of Lord Shiva is worshipped here The idol is broken from 5 places.
This idol is also known as 'Svyam-Bhu linga as it isbelieved that it originated by itself. Due
to the high participation of tribal population, it is also known as "Kumbha or Adivasis" or
"Pushkar of Vagar".

Falgun
Dark Fortnight (Shukla Paksha)
 13th day Trayodashi, on this day Maha Shivratri is celebrated. A fair is organized at the
Ghushmeshwar Mahadev temple in Shiwar, Sawai Madhopur . It is a very old temple and it
is considered as 12th Jytiourlinga by the devotees of thetemple

Bright Fortnight (Shukla Paksha)

 2nd day Dvitiya, this day is considered so auspicious that there is noneed for asking the
 Pandits for marriage purposes and hence it is known as "Abhujh Sawa
 15th day Purnima, the famous Hindu festival of Holi is celebrated on this day. In Rajasthan
various types of Holi is played
 Koda- mar Holi, Bhinay (Ajmer)
 Lathmar Holi,Mahavir ji (Karauli)
 Pathar-mar Holi, Barmer
 Tribes of Mewar play Bhagoriya during Holi.
 On Holi, "Badshah Ki Sawari or Todarmal ki Sawari" is taken out in Beawar
 In Sangod(Kota), there is a tradition of organizing Nhan festival on Holi in which drar
various issues are played to the general public and also many forms of magic displayed. A
 procession is also carried out. ln Barmer, Iloji's wedding procession is taken out Iloji is a folk
deity who supposed to marry Holika but she died before the marriage.

Chaitra
Dark Fortnight ( Krishna Paksha)
 First day Ekam, Dhulandi is played on this day
 8th day Ashtami, this day is celebrated as Sheetla-Ashtmi. A fair is organised in Shil dungri
in Chaksu also called as fair of Ox cart. Sheetla Mata is worshipped as protector mother
goddess, who is the guardian of the small children.
 On Ashtami, Ghodla festival is also celebrated In this festival women light lamps in the
perforated pots and on Chaitra Shukla Tritiya these pots are drained in the river.
 On the 11 th day Ekadashi, Jauhar fair is organized in Udaipur in memory of brave women
who and down their lives for protecting self respect and dignity

Bright Fortnight (Shukla Paksha)

 Ist day/Ekam, it marks the commencement of Hindu New Year
 3rd day Tritiya, festival of Gangaur is celebrated with great fervor ► In the festival of
Gangaur. Gan represents Lord Shiva and Gaur represents goddess Parvati. It is a popular
belief that goddess Parvati was welcomed by her friends when she visited her mother's house
first time after her marriage. In this memory Gangaur is celebrated Married women keep fast
for the good health of their husband and pray for goodlaws for their brothers, unmarried
women also keep fast and pray for a worthy husband. Idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvati are made up of sand and wood. This festival is celebrated for 16 days and after the
completion of 16 days, sand idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are immersed in water
and wooden idols are retained
 In Jaisalmer, only Gaur procession takes place on Chaturthi. Highest numbers of folksongs
are sung during Gangaur
 The Gangaur of Jaipur and Udaipur is very popular. A procession was carried out with
musical instruments from the Royal palace to Gangaur-Ghat of Pichola Lake. TheThe
Gangaur of Nathdwara is known as Gulabi Gangaur/Chunadi
 On 8th day Ashtami, on this day the Ashoka tree is worshipped
 9th day Navmi, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama is celebrated
 15th day Purnima, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on this day. Fairs are organized in Salasar
(Churu) and Mehndipur (Dausa).

Vaisakha
Dark Fortnight (Krishna Paksha)
 3" day/Tritiya, Dheenga Ganvar fair is celebrated in Jodhpur
Bright Fortnight (Shukla Paksha)
 3 day Tritiya, it is also known as Akshay Tritiya or Akha-Teej. It is also an Abhujh Sawa
meaning there is no need of a Pandit forconducting marriages and maximum child marriages
take place on this day
 Worship of wheat, millet and sesame is done and a dish Kheench .
 15th day Purnima, it is also known as Buddha-Purnima or Peepal-Purnima. Major fairs that
are organized on this day are listed below
 Banganga fair, Virat Nagar (Jaipur).
 Gomati Sagar fair, Jhalrapatan
 Gotmeshwar fair. Amod (Pratapgarh)
 Matrukundiya fair, Chittor
 Seetabari fair , Baran
 Nakki Jheel fair, Mt Abu(Sirohi)
 Buddha Festival is also celebrated on this day

Jyaestha
Dark Fortnight (Krishna Paksha)
 15 day/Amavasya, Vat-Vriksha Amavasya is observed on this day. Banyan tree isworshipped
by the women and pray for the well being of their husband and children

Bright Fortnight (Shukla Paksha)

 10th day/Dashmi, Ganga Dashmi/Ganga-Dussehra is celebrated on this day goddess Ganga
is worshipped. A fair is organized in Kaman (Bharatpur)
 11" day/Ekadashi, Nirjala gyaras is observed on this day, women fast on thisday and do not
consume water To mark this occasion kites are flown in Udaipur.

Ashadha
Bright Fortnight (Shukla Paksha)
 On 1st day Ekam , Gupta navratras are observed on this day
 On 9th Day Navmi, it is also known as Bhadlya Navmi. It is an auspicious day and Abhujh
Sawan takes place
 15 day/Purnima, on this day, Guru Purnima is celebrated It is also known as Vyas Purnima to
honor the memory of great Sage Vyasa (author of Mahabharta)
 Festivals of Muslim community
Prophet Mohammed was the founder of Islam. He was born in Mecca in 570 (Saudi Arab) AD In
622 AD he shifted from Mecca to Medina, this event is known as Hijrat" This also marks the
begin of Islamic calendar, known as Hijri calendar

Hijri calendar, just like Vikrami calendar, is a lunar based calendar, but there is no provision of
Adhik Mas in this calendar. It is because of the absence of Adhik Mass that all the Islamic
festivals keep changing their months every year. It has approximately 354-355 days in a year
There are 12 months in Hijri calendar which are mentioned below

1. Moharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi-Ul-Avaal
4. Rabi-Us-Sani
5. Jamat-Ul-Avaal
6. Jamat-Us-Sani
7. Rajab
8. Shaban
9. Ramjan
10. Shavval
11. Jilkada
12. Jilhij

Muharram
 Muharram is the first month of the Hijri calendar and it is one of the four sacred months of
Islam in which warfare is forbidden.
 Muharram is observed on the 10 day of the month. On this day, Hussain, son of Prophet Ali
martyred in the battlefield of Karbala in 680AD. In his memory Tajia processions are carried.
It is also known as the Day of Ashura. These Tajias are then buried in the weep andrrepen
 On 27th day, Urs (Fair) of Saiyad Fakhruddin is celebrated in Galiakot (Dungarpur). Sayyad
Fakhruddin is considered as the religious head of Daudi-Bohra Sect and Tomb is located in
Galiakot.

Safar
 A feast is observed after 40 days of death of Hussain, hence it is celebrated on the 20th day
of Safar month. The mourning period for Muslims after a death is 40 days.
Rabi-ul-Avval
 12" day, the Prophet Mohammed was born as well as died on this day. His birth anniversary
is celebrated as IId-Ul-Miladul-Nabi. On this day parent teach their children about the life
and teachings of the Prophet. The death anniversary of Prophet Mohammed is known as
Baravafat.

Jamat-Us-Sani
 8th day marks the birth anniversary of Khawaj Moinuddin Chisti or Gareeb Naw He was
born in Sanjari (Persia, Iran), and came to India in the early settled in Ajmer
 He promulgated Islam via Chisti order in India Chisti order in known for its teachings of
Islam via music
 He wrote a book named "ASRAR-E-HAQI on Sufism.

Rajjab
 1st to 6th day Urs of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti is celebrated. On 6th day the death
anniversary of Sufi Saint is celebrated. It is believed that the Saint locked himself for a
period of 6 days before leaving for heavenly abode and therefore the Urs is celebrated for 6
days. Urs means to meet someone after a long period of separation,
 The Ghori family of Bhilwara starts the proceeding of Urs. In Dargah, the Urs is officially
started by hoisting a flag on the historical Buland Darwaz. Urs officially starts when the
Jannati Darwaza is opened basis the location of moon.
 During the Urs on 6 day 'Kul Ki Rasma' program is celebrated in which drops of rose water
are poured on the devotees.
 On the 9th day Bade Kul Ki Rasma Program is celebrated. The devotees read Fatiha and
offer blanket/Chadar and ask for fulfillment of their wishes
 27" day of this month is known as Meraj ki Ratat/Shab-E-Meraj/Night of Meraj. It is
believed that on this day Prophet Mohammed took the sacred journey to heaven and met
Allah

Shaban
 On the 14th day of this month Shab-E-Barat is observed. It is also known as night of
forgiveness or the Day of Atonement. People offer apologies for their bad deeds or the
crimes that they have committed

Ramjan
 It is considered as the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar. This is a month of fasting,
prayer, reflection and brotherhood in commemoration of Mohammed's first revelation. It
lasts for 29-30 days depending upon the sighting of one crescent moon to another
 27th day is known as Shab-E-Kadra. It is believed that the sacred text of Kuran was revealed
to the world on this day

Shavval
 On 1" day, Id-Ul-Fitr is celebrated also known as Meethi Eid Sewaniyon ki Eid. Eid is a
festival of harmony and unity where people bury their differences and celebrate this festival
by hugging each other

Jilhij
 In this month, Muslims take the much coveted Pilgrimage of Haj.
 On 10 day, Eid-Ul-Juha is celebrated also known as Bakreed. As per traditions people make
sacrifice of something which they hold very dear to move closer to the almighty

Festival of Jains:

1. Rishabhdev Jayanti
This day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rishabdeva, 1" Teerthankar of Jains. It is
celebrated on Chaitra Krishna Navmi or 9th dark day of Chaitra. A huge temple of Lord
Rishabdev is located in the Dhulev village in Udaipur The idol of Rishabdev is made up of
black stone, hence it is also called Kalaji Temple. During the worship, saffron is used
therefore it is called as "Temple of Kesariyaji”.

2. Mahavir Jayanti
On this day birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir is celebrated, Teerthankar of Jains who is the
24h and last teerthankar. There is a grand red statue of Lord Mahavir temple located at the
banks of Gambiri River in Chandan village, Karauli. This anniversary falls on the Chaitra
Shukla Trayodashi, A fair is organized from Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi to Vaisakh Krishna
Divitiya. A procession of Lord Mahavir is carried out and it ends at Gambhiri River Apart
from Jains, Meenas Gur jars and other castes also participate with enthusiasm in this fair.

3. Rot Teej
It is celebrated by the Jains in Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya or 3rd bright day of Bhadrapada
On this day Jains are supposed to eat only one type of grain called Rot, once during the This
festival is a reminder that material wealth is not important and abstinence leads to true
happiness
4. Sugandha Dashmi
It is celebrate don Bhadrapada Shukla Dashmi or 10th bright day of Bhadrapada On this day
Jains offer prayer by lighting incense or Dhoop in the temples due to which temples smell
nice, also called as Dhoop Dashmi

5. Das Lakshan Parva

This is a festival of fasting in which Jains fast for 10 days in a month. These fasts are done
for 3 months The months of fasting are Chaitra, Bhadrapada and Magha These fasts are kept
from Panchami to Chatrudashi of Shukla Paksha. Das-Lakshan Parva of Bhadrapada is called
as Paryushan', It is also called as Maha Purva

Festivals of Sikhs

1. Gurunanak Jayanti
Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak is celebrated on Karthik Purnima. On day of the Kartik
month Kolayat Fairs (Bikaner) and Sahwa (Churu)

2. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

It is celebrated on Paush Shukla Saptami or 7th bright day of Paush.
Govind Singh ji was the 10th and last guru of Sikhs.

3. Lohdi
It is celebrated on 13 January. As per the ancient tradition, this festival celebrates the
northward journey of the sun, which is reflected in days getting longer.

4. Vaisakhi
On 13 April 1699 AD, Guru Govind Singh established Khalsa-Seet at Anandpur Sahib
(Punjab), since then this festival is celebrated on 13 April
Khalsa means pure and refers to those followers who wears visible symbols of their faith and
train as warriors to protect the religion.
He declared the sacred text of Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of Sikh religion

Festivals of Sindhi Community:

1. Chetichand or Jhulelal Jayanti

This is one of the most important festivals of Sindhi community. Cheti means Chaitra and
Chand means moon so this festival is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Ekam or 1" bright day of
Chaitra.
 This is the birth anniversary of Lord Jhulelal. Jhulelalji is considered as an incarnation of the
Lord Varuna God of the Sea). It is said that Jhulelalji emancipated the public of Sindh from
the atrocities of King Mrikshah

2. Auchand
This marks the death anniversary of Jhulelalji. It is observed on Ashwin Shukla Ekam or 1"
bright day of Ashwin.

3. Chaleeha
It is a 40 days fasting festival observed by the Sindhi community.
It is celebrated from 16thJuly to 24th August a thanksgiving celebration in honour of lord
Varuna

5. Thadi Satam
It is celebrated on Bhadrapada Krishna Saptami to please Goddess Jog maya.
It is similar to Sheetal Ashtami as cold food is consumed on this day.

Festivals of Christians:

1. Christmas
It is celebrated on 25 December to commemorate the birth Year as birthday of Jesus

2. New year
It is celebrated on 1" January It is the day on which Jesus got enlightenment

3. Good Friday
On this day Jesus was crucified This is celebrated on the Friday right before Easter

4. Easter
On this day it is believed that Jesus was reborn It falls on a Sunday
This is celebrated on Sunday after the first full moon that takes place after 21st March

5. Ascension day
It is celebrated 40 days after the Easter
It is believed that Jesus went back to heaven on this day
1. Regional folk dance: These dance forms are region specific and are only performed by the
communities residing in that particular region.

2. Tribal folk dance: These dance forms belong to specific tribes and are performed by these
tribes only on specific occasions.

Regional Folk Dances of Rajasthan

1. Ghumar (घूमर)
 This dance is the state dance of Rajasthan and is performed on all the joyous and holy
occasions It is called as a supreme dance of soul of Rajasthan
 The long skirt circle is known as 'Ghumm' and when women twirl in circles the skirt also
flows in a circular fashion and hence this dance is called as Ghumar
 Women perform this dance in a circle by rotating on their axis and there are flexible
movements of hands. There are 8 steps in this dance which are also known as Sawai
 Musical Instruments that are played are: Shehnai, Nagada, Dhol

2. Kachi-Ghodi (कच्छी-घोड़ी)
 This dance is the folk dance of Shekhawati region
 In this dance men tie dummy wooden horses on their representing a mock fight between the
bandits of Bavaria tribe and commoners.
 There are two lines of men each line comprising of 4 men and they brandish swords oneach
other representing a mock battle The dance is performed in such a manner that its quick
movements resemble to blossoming and withering of a flower

3. Terahtali (ते रहताऱी)

 It is performed by women of the Kamdiya sect during Ramdev fair In this dance women tie
13 Manjeeras on their body and perform dance in a sitting position
 Out of these 13 Manjeeras, 9 are tied on right leg, 2 on each elbow and 2 are tied on hands.
 Women perform many stunts while dancing and men play musical instruments songs.
 Musical instruments, Tanpura, Chautara, Manjeera
 Famous artists of Terhatali dance: Mohini Devi, Narayani Devi and Maang Bai
4. Bam
 This dance is performed by men of Bharatpur region welcoming Falguna and new Crops.
Bam means Nagada and while performing this dance Nagada is played along with Dholak
Thali and Chimta.
 Rasiya songs are sung and hence this dance is also called Bum-Rasiya.
 In this dance form men divide themselves in three groups, one group play musical
instruments, one group holds the colored flag and the third group perform dance and sing
songs

5. Dhol
 This dance is performed in the Jalore region by the men of Dholi, Mali community.
 In this dance form 4 and 5 Dhols are played together. The Dhol is played in style known as
Thakana
 Former CM of Rajasthan Jainarayan Vyas promoted this dance style

6. Agni
 This dance is performed by men of Jasnathi sect and men dance on burning coal.
 Their main center is located at Katriyasar (Bikaner).
 Men perform mock agricultural activities while dancing and sing "Fateh-Fateh
 It is generally performed during night awakening of Jasnath Ji Maharaj
 King of Bikaner Ganga Singh promoted this dance style

7. Ghudala
 This dance is performed by women of Jodhpur from Sheetla Ashtami to Gangaur
 This performed in the memory of King Satal of Jodhpur
 Women keep pot on their heads while dancing and an earthen lamp is kept In it.

Komal Kothari
 He is an eminent personality from Rajasthan who has been awarded with Padma-Shri and
Padama-Bhushan. He is also a recipient of Rajasthan-Ratna.
 He founded a magazine named Prerna in which he documented the folk dances folk music
styles of Rajasthan. In 1960 AD, he co-founded Rupayan Sansthan with Vijaydan Detha at
Borunda (Jodhpur).
Devilal Samar
 In 1952 AD, he established 'Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal' at Udaipur. It is theatre museum.
 This institute is famous for organizing puppet shows.
 He also wrote a book titled "Rajasthan Ka Lok Sangeet"
 He was awarded Padma-Shri for his work.

8. Bhawai
 It is performed by the Bhawai community residing in areas Vagad and Mewar. Initially, it
was performed by only men but ways both men and women perform this dance
 Bagha Ji is considered as the father of the Bhawai dance
 A number of stunts are performed in this dance which are mentioned below
 Dancing on naked swords.
 Dance on shards of glasses,
 Balancing 8 pots on their heads while dancing
 Dancing on the edges of the plate
 Famous artists of this dance are. Roop Singh, Dayaram, Tara Sharma and Astima Sharma

9. Chari
 Chari is a brass pot used for collecting water, so this dance describes the art of collecting
water by Rajasthani women in their day to day life
 This dance is performed by Gurjar women of Kishangarh region
 Women keep Chari on their head while dancing and burning cotton seeds are kept inside the
Chari
 Main artist Falku Bai
 Musical Instrument: Bankiya, Dhol, Thal

10. Geendad
 This dance is performed by the men of Shekhawati on the occasion of Holi
 This dance starts after the Danda-Ropna event during Holi
 Men who wear the clothes of women are known as Gangaur or Mehrin
 This dance is similar to Garba and men perform this dance in circle with wooden
11. Chang
 This dance is also performed by men of Shekhawati region during Holi
 Chang is a musical instrument which is played by men while dancing

12. Bindori
 This dance is performed by men of the Jhalawar region on Holi

13. Daang (SNT)

 This dance is performed on Holi in Nathdwara

Folk Dances of the Tribes

1. Dance of Bhil tribe
A. Gair
 This dance is performed by men Mewar and Barmer region
 Men sing devotional and love songs
 It resembles to Dandiya dance and is performed in circles with wooden sticks
 A long frock like cloth is worn during this dance is known as Ongi
 This dance starts on the next day of Holi and is performed for 15 days.
 Main instruments. Dhol, Bankiya, Thaal
 Main Centre Kanan, Barmer

B. Gavri (गवऱी)
 This dance is basically a part of the drama or theatre played during Shravan and Bhadrapada
 It is also known as Rai dance as Mandal and Thali muscal instruments are used in this dance
 Gavri means Goddess Parvati and Shiva is referred as Puriya in this dance. It is performed
by men of Bhil tribe for a period of 40 days starting from the nest day of Rakshabandhan

C. Yuddha
 This dance is performed by men of Bhil tribe with weapons and is performed in a war like
style

D. Dvichakri
 This dance is performed by Bhil men and women by forming two concentric circles
 Men are on the outer and women are in the inner circle and move in the opposite direction of
each other while performing dance
E. Hathimana (हाथीमना)
 Dance performed by Bhil men during marriage, men go down on their knees while dancing

F. Ghumara
 This dance is performed by Bhil women of Banswara and Dungarpur The women form a
semi-circle while performing this dance.
 Musical instrument – Thali

G. Neja
 This dance is performed men and women of Bhil and Meena tribes. In this dance a coconut is
tied to a wooden pole, men try to remove the coconut and women try to protect it.

2. Dance of Garasiya Tribe

A. Valar
 This dance is performed by both men and women. It is performed in 2 semi-circles
 It is a slow paced dance with no use of musical instruments.
 Men start this dance by either using an umbrella or a sword.

B. Maandal (माांदऱ)
 Women perform this dance with Maandal musical instrument in a circular path

C. Loor
 This is performed by women of Loor Gotra/clan of Garasiya tribes
 There are two groups in this dance Groom's side and Bride's side. Women of the groom side
demand bride from the opposite side while performing this dance

D. Kood
 This dance is performed by men and women by forming two semi-circles
 There is no use of any musical instrument and this dance is performed on clap sounds

E. Jhvara
 This dance is performed by men and women at the time of Holika-Dahan, Women dance
with millet earrings in their hands around Holika-Dahan.

F. Moriya (मोररया)
 This dance is performed by men at night during marriage functions after the foundation of
Lord Ganesha.
G. Gaur
 This dance is performed by men and women during Gangaur festival

3. Dance of Kalbeliya Tribe

A. Shankariya
 It is a couple dance based on a love story and it is performed by snake-charmers of Kalbeliya
tribe

B. Bagriya (बागडिया)
 This dance is performed by Kalbeliya women while begging.

C. Indoni
 This dance is performed by men and women of the Kalbeliya tribe in a circular path . Women
wear artistic dresses and jewelry with precious gems and stones embedon it.
 Musical Instrument played: Pungi, Khanjari

D. Chakri(चकऱी)
 Women perform this dance in a circular path in a rapid motion

E. Panihari(पननहाऱी)
 This dance is performed on the famous song Panihari
 Kalbeliya dance and songs were included in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in
2010
 A training center was established in the Hathi village of Amber for training and promotion of
Kalbeliya dance
 Main artists Gulabo Sapera (Padama-Shree awarded), Rumalnath Kalbeliya
 Musical Instruments Pungi. Khanjari, Ghuraliyo, Morchang

4. Dance of Kanjar Tribe

A. Chakri
 Women perform this dance and wear a cloth named Khusani while performing
 Main Artists. Shanti Devi, Fulva Devi

B. Dhakad
 This is a war based dance performed by men. This depicts the war .
5. Dance of Kathadi Tribe
A. Mavaliya (मावनऱया)
 Men perform this dance during Navratri offering a prayer to the goddess

B. Holi
 Women perform this dance on Holi and form a pyramid while dancing
 Women fear Fadka Saree while performing this dance

6. Meo Tribe Dance

A. Ranbaja
 This is a war dance performed by men of Mev community.
 Dancers carry swords, shields, dagger and spear while performing this dance
 Loud instruments such as Jhanj, Turai etc are used

B. Ratvai (रतवई)
 This dance is performed by women of Mev community. The dancers carry an earthen pot and
an Indoni on their head while performing this dance

7. Dance of Sahariya Tribe

A. Shikari (Hunter) dance is performed by this community
 Folk music of Rajasthan
1. Kesariya Balam
 This song is a state song of Rajasthan and is sung in Maand music style
 It reflects the longing of a wife who is far from his husband and is asking him to come back
home from foreign lands
 This song is about the love story of Dhola and Maru

2. Kurja
 Kurja refers to the Siberian crane birds that come to Rajasthan during winters
 In this song, Kurja is a metaphor for a messenger through which the wife, who is separated
from her husband, wants to deliver a message to his husband

3. Suvatiyo (सुवटियो)
 Suvatiya refers to Parrot, this song is sung by Bhil women to send message to her husband
through parrot

4. Kaga (कागा)
 This song is also about the agony of a wife and she is requesting the crow to fly as this is
considered as an omen for husband's homecoming

5. Moriyo
 This song is sung by females who got engaged, but are yet to be married. In this song the girl
is complaining to a peacock that whenever he makes any sound she is reminded of ber
beloved future husband

6. Kaman
 In a literal sense Kaman refers to magic rituals. This song is sung for the protection of groom
from magic rituals,

7. Bichudo
 This is a folk song of Hadauti region
 This song is a request of a wife, dying due to a scorpion bite, to her husband that after her
death he should get married again

8. Pavana
 Pavna means son in law. This song is sung when a son in law visits his in-laws house
9. Gorband (गोरबंद)
 Gorband is an ornament of camel's neck
 The song is sung by women while making Gorband

10. Dhola-Maru
 This is a folk song of Sirohi region and is based on the epic love story of Dhola and Maru . It
is sung by people of Dhadi community

11. Hichki
 Hichki means hiccup and it is believed when a person is having hiccups, it means that
someone is remembering him. It is a folk song of Mewat region and it is also sung in the
memory of a loved one

12. Peenpali
 It is a folk song of the Shekhawati region and sung during the Teej festival.
 In this song also the wife calls her husband back home

13. Jhorava
 It is a folk song of Jaisalmer region and is sung in the memory of a loved one.

14. Chirmi
 Chirmi is a type of plant of Rajasthan This song is sung by newly wedded brides when they
are living at their in-laws house and are remembering their motherly homes

15. Olyu
 This is the song sung when the newly wedded girl is leaving her own house and going to her
in-laws

16. Seethane
 These are abusive songs sung by women during marriages.

17. Humseedho
 This song is sung by Bhil men and women

18. Panihari (पनिहारी)

 Panchari refers to the women who fetch water, this song is regarding the loyalty and
faithfulness of a wife whose husband is far away
19. Jalla
 It is a song which is sung by women when they go to check the royal court and procession

20. Jachha
 This song is sung when a son is born in the family

21. Ghodi
 This song is sung when the groom sits on the mare while going for marriage

Folk Music styles

1. Maand
 In ancient times Jaisalmer region was known as Maand
 The music style that developed in this region over a period of time is known Maand music
style Later on it became popular in other region of Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Bikaner,
Udaipur and Jodhpur
 Following are the main artists of this music style

A. Allah-Jilai-Bai (Bikaner)
 She is also known by the name of Maru-Kokila
 She was awarded with the Padma Shree in 1982 and Sangeet Natya Academy in 1988
 She was a disciple of Ustad Hussain Baksh Khan
 A postal stamp was issued on her in 2003

B. Gavri Bai (Bikaner)

 She was awarded with the Rajasthan Ratna award.

C. Mangi Bai (Udaipur)

D. Jameela Bano (Jodhpur)

E. Bano Begum (Jaipur)

 She was appointed as instructor for Maand singing by north central zone cultural center
2. Manganiya
 Manganiyar is a community that resides in Barmer-Jaisalmer region and the musk style
developed by them is known as Manganiyar music style.
 This style has 6 ragas
 Following musical instruments are used in this music style

Kamaycha (कमायचा)
Khartal (खड़ताऱ)

Main artists of this music style are

Shankar Khan : Kamaicha player
Saddik Khan : Khartal player
He used to play Khartal and was known as magician of Khartal
Saddik Khan Manganiyar folk music research centre was opened in Jaipur in 2003
Rakma Devi

3. Langaa
 This music style was developed by Langaa community of Jaisalmer-Barmer region
Following musical instruments are used in this music style

Kamaycha (कमायचा)
Sarangi/Sindhi Sarangi
Surmai
Murali
 Nimbuda' is the main song of this musical style. This song is sung by pregnant women
apprising her husband of her pregnancy

Main artists are as follows

1. Mahardeen Langa
2. Alladeen Langa
3. Kareem Khan
4. Taalbandi (ताऱबंदी)
 This music style was developed by Saints in Eastern Rajasthan region (Sawai Madhopur,
Karauli, Bharatpur) It is said that when Aurangzeb banned music during his reign these saints
migrated toeastern Rajasthan
 In this music style a group of singers sing the age old poems which are related to the Ragas
of classical music,
 Various Musical Schools of Rajasthan

Name of Music school. Founder. Main artists

1. Jaipur Gharna. Manrang (Bhupat Khan) Muhammed Ali Kha (KothiWale)

2. Patiyala Gharana (Branch of Ali Baksha-Fateh Ali, known by Ghulam Ali, Begum Akhtar,
Jaipur the name of Aliya-Fattu Parveen Sultana

3. Atroli Sahab Khan Man-Taul Khan(Title rulane wala

Fakeer), Hari Singh
Gharana(Branch of Jaipur)

4. Mewati Gharana Ghagey Nazeer Khan Pt Jasraj, Moti Ram, Sanjeev

Abhayankar

5. Kirana Bandey Ali Khan PT Bheemsen Joshi,

Ustad Rajab Ali, Gangu Bai
Hangal, Roshan-Ara Begum

Surat sen ( This gharana is Amrit sen ( courtier of Sawai

known for Sitar playing) Ram Singh II)
6. Seniya Gharana Ustad Barket Ullah Khan (Aftab e
sitar)

Allahdiya Khan Kishori Amonkar, Mallikarjun

7. Allahdiya Khan Ka Gharana Mansur, Shruti Sadolikar

Bahram Khan Dagar ( Courtier Ameenudin Khan, Faiyazudin

8. Dagar Gharana of Ram Singh II)

Rajab Ali Khan Beenkar,

9. Beenkar Gharana courtier of Ram Singh-II

Ramzan Ali Khan (Miya

10. Rangeela Rangeela)

Bhanu Ji. It is believed that the Pandit Durgalal Sharma: He was

11. Kathak Gharana of Jaipur famous classical dance of awarded Padma-Shree for
Kathak originated in Rajasthan contribution in the field of Kathak
during the 13th century. Later dance. He is known for playing
on it became popular and spread the main role in the famous dance
to other areas. drama 'Ghanshyam
 Folk Theatre of Rajasthan
1. Khyal
 Kayals are the folk dramas which have been played in the Rajasthan from 18 century CE
 These dramas were based on some mythological or historical stories with a heavy influence
of music
 Khyals took different forms based upon geography, music, dance and styles

i. Kuchamani Khyal
 Founder Lachiram
 Main Artist: Ugamraj Amar singh Rathore
 Main stories - Rao Ridmal, Chand-Nilgiri, Merera-Mangal, Goga Chauhan
 Narrator: Harkara
 Various features of Kuchamani Khyal are as follows:

 It resembles more to the opera music and is performed in an open theatre

 Women do not participate and their characters are performed by men
 Folk songs are a major component of drama and hence it is a musical drama
 Musical instruments such as Dhol and Shehnai are played in this drama and dancers sing
the songs

ii. Shekhawati Khyal/Chidawi Khyal

 Founder. Nanuram
 Main Artists: Duliya Rana, Sohanlal and Banarasi
 Main Centre Chidawa (Junjhnu)
 Main stories: Heer-Ranjha, Harichand, Bharthari, Jaydev Kalali, Alhadev and Dola
Marvan

iii. Jaipuri Khyal

 Main stories Jogi-Jogan, Kan-Gujari, Miyan-Biwi, Pathan and Raseeli Tambola -
 The distinct features of Jaipuri Khyal are as under Women participated in these dramas
and new experiments were also carries out
 Sarpur Khyal was a free style drama with no fixation
 It encompassed poetry, music, dance and acting proportionately Draumatist Hamiedulla
later presented a new drama based on Khyal Bharmali
iv. Hela Khyal
 Founder Shayar Hela
 Region Lalsot (Dausa), Sawai Madhopur
 Musical Instrument: Naubat, Bam (Nagada)
 Hela means to call someone loudly hence in this dratna high pitched Helas are

v. Dhappali Khyal (ढप्पाऱी-ख्याऱ)

 Region Laxmangarh (Alwar). Bharatpur
 Instrument Daph, Nagada, Shehnai

vi. Turra-Kalangi (तुराा-कऱंगी)

 Founder: Tukangir (Hindu Saint) and Shah Ali (Muslim Saint).
 Main Centre: Ghosunda (Chittaur), Chittaur. Nimbahera (Chittaur) and Neemuch (MP)
 Main artists Jaidayal Soni, Chetram, Onkar Singh, Nanalal Gandharva. Tarachand

 Turra and Kalangi are the ornaments of turban. This folk drama is based on the story of
Lord Shiva (Turra) and goddess Parvati (Kalangi).
 Saint Tukangir sided with Turra and Shah Ali with Kalangi. The aim was to promote the
stories and teaching of Shiv-Shakti to common masses.
 King of Chanderi offered Turra and Kalngi to these two saints to honor their art

 Various features of Turra-Kalangi are as follows

 There are two groups, one representing Lord Shiva (Saffron flag) and the othergoddess
Parvati (Green flag).
 A poetic dialogue competition is held between the two sides which is known as
Gammat/Dangal
 The stage is heavily decorated and the audience can also participate in this drama
 It was popularized in Chittaur by Sahedu Singh and Hammed Beg

vii. Ali-Bakshi Khyal

 Region Mundawar (Alwar)
 Founder Ali-Baksh (Nawab of Mundawar)
 Language Aheerwati Rath (Spoken in Kotputli, Mundawar)
 He was a devotee of Lord Krishna and is known as Ras-Khan" ef Alwar

viii. Kanhaiya Khyal

 Region Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Dholpur, Dausa
 In this drama the story is called as Kahanand the narrator is known as Mediya
  Originally this style was popular in Meena tribe and later it was performed by others also

2. Nautanki
 Founder Bhurilal Ji
 Main artist. Gina Prasad, Nathalal
 Region- Bharatpur, Dhaulpur, Karauli, Alwar
 Influence of Hathras(UP) style of drama is found in Nautanki.
 Main Stories- Harishchandra-Taramati, Roop-Basant, Nakab Posh, Alah-Udal. Satyvan
Savitri, Amar Singh Rathore
 It is performed by both men and women and instruments such as Sarangi, Shehnai and
Daphli are played in this drama

3. Tamasha
 Founder- Bansidhara Bhatt
 Main Artist - Gopi Ji Bhatt Vasudeva Bhatt
 Stories: Jogi-Jogan(Played on Holi), Heer-Ranjha/ Next day of Holi), Jhuttan Miyan Ka
Tamashal Sheetla Ashtami), Gopichand-Bhrthari(Chaitra Amavsya)
 This folk drama originally belonged to Maharashtra but was popularized in Jaipur during the
reign of Sawai Pratap Singh

Salient features of Tamasha

 Tamsha is a unique drama which is a combination of Jaipuri Khyal and Dhruvapada style
of music
 There are poetic dialogues which are strung in musical ragas
 It is organized in the open theatre or ground which is known as Akhara.
 Dance, music and drama are the major components of Tamasha
 Ful Ji Bhatt founder of the Ustad tradition and a classical singer of Dhruvapada style
belonged to this family
 Gauhar Jan, famous dancer also participated in this drama

4. Gavari
 It is the oldest and religious folk theatre of Bhil tribe of Rajasthan is performed for a period
of 40 days starting .
 It is also known as Meru Folk theatre and from the next day of Raksha Bandhan Bhils leave
their houses for the entire duration of 40 days in order to celebrate this festival and various
events are performed from dusk to dawn
 It is based on the story of Shiv Bhasmasur various characters are referred with different
names which are listed below
 Parvati - Gavari/Rai
 Lord Shiva-Raibudiya
 Narrator - Kutukudiya
 Comedian -Jhatpatiya
 Main Stories - Kan-Gurjari, Banjara-Banjari, Jogi Jogan, Akhar-Beerbal
 Small dramas such as Goma-Meena, Kalubeer, Kan-Gujari, Miyamed and Nahar a performed
during the staging of Gavri.
 To connect various stories a dance is performed which is known as Gavri Ki Ghai
 The Gavri ends with a ritual of Gadavan-Valavan . Gadavan refers to the day on which idol
of goddess Parvati is made and Valavan refers to the day the idol is immersed in water

Noted dramatist Bhanu Bharti has written a play named Pashu-Parvati' which is the modern day
transformation of Gavani.

5. Rammat
 It is said that Rammat originated from the folk poetry competitions organized in Bikaner
some hundred years ago
 It is popular in Bikaner and Jaisalmer region, some features of Rammat are as follows:
 The stage is not decorated and Nagada and Dholak are the main instruments
 Chaumasa Rainy season, Lavni songs related to worship of folk deities) devotional songs of
Ramdev Ji are sung before the start Rammat

i. Rammat of Jaisalmer region

 It was popularized in Jaisalmer by Tej Kavi
 He created awareness in society through his Rammats and opposed British rule He gifted
his Rammat 'Swatantra-Bavani' to Mahatama Gandhi
 Other Rammats of Tej kavi are Chaile Tambolan, Mumal, Gopichand-Bharthari

ii. Rammat of Bikaner region

 These dramas are performed by Pushkarana Brahmins on a wooden plank
 Main stories and performance venues
 Amar Singh Rathore - Acharyon Ka Chak
 Hedan-Mehari - Guwadi Founder
 Main artists- Maniram Vyas, Tulsidas, Fagu Maharaj. Sua Maharaj
 Other important artists- Ramgopal Mehta, Gindoji. Jeetmal. Gangadas Sevag
6. Bhawai
 Founder: Bagh Ji
 Main stories: Bika Ji-Bagh Ji, Jasamal Odhan
 This folk drama is performed by Bhawai community residing in the adjoining areas of
Gujarat in Rajasthan
 Artists don't give their introduction and this drama is a satire on social problems
 Male artists are known as Saga Ji and female artists are known as Sagi Ji.
 Shanta Gandhi popularized Jasmal Odhan drama on international level

7. Swang
 Swang word means to impersonate somebody or something and hence the artists wear
dresses of mythological characters and perform
 Artists are known as Bahrupiya meaning the one who can take many forms
 Main story is Nahro Ka swang and it is popular in Mandal (Bhilwara) and is performed on
Chaitra Krishna Trayodashi.
 This art form was started during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
 Main artists Parshuram Ji, Jankilal Bhaand (Known as Monkey man Devdal Samar madi
popular at IL

8. Charbaint (चारबेंत)
 This folk theatre originally belonged to Afghanistan and was presented in Pashto language
 It became popular in Tonk during the reign of Faizulla Khan
 Kareem Khan was the main artist who presented it in vernacular language.
 Main instrument Daph

9. Ramleela (रामऱीऱा)
 Founder Tulsidas Ji
 There are various Ramleeta's performed in Rajasthan some of which are as follows
 Bissau (Jhunjhunu) - It is a silent Ramleela
 Ataru ( Baran) Bow is destroyed by the public instead of Lord Rama
 Venketesh Ramleela- Bharatpur
 Patunda Ramleela - Kota

10. Rasleela
 Founder Vallabhacharya
 Main Centre: Fulera (Jaipur), Kaman (Bharatpur)
 Artist - Shivlal Kumawat
11. Raasdhari
 Raasdhari means a person who performs some Rasleela events related to the life of Lord
Krishna
 Later on many other stories also got added to it and a new style of drama came into being
 Artist - Motilal Jat
 Main stories - Ramleela, Krishnaleela, Harishchandra Nag Ji, Mor-Dhawaja.

12. Persian Theatre

 It is a more recent form of drama that became popular in Rajasthan on the advent of 20%
century The educated and modern class people were attracted to it initially
 The dramas were related to social renaissance and eradication of social evils
 Main center- Bhawani drama school (Jhalawar), Ramprakash theatre and Manprakash theatre

Salient features are as follows

 Influence of Shakespearian theatre of Britain.
 Facial expressions and a fixed script are the major parts of this drama
 Artists: Mahbub Hasan, Maniklal Dangi, Kanhaiyalal Panwar, Vraddhichand Mathur
Vraddhichand Mathur's famous modern drama’ Jago Bahut soye' was banned by the British
government
 Folk Musical Instruments of Rajasthan
Musical instruments are an important part of the composition of music. They help create an
ambience that is reflective of the emotion that is being portrayed by the artists, Rajasthan is
home to musical instruments which can broadly be classified into 4 types

A. Tat
B. Sushir
C. Avnadh
D. Ghan

A. Tat - Musical instruments having strings come under this category

1. Sarangi (सारं गी)

 It is made of Toon, Sagwan(teak),Rohida trees and has 27 strings and higher strings are
made of intestines of goat.
 There is a bow (Gaj) which is used to play the Sarangi and the sound is generated when it
is brushed on the strings. It is made of hairs of horse
 There are two types of Sarangis- Sindhi Sarangi and Gujarati Sarangi. Sindhi Sarangi is
comparatively bigger and has more strings than Gujarati Sarangi
 These Sarangi's are mainly played by Langa musician of Barmer
2. Jantar (जंतर)
 It has a resemblance to Veena and it is considered as an initial form of Veena as it has
two gourds (Tumba) on both sides to create resonating sound.
 The body is made of wood which is hollow from inside known as Nal or Daand. There
are around 22 covers made of skin of a specific animal and are pasted with wax on Jantar
 It is played by hanging the instrument on the neck of the artist. It is mainly used by the
Bhopas while singing the Phad of Deynarayan Ji, it is said thewithout this instrument the
Phad is incomplete.

3. Ravan-Hattha
 It is a very ancient and most popular musical instrument of Rajasthan and is considered
the predecessor of the violin.
 The basic structure is of an 80-90 cm long bamboo stem and at the end of which there is
4 half coconut shell. The half coconut shell is covered by skin of goat to produce co
vibrations.
 The bamboo stem has holes in it on which various knobs are fixed in order to produce
fine tune from the instrument and 9 strings are attached to these knobs
 The bow is made of horse hairs and rings, anklets balls are affixed at the bottom of the
bow to produce sounds while playing
 The hairs of the brush are coated in Bejara (powder cake) which helps reduce the friction
when it is rubbed against the strings
 This is mainly played by the Bhopas and Bhils while singing the Phad of Pabuji and other
folk deities
4. Rawaj
 This musical instrument resembles to a kamayacha and it is played with finger nails
instead of a bow It has 12 strings
 It is mostly played by Rao's and Bhat's of Mewar.

5. Tandura, Chautara, Nishan,Tambura (तन्दरु ा, चौतारा, निशाि, तमूरा)

 These are various names of one instrument and its shape resembles to a Tanpura.
 It has four strings and a hollow wooden body made up of teak
 The artists wear a Mijrab (Key) in the index finger of the right hand and keeps instrument
in the left had while playing it.

 It is mainly used by followers of Kamad sect while singing the songs of Ramdev Ji.
6. Ektara (इकतारा)
 Ektara means one string and two bamboo woods are curved and a gourd is inse between
these curved woods. The gourd resonator is covered in goat hide
 It is played with one hand and generally it's used with Khartal. It is also known
Gopichand
 It has prominently played by Kalbeliyas and Saints of Nath sect.

7. Bhapang
 It resembles to Damru. It is a two headed instrument which is made of the hollow gourd
shells and the bottom of the shell is then covered by a goat hide.
 A hole is made in hollow shell and a string is passed through the leather and a bamboo
piece is tied on the other end of the string
 It is generally played by the Jogi community of the Mewat region.
 Jahur Khan is a renowned artist of this instrument
8. Kamayacha
 It is similar to a Sarangi but it has a long and wide circular belly called as Tabli coated
with leather.
 The sound of Kamvacha is very deep and booming because of the presence large circular
resonator in this instrument. Bow of kamayicha is around 1.5 times the size of the bow of
Sarangi
 The bow used to play Kamaycha is made of horse hairs
 There are around 27 strings in this instrument and 3 strings pass through the broadband of
Kamayacha Kamaycha is held straight and it is mostly played by Mangniyars during
Maand songs.
 Sakar Khan was a renowned player of this instrument and is a recipient of Padma-shree

9. Gujari
 It is smaller than Ravan-Hathha with 5 strings and its bow is semi-circular
10. Surinda
 It is made of Rohida tree (Desert teak) and its bow has small metallic bells tied to it.

11. Chikara (नचकारा)

 It is made of wood of Kair tree and its one end is of bowel shape having three strOngs
very small bow is used to play this instrument

12. Dukako (दक

ु ाको)
 It is played by pressing it in the knees and people of Bhil tribe play it on occasion of
Diwali
B. Sushir
 Sushir means wind instrument, i.e. those instruments which are played by blowing wind
into them

1. Flute/Bansuri
 It is a very ancient musical instrument and has undergone various refinements over
period of time
 It is traditionally made of hollow bamboo with six or seven holes in it.
 The distance between the holes is fixed for fine music. There is one hole at the upper end
from which the artists blows wind inside the flute. It s generally held horizontally
slanting downwards.

2. Algoza
 It is a pair of woodwind instruments i.e. two flutes are joined together to produce music is
a state musical instrument of Rajasthan.
 Generally, one flute is bigger than the other and the number of holes varies from 3 to 5
 One of the two flutes plays continuous drone music while the other flute plays different
notes.
 The musician plays it by using three fingers on either side and sound is generated by
breathing into the instrument rapidly without breaking
 Ramnath Chaudhary is famous for playing Algoza from the nose. It is mostly played by
Bhils and Kalbeliyas.
3. Pungi/Been
 It is a simple musical instrument played by the Snake-charmers to attract them
 It is made up of small gourd with a blowing hole at the top and two attached pipes at the
bottom
 It is generally played by Jogis and Kalbeliyas.

4. Murla/Murli (मुरऱा/मुरऱी)
  It is a refined form of Pungi and there is a big tube in which two bamboo valves are fixed
from which sound is generated.

5. Conch(शंख)
 It is a seashell horn played in the temples while worshipping the deity. It was played
before the start of any battle

6. Shehnai (शहिाई
 It is one of the most melodious instruments of Sushir musical instruments.
 Its sound is considered very auspicious and it was an indispensable part of the royal court
and also played at the instrument
 The body is made of wood and there is a metal ball at the end. It is generally in the shape
of a tube with eight holes, it is generally played alongside Nagada.
 Mangibal of Mewar is well known for playing Shehnai.
7. Satara
 It is combined form of Algora Satara and Shehanai
 Similar to Algozab it has two flutes in which one is used for giving base music and the
other is used to play different notes
 It is played by tribes of jaisalmer and Barmer

8. Morchang
 It is made of iron and consists of a metal ring in shape of a horseshoe with two parallel
rods which form the frame In between the two parallel iron rods is a small metallic reed,
which is bent at the mouth This instrument is pressed between the lips and breathing
creates a vibration in the reeds then fingers are tapped on the bent part of the reed to
create music.

9. Bankiya (बांककया)
 It is a brass instrument without valve and it is played by blowing air into small mouth
 It is the played by the Sargada's and played alongside Dhol and Thali.
10. Mashk (मश्क)
 It is made of goat hide and has two tubes attached to it, air is blown and sound is generated in
the tubes. It is played by the Bhopas of Bhairon Ji.

11. Bhungal (भुंगऱ)

 It is a big metallic pipe made of brass and played before the start of the battle. It is the main
instrument of the Bhawai caste of Mewar and it is also used to assemble people before
starting any games.

12. Nag-Pahni
 It is a brass instrument in the shape of a snake and it has a hole on the back Side.
13. Karna (करणा)
 It is a 7-8 feet long and needle shaped musical instrument. It has a hole on its narrow
mouth

14. Turahi (तुरही)

 It is brass instrument with two mouths and its shape is similar to needle. One mouth
wider and bigger than the other
15. Surnai (सुरिाई)
 It resembles to Shehnai and reeds canes of Date tree or Taad tree are applied on the
mouth of Surnai. This instrument is drenched before playing
 People of Dholi, Dhadhi, Langa and Mangniyar caste play this instrument on marriage
occasions

C. Avnaddh - Instruments which are made of leather or membrane and sound is

produced striking against the membranes mostly made of leather.

1. Mridang
 It is made using wood of Jackfruit, Supari and Bija trees.
 It has two sides which are covered with leather made of goat hide One side is wider than
the other
 The two sides of the drum are connected to each other with the straps of leather on the
circumference of the instrument.
 It is played during religious occasions and people of Rawal/Raviya caste play it while
dancing
2. Pakhavaj (पखावज)
 It is a barrel shaped two headed drum and a variant of older mridang
 Pandit Purshottam Das, a famous player of Pakhavaj, is recipient of Padma Shree

3. Dholak (ढोऱक)
 It is a hollow wooden instrument with two mouths having the same radius
 The central part is a wider and there are ropes with hooks which connect the two mouths
of Dholak
 Sansi, Kanjar, Dhadhi, Mirasi and Saints of various sects play Dholak.
 The Dholak used in Bhavai dance is very big in size.

4. Dhol
 It is a double sided barrel drum which is mostly played as an accompanying instrument in
various music forms
 It is made of wood or iron, which is covered by animal hide It is considered a very
auspicious musical instrument and in Rajasthan there are 12 ways to play Dhol eg. Gair
Dhol, Aarti Dhol. Naach Dhol etc
 It is extensively used in folk dances such as Gair (Bhil), Kachi Ghodi (Shekhawati) and
dhol dance of Jalore
  It is played with hands as well as wooden sticks Castes like Bhil, Dholi, Saragra are
expert in playing this instrument

5. Nagada
 Nagada are generally played in couples and is classified in male and female Nagada. The
drums are 1-2 feet in diameter and are coated with buffalo hide.
 It is played by Dhol, Mirasi castes in folk dramas.

6. Naubat (िौबत)
 They are generally played in the temples and wooden sticks used to play it are made of
Babul tree.
7. Madal (मादऱ)
 It is an ancient folk instrument which resembles to Mredang and is made up or sand
 It has two mouths and one is generally bigger than the other
 People of Bhil tribe play this instrument while doing Gavri dance and it is also played
during weddings

8. Chang
 It is a very famous musical instrument of Rajasthan which is played during Holi
 It consists of a wooden circle which has animal hide on one side and the other side is
empty
 It is placed on the palm of the left hand and played from the right hand while singing
songs
 It is mostly played by people of Kalbeliya tribe and Kaharwa tune is prominently played

9. Khanjari (खंजरी)
 It is made up of wood of mango trees which is covered with animal hide on one side
 This instrument is placed on the right hand and played with left hand
 It is mostly played by people of Kamdiya, Bhil, Bali, Kalbeliya tribes
10. Damroo
 It is a two headed small drum on which leather is affixed on both sides.
 There are two leather chords tied at the center and beads are fastened to the end of the
chord. It produces sound on waving

11. Dairoo
 It is a bigger form of Damroo and is made of wood of the mango tree.
 It is held in left hand and a wooden stick is struck on it from the right hand.
 It is generally played with bronze plate and bowl.

12. Dhak
 Its slightly bigger than Dairoo and is played by people of Gurjar caste during festivals, by
keeping it on the feet
13. Daph
 Animal hide is coated on a big iron circular drum and it is played by beating wood
against it Its smaller form is known as Dafli.

14. Pabuji ke Mate

 Animal hide is coated on two big earthen pots and they are tied with a rope. It is played
by people of Thori or Nayak caste while singing the Pavade of Pabuji.

15. Dhonsa
 Buffalo hide is affixed to the drum made of wood of the mango tree and thick wooden
sticks are used to beat it

16. Tassa/Tasha (CRT)

 It is made by coating goat hide is on the iron or earthen bowl, It is hung on the neck and
played by beating two light wooden sticks on it It is played by the Muslim community
17. Damama (दमामा)
 It is a big Nagada in the shape of Kadhai which is coated with buffalo hide It is played by
two big and thick sticks. It is generally played with instruments of war

18. Ghera (घेरा)

 It has octagonal in shape with leather coating on one side. A cloth is wrapped on the
upper side of wooden stick which is used to play this instrument
D. Ghan - Instruments which are made of metal lies in this category16.

1. Manjeera
 It is a small circular instrument made by mixing bronze and brass
 The sound is generated out of the friction when two Manjeeras are rubbed against each
other
 Women of Kamad sect perform Terahtali dance by tying 13 Manjeeras on their body.

2. Jhaanjh
 This is a bigger form of Manjeera and it is used in Kachi-Ghodi dance and along with
Tasha instrument.
 It is played mostly in Shekhawati region
3. Thali
 It is a circular plate of bronze in which a hole is made and a rope is passed through the
hole
 The rope is then tied to the thumb and a wooden stick is used to play this.
 Bhils, Kalbeliyas often play this instrument.

4. Khadtal
 It is derived from the word Kar-Taal means hand music .
 In between two wooden pieces, some metal balls are inserted to generate music.
 Pieces of woods are clapped together at high speeds to make music.
 It is generally played in devotional or religious music
  Sadik Khan is known as "Magician of Khartal and is a renowned artist of this instrument

5. Chimta
 It is made by joining two thin iron rods. In these rods, small iron blades are attached It is
played during devotional songs by striking the fingers of right hand on it

6. Ghanta
 It is a circular sized instrument made by mixing brass and other metals. It is hung by a
thread and played by a hammer or a wooden stick.
 It is generally used in temples and its small form is a bell or Ghanti
7. Bharni
 A bronze plate is used to cover the narrow mouth of earthen pot and it is played by using
two wooden sticks.
 It is played in the Alwar - Bharatpur region while treating the patients of snake bite

8. Ramjhol (रमझोऱ)
 Numerous metallic bells are tied on a leather belt in a series. It is tied till the knees on bot
legs and produces sound on movement of the body
 It is tied while performing Gair dance on the occasion of Holi.

9. Ghuraliyo
 It is made of twigs of bamboo. It is decorticated from one side and a thread is tied to il It
is played by pressing it in the teeth and relaxing and stressing the thread which produces
sound.
 Tribes of Rajasthan
 Some facts related to the tribal population in Rajasthan are mentioned below
 Rajasthan stands 6 in terms of tribal population, while Madhya-Pradesh comes first In terms
of percentage of tribal population to total population Rajasthan is ranked 13th while Mizoram
is first.
 In Rajasthan maximum tribal population resides in Udaipur and minimum tribal population
in Bikaner In terms of percentage of tribal population to total population Banswara stands
first and Nagaur is at the bottom

Various tribes of Rajasthan are mentioned below.

1. Bhils
 The word Bhil is originated from Veel' which means bow and arrow. Bhils are well
known for archery and are considered as one of the most ancient inhabitants of Rajasthan
 According to some Sanskrit texts Bhils are related to Nishads, who originated from
goddess Parvati
 Col. Todd has referred to Bhils as 'Son of Forests
 In his book Wild Tribes of India'. Willian Rone writes that Bhils originated from Marwar.
 Bhils are the second biggest tribe of Rajasthan and their maximum population is in
Udaiur
 Bhils are generally settled near the forests, rivers and mountains and following
nomenclature is used for their settlements and heads of tribes

House : Tapra/Ku
Colony Fala
Village: Pal
Village Head: Palvi
Head of Tribe Gameti

 Clan deity of Bhils is referred as "Totam' and trees are considered as symbol of Totam
 Trees are considered as a witness during marriage and these types of marriages are
known as Hathi-Vendo marriage
 Hath-marriage, Seva-marriage (Service), Haran-marriage (abduction) and elopements are
other prevalent marriage practices in Bhils.
 Groom has to depict a painting of Baradi Mata at in-law's house. Baradi Mata is
considered as goddess of marriage
 There is no concept of child marriage in Bhils.
  While giving divorce Bhils symbolically tear a piece of Saree or turban which is known
as 'Cheda-Fadna '
 The groom has to pay a certain amount to the bride's family and this tradition is called as
Dapa or bride value.
 If a woman starts living with another person then that person is bound to pay an amount
to her ex-husband. This is known as Jaghda ritual
 Polygamy and widow remarriage are socially accepted practices in Bhils
 If a Bhil man is murdered by any person then the guilty has to pay an murder which is
known as Mautana.
 Bhils enjoy liquor made of Mahua tree. War-cry of Bhils is Faire-Faire
 Bhils worship Kesariyanath/Rishabdev Ji (Dhulev, Udaipur) and refer him as Kala Ji.
 It is believed that after consuming saffron of Kesariya Ji Bhils don't lie.
 Bhils believe in existence of the soul of their ancestors and a stone idol of the dead
person constructed which is known as Cheera-Bavsi.

Major fairs/festivals of Bhils are as follows

 Beneshwar: Fair is held on Magh Purnima, known as the Kumbh of tribes
 Ghotiya Amba (Banswara). This place is famous for temple of 5 Pandavas and Kunti.
Fair is organized from Chaitra Amavasya to Chaitra Shukla Dooj.
 Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and Gair and Gavri dances are performed
 Thepada Dhepada: Tight dhoti wom by Sindari Red saree of Bhil women
 Piriya: Yellow saree worn by Bhil girls during marriage. Panjani: Brass anklets of women
 Khoyat : Langoti or narrow strip of cloth worn by Bhil men.
 Kachabu Long skirt of women, resembles to Ghagra
 Falu Towel like cloth worn by Bhil men and women

 Agriculture, hunting and animal husbandry are the main livelihood of Bhil tribe
 Bhils practice shifting agriculture, which is known as Valra. It is of two types
 Chimata: Agriculture practiced in hilly areas
 Dajiya Practiced in plain areas
 Collective agriculture done by Bhils is known as Helmo
 If a Bhil tribesman killed any cavalry soldier then he was called as Pakhariya

2. Meena

 Meenas believe that they are descendants of Meen (fish) incarnation of Lord Vishnu with
 control over Matsya Janpada.
 They are the most populated tribe of Rajasthan
  Region: Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur
 Main deity : Bhuriya Baba
 Meenas are divide into two major subgroups
 Jamindar Meena (Landlord)
 Chaukidar Meena (Watchmen)
 Widow Remarriage, Cheda-Fadna and Jaghda rituals are followed by Meena tribe.
 They practice the ritual of Morni madna(Peacock drawings) during marriage
 It is one the most educated and developed tribes of Rajasthan

3. Garasiya

 Garasiya is the third largest tribe of Rajasthan

 Main Region Abu, Pindwara (Sirohi), Bali (Pali), Gogunda (Udaipur)
 They construct warehouse for storage which is known as Sohari and the courtyard of
house is called as Osera
 They consider Lake Nakki as their sacred place their ashes are immersed in Nakki Lake
 Peacock is considered as sacred animal.
 There is a 3 tier Panchayat system in Garasia tribe
 Moti Nyat:Grasuyas of this Panchayat are known as Babor Harya
 Naiki Nyat : Madonna Garasias attend this Panchayat Nichli teyat
 The co-operative society of Garasiyas is known as 'Helaru' and cenotaph is known as
Hurein
 Chief of the tribe is known as Sahlot Palvi.
 Major fairs of Garasiya tribe are as follows
 Koteshwar Amba Ji (Gujarat)
 Delwara(Sirohi): Chaitra-Vichitra fair
 Siyawa (Sirohi): Gangaur fair
 They give preference of love marriage over normal marriage especially during Gangaur
fair Live in relationship is a socially accepted practice among Garasiyas
 Various types of marriages take place in Garasiya tribe which are as follows
 Morbandhiya: It resemble to the normal Hindu marriage
 Tanana: An amount is paid for bride known as Dapa
 Pehrawna No need of a Brahmin for conducting marriages.
 Melbo
 Khevno Mata marriage
 Seva: Groom has to tender services at his in-laws house before getting married.
  There are basically two types of Garasiyas
 Bhil-Grasiya : Garasiya male, married to Bhil female is Bhil-Garasiya
 Gameti-Garasiya: Garasiya female, married to Bhil male is Gameti-Garasiya Gavri dance
during Gangaur and Valar dance of Garasya tribe is famous
 They worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga

4. Sahariya

 The word Sahriya is derived from the Persian word Sahar, which means forest. Sahariyas
trace their origin to Saint Valmiki,
 Main Region: Shahbad (Baran), Kishnganj (Baran)
 Clan deity: Kauriya Devi
 They worship folk deities such as Teja Ji and Bhairon Ji
 Village of Sahariya tribe is known as Sahrol and head of the village is called as Kotwal
 Community Centre of Sahariya tribe is known as Bangla/Hathai and they make houses on
tree which are known as Topa/Korua
 Sahariya is the only primitive tribe of Rajasthan Primitive tribe means they are yet to
become a part of the mainstream and are still following primitive practices There are
three types of Panchayats among the Sahariya tribe which are as follows
 Panchtai
 Ekdasiya
 Chaurasi Chaurasiya : This Panchayat consists of 84 villages and meet Sectaban and is
considered as the final authority
 They sing "Heed' song on Diwali and play Lathmar Holi on Holi festival. Rai dance
performed by the Sahariya tribe after Holi
 Makar-Sakranti is celebrated by playing Lengi'(dance)with wooden sticks and they sing
Alha' and 'Lehangi during rainy season
 Valimiki temple in Seetabari is the biggest pilgrimage center of Sahariya's A fair s
organized in Seetabari which witnesses huge participation from Sahariya tnbe
 There is no practice of dowry system, couple dance and Shraddha in Sahariya tribe.
 Women engrave tattoos on their body, but men are not permitted to do so. Women keep
the veilin their house, but don't keep the veil outside. .
 They follow the practice of Dhari-Sanskar". In Dhari-sanskar ashes of dead person ae
kept in the courtyard of the house and if any shape/image is formed on ashes it is
believed that the dead person will take birth in that form in the next life
5. Kanjar

 The words Kanjar is derived from Hindi word Kanan-Char which means forest dweller
 Main Region Haduti (Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar)
 Head of the tribe is known as Patel.
 Joganiya Mata is their clan deity and they also worship Chauth Mata, Raktdaan Ji Mata
(Temple is located in Bundi) and Lord Hanuman
 They are involved in criminal activities and before committing any crime, Kanjars take
blessings from deities and this is known as Pati-Mangna
 Kanjar tribe mandatorily keeps a window at the backside of their house in order to avoid
getting caught after criminal activities They consider the oath of Hakam-Raja very sacred
and don't lie after drinking Hakam Raja ka Payla
 There is a tradition of putting drops of liquor in the mouth of a dying person. They
consume meat of peacock Women of this tribe are well trained in dance and they wear a
long skirt while dancing which is known as Khusni
 Chakri and Dhakad are their main dances

6. Saansi

 This tribe is a resident of Bharatpur district and live a nomadic life

 Saani's don't lie after taking oath of Bhakar-Bao Ji (Mountain deity) and while taking
oath they keep an axe in one hand and leaves of Peepal tree in another
 There are mainly two sub-tribes of Saansi tribe namely Beeja und Maala
 The worship the trees of Neem, Peepal and Bargad (Banyan) Sikodrai Mata is their
tutelage goddess
 Widow Remarriage is prohibited and generally marriages are done after the consent of
parents Exchange of mountain balls legitimizes the weddings
 Kukadi tradition is practiced, it is a tradition related to women after marriage
 They consume the meat of fox and the bull
 Due to their life as nomadic travelers, they are dependent on handicrafts and cottage
industry for their livelihoods

7. Damor

 Damor considers themselves as the descendants of Rajputs and hence Rajput surnames
are very commonly found in Damor tribe
  Their maximum population lives in the Semmalwada Panchayat Samiti, Dungarpur. This
region is known as Damoriya region
 Head of the tribe is known as Mukhi
 Gujarati influence can be seen on their language as well as dressing style. They practice
polygamy and Dapa (Bride Value) Men wear ornaments like women.
 Society is patriarchal, but son is separated soon after marriage Main fairs of Damor tribe
are as follows
 Chaila Baoji Panchmahal, Gujarat
 Gyaras Ki Baori Dungarpur programme is organized by Maori tribe during Holi which is
known as Chaadiva

8. Kathaudi

 This tribe collects Katths from Khair tree which is used to make beetles therefore they are
known as Kathaudi.
 They are originally from Maharashtra but their maximum population resides in Udaipur
currently It is a vulnerable tribe as only 30-40 families are remaining Rajasthan
government gives them 100 days of additional employment in MNREGA
 They consume excess liquor and meat of monkey. Women also consume liquor with men
 Women get tattoos engraved on their body and they don't wear ornaments
 The head of the tribe is known as 'Nayak' and their hut is called as Kholra'.

Schemes/ Programs for the development of the Tribal People

1. Tribal Sub-Plan Area (TSP):

 Tribal Sub-Plan is a planning concept used in India to channelize the flow of benefits
from the Central government for the development of tribal populations in the states.
Areas included in the Tribal Sub-Plan are blocks or tehsils with 50 percent or more tribal
population The government of India has declared 5697 villages of Rajasthan as TSP
areas. The broad objectives of the TSP areas follows
 Substantial reduction in poverty and un-employment
 Creation of productive assets in favor of Scheduled Tribes.
 Human resource development of the Scheduled Tribes by providing adequate educational
and health services
  Provision of physical and financial security against all types of exploitation and
oppression
 The programs on Integrated Tribal Developmental Projects (ITDP) under TSP are being
implemented with specific objectives of reducing poverty

2. MADA (Modified Area Development Approach):

 MADA scheme has been operational since the sixth five-year plan for the overall
development of the dispersed tribal population living outside the TSP area. In this
approach cluster are identified as having a population of 5,000 or more with 50% tribal
concentration and various schemes of employment generation, income enhancement and
community oriented programs are implemented. In 8 districts of Rajasthan 11 MADA
clusters are approved which cover around 159 villages

3. Sahariya Development Program:

 Saharia tribe is concentrated main in the pockets of Baran district especially im Kishan
Shahbad Panchayat Samitis, this belt is known as Sahnya primitive tribe regin Some of
schemes of the development of the Sahariyas are as under
 In government jobs having direct recruitment Sahariyas are given a reservation of 2
except in the tehsil of Kishanganj and Shahbad
 Sahariya Vano Ki Aur Sahariya towards the forest In order to reconnect the Sahar with
the forests they are provided with 100 days of work in forest areas which include building
boundary walls.

4. Sports Hostels:

 Sports hostels are built in order to encourage the tribal students to take up sports and
prepare them for national and international sports events

5. Archery Academy
 was established in the sports village in Udaipur to give a holistic training s the young
tribal children
6. Eklavya Children Sports Hostel:
 Tribal Students from TSP area belonging to class 6 to 12 are given training in various
games and are prepared for national and international events. Eklavya hostels are
operational as of now, which are located in the Lodha Village (Banswara,) Khairwara
(Udaipur). Sardarpura Girwa (Udaipur)

7. Maa-Badi Yojna and Day care Centre.

 This scheme was started in order to give education 10 the young children and to create
awareness about hygiene and health among them. These centers are operational from 8
am to 6 pm where along with education a homely environment is given to the children

8. Free cycle distribution scheme for tribal girl students of class 9 to 12 belonging to T.SP area
and Sahariya region

9. Free scooty to tribal school girls who have secured 65% or more in the board exams of 10
and 12 class

10. Kathaudi overall development program For the holistic development of Kathaudi tribe this
three-year scheme has been implemented

11. Sericulture Program This program was started to increase the income of the Sahariya and
other tribal farmers who have been associated with reasting, nursing and breeding of
silkworms.

12. Schedule Tribe Self-Employment Scheme: Under this scheme easy loans are given to the
unemployed tribal people who want to start a business venture. A subsidy amount of 10,000
or 50% of the cost of business unit, whichever is less, is also provided

13. In order to efficiently market the forest produce, a special minor forest produce marketing
Centre has been established in Udaipur.

14. Scholarship schemes Various Scholarship schemes are offered to tribal students in order 10
create awareness about education and bring them in the mainstream, some of the schemes are
listed below
Scholarly students who have passed their board examination in I division are given a sum of
Rs 350 for a period of 10 months, if they continue their studies till next board exam,
In order to encourage higher education among tribal students, an amount of 500 Rs is given
to them for a period of 10 months if they are enrolled in college
 Or a tribal child is a domicile of TSP area and a student of class 11 or 12h then be is proven
350 Rs for a period of 10 months

15. Holistic Development of 24 Tribal Villages: Under this scheme 24 villages of the scheduled
area of Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara are identified for holistic development Projects
related to irrigation, animal husbandry and income generation are implemented in order to
improve the economic condition of the tribes

Organizations Working for the Welfare of the Tribal people

1. Manikya Lal Verma Tribal Research and Training Institute: It is also known as TRI (Tribal
Research Institute) and it was established in 1964 in Udaipur. The objectives of the
organization are listed below

To execute and analyze the impacts of the tribal welfare schemes of the state, Centre and
other developmental organizations in order to implement the Panchsheel principles of tribal
development.

To identify the future development needs of the tribes

To encourage debate and progressive research on the social, economic and cultural aspects of
tribal groups of Rajasthan

To identify and carry out research on issues impacting the development of tribes.

To provide support to various departments working in the TSP area and to develop sources
for financial redistribution in the area

To organize educational seminars to promote education among the tribal communities In

order to achieve these goals, the organization has four wings namely i) Research wing i)
Impact analysis and training wing 3) Art and Culture wing 4) Library and Publication wing.

This wing publishes a monthly magazine known as Tribe

2. Rajasthan Janjati Kshetriya Vikas Sahkari Sangh (Rajaj Sangh). This organization was
established in 1976 in Udaipur and works in Dunagrur, Banswara, Sirohi and Baran districts.
The objectives of this organization are as follows
 To liberate the tribal communities from the atrocities of middleman and local money lenders.

To make available the agricultural inputs and other daily usage items at reasonable prices. To
fetch them the right price for their forest and agricultural produce. In order to execute this
function, it uses the channel of Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies(LAMPS)for
marketing of produce as well as distribution of daily usage items

To help them in procuring personal as well as group loans from the bank

3. Tribal Advisory council It is a constitutional body which was set in order to advise the
Governor on matters pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes in
the Suite It consists of 20 members out of which 15 are scheduled tribe MLAs of the state 4

4. Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad This is an Udaipur based organization and it is engaged in creating
awareness among the tribals through its flagship program called Vanvasi Ko Gale Lagao
Ornaments of Women: A list of ornaments worn by women
on various body parts

1. Ornaments worn on head and forehead These ornaments are also known
as Chuda Ratna

 Shishfool: A golden chain whose front hangs on the forehead.

 Bor Borla:. It is of a size of a big berry and is made of either gold or silver. The front part
is granular and the back side has a hook. A thread which passes through the hook at the
bottom of the head and is used to tie this ornament on the forehead
 Rakhdi: It is similar to Bor and it is worn over the vermillion which women apply on the
forehead.
 Bìndı Tiki: It is a colored dot like ornament generally at the center of the forehead
 Maimand: it is worn on the forehead and a lot of folk songs are also made on this
ornament
 Tiddi Bhalko (टिड्डी -अलको) :It is worn just below the vermillion on the forehead
 Gophan: This ornament is interlocked with the hair locks of women

2. Ornaments of Ear

 Kamfool: It is flower like ornament worn in the lower part of ear and precious stones are
studded in it.
 Jhumka Jhumki: It is similar to Karnfool but in the center it has circular gold plated
earrings and a gold chain is also attached to it
 Bajuti: It is attached to Jhumka
 Peepal-Patra :It is worn on the upper part of the ear It is made of gold or silver and has a
ring shape
 Oganiya : It is in the shape of beetle leaves which is worn in the upper part of the car,
made of gold and silver
 Gudada: A pearl is affixed on a golden wire and worn in the ear
 Toti: Ornament worn on the lower side of the ear
3. Nose Ornaments

 Nath : It is attached to Memand via chain and worn on the nose

 Laung : It is a clove shaped ornament made on a fine golden wire on which precious
gems are fixed
 Kanta: Small nose ring made of gold or silver on which a small silver key is fixed
 Bhanvra: It is similar to laung ornament, but it is of bigger size generally worn by women
of Vishnoi caste
 Besari : It is a light golden wire on which a dancing peacock is imprinted It is tied to
women's head by a thread
 Chop: It is an ornament of the nose

4. Ornaments of Teeth

 Choonp: A small hole is made between the teeth and a golden nail is studded there.
 Rakhan : A plate made of gold or silver in the teeth

5. Ornaments of Neck

 Haar/Necklace : Ornament of gold and silver on which various precious gems are affixed.
Chandrahar Necklace in the shape of moon, prevalent in women of urban areas
 Jhalra: Necklace made of string of gold or silver which has metal balls
 Kanthla: It is an ornament of kids and it has small triangular or rectangular leaves made
of gold or silver. Kanthi Chain A thick chain made of string of gold which has also has a
locket attached to it. It is famous in Marwar region.
 Muktmala/Sumargi: It is a bead made of pearls and worn by women rich households
 Hansli: It is a thick circular necklace made of gold or silver
 Tussi : It is a necklace which is a bit heavier and bigger than the present day necklaces. It
is also known as 'Galpatiyo
 Timaniya/Dhamnyo/Aad/Tedyo: It is an ornament made of three strings of gold which
are attached to golden sticks. It is generally in square shape
 Hamel : Golden necklace shaped ornament, popular in Shekhawati region.
 Kungali : Circular shaped ornament made of gold or silver with a hook attached to it
 Bajanti : Small balls of gold are woven on a strip of cloth
 Tanti: A silver wire or thread is tied on neck or wrist on the name of a god or goddess
 Aad: It is given to the bride on her marriage by the groom's side. It is made of gold and
square in shape and joined to the golden threads and it is tied on the neck with the help of
these threads
 Tulsi:It is a bead of pearls and worn with Timaniya and Thussi
  Mandaliya: it is a small ornament in the shape of a drum thread and worn which is strung
to black
 Ramnabhi: . A long golden pendant having Mandaliyas attached on the both sides
 Mangalsutra: Symbol of love of a wife towards her husband, it is a necklace type bead
made of black pearls.
 Champkali: It is an ornament of neck

6. Ornaments of Hand

 Chudiya Bangles : Circular ornament made of gold, silver or metal

 Bangdi: Ornament similar to bangle with a layer of gold coating on it
 Nogari: Ornament made of a group of strings of beads which is worn between the bangles
in hand
 Kada: It is a metallic ornament bigger which is wider than the bangles.
 Aanvla Sevta : Ornament made of solid silver and worn with Kada
 Langar (CoR): It is made of thick wires of silver which is worn beneath the Kada
 Gajra: Ornament made of small pearls and it does not hang loosely on the hand like a
bangle instead it sticks to the hand
 Kankan : Gold and silver ornament
 Gokharu: Small triangular shaped jewelry made of gold and silver
 Punch :Ornament worn on the wrist
 Hathfool Sovanpan: This ornament is made of golden balls and is worn e the backside of
palms It joins four fingers, thumb and palm by a series of golden chains
 Vallya: Ornament of hand

7. Ornaments of Fingers

 Anguthi /Mundari: It is a circular metallic ring worn on the fingers

 Mudrika Ring : has precious stones and gems fixed in it
 Dama Dumni: A big ring which is worn in two fingers

8. Ornaments of the Arms

 Tadda/Anat: It is made of copper rods and its shape resembles to Chuda with a coating of
gold and silver In Bhinmal region it is called as "Adkaniyo
 Baju-bandh/Utarno It resembles to a belt of gold and it is worn by women on the
marnages Small Bajubandh is called as Bhuj-bandh.
9. Ornaments of Waist

 Kanakti : It is a belt on which many chains are affixed and it hangs loosely on the waist
 Sarka : It is made of rings of gold and silver on which keys are hanged. It is worn just on
the upper border of the Lehanga or Saree
 Takdi: Ornament made of gold or silver
 Chauth: A chain made of rectangular nets of silver

10. Ornaments of Foot

 Kada: Solid circular instrument made of silver

 Aanvla: Ornament made of gold or silver in the shape of Aanvla Indian-Gooseberry
 Nevti: It resembles to anklets and is worn with Amla.
 Payal/Ramjhol Payjeb.: It is a small circular chain which has metallic balls attached to it
 Tanka : A circular shaped ornament made of silver, which produces the sound of Tanak
when someone walks around, wearing it
 Jhanjhar: It resembles to anklet and produces a very unique sound when it is worn.
 Toda :. It is made by joining thick silver metals and it is narrow from the top and wide
from the bottom. It is worn beneath the Kada
 Heera-Nami: This ornament is made of silver and resembles a Kada It is famous among
the rural and tribal women
 Tedhadh: Ornament of feet.

11. Ornaments of Toes

 Bíchiya/Bichudi: It is a ring worn on the index too and is a symbol of marital life and
love
 Golma: Simple and wide rings of silver worn on the toes
 Angutha: It is a ring like ornament worn on the thumb toe
 Pagpan:. It is like a Hathfool and the rings of each toe and thumb are joined by a chain
which is worn on the foot with the help of a hook

B. Ornaments of Men

1. Ornament of Fingers: Anguthi/Ring

2. Ornament of Wrist: Kada

3. Ornaments of Ear: Laung, Murakiyan, Jhale

4. Ornaments of Neck : Chain, Pendal, Mandaliya, Ramnabhi

5. Ornament of Arm: Bhuj-Bandh

 Fort of Rajasthan

As per the Shukra-Niti, there are 9 types of forts which are mentioned as below

1. Aeran Fort
 Forts whose pathways are inaccessible or unreachable due to ditches, thorns and stones

2. Parikh Fort
 Forts which are surrounded by deep trenches on all the four sides are called as Parikh
forts

3. Paridh Fort
 Forts which are encircled by huge ramparts on all sides made of stone and bricks

4. Van Fort (Forest Fort)

 Forts which are surrounded by thorny forests on all sides.

5. Dhany Fort
 Forts constructed in deserts and have thorns on all sides

6. Water Fort
 Forts which are surrounded by water are called as water forts.

7. Giri Fort (Mountain Fort)

 Forts which are constructed on the mountain tops are called as Giri forts

8. Sainya Fort(Military Fort)

 Forts which were defended by loyal and experienced warriors, resembling to a military
garrison

9. Sahay Fort
 Forts in which brave and like-minded people live together in brotherhood are called as
Sahay fort
Chittaurgarh Fort (Type: Mountain Fort)

 It is located at the confluence of Gambhir and Bedach River and is one of the ancient and
prominent forts of Rajasthan . It is in the shape of a fish and located on Mesa plateau.
 According to Veer-Vinod' of Shyamaldas this fort was constructed by Maurya King
Chitrang and named the city Chitrakut. This fort is called as Pride of Rajasthan, fort of
forts because of its glorious history
 It falls under the category of Mountain fort, but it has features of all types of forts except
Dhanva forhas strong and circuitous battlements, huge towers, seven impenetrable entry
gates and every long and serpentine like pathway to reach to the main fort make it one of
the most fortified forts of India
 This fort is witness to three prestigious Saka in 1303, 1534 and 156
 The palaces of Ratan Singh, Queen Padmini and Gora-Badal are located inside the fort

It is the biggest living fort of Rajasthan which has following structures

 Lakhota Bari: It is cenotaph and it is said that one lakh people were killed here
 Navlakha Bhandar. Constructed by Banveer
 Temple of Goddess Tulja Bhavani
 Kalika Temple
 Ekling Temple
 Meera Temple
 Kumbh-Swami temple
 Shringar-Chánvari temple: Temple of Shantinath constructed by Acharya Jinsen Sun.
 Sammidheswar temple: Bhoj Parmar constructed Tribhuvan temple which was
reconstructed by Mokal and renamed to Sammidheshwar temple
 Chitrangad Mori Pond/ Bheemlat Pond

Gagron Fort (Type :Water Fort)

 It is located at the confluence of Kalisindh and Aahu rivers in Jhalwar district

 Its ancient name was Gargratpur is surrounded by rivers on three sides and is located on a
mountain therefore it is an example of the hill and water fort It does not have a
foundation and is built on rocks.
 This fort was constructed by Dhod (Parmar) Rajput King and this was known as
Dhodgarh or Dhulagarh
 According to Chauhan Kalp-Drum Devan Singh Khichi captured this fort by killing
Dhodh in the 12th century and renamed it to Gagraun
  This fort was strategically very important as it was adjacent o Mewar, Gujarat, Malwa
Hadauti.
 Two Saka's have taken place in this fort. In 1423 AD, Sultan Hoshang Shah attacked
Gang and Saka took place under the leadership of Achaldas Khinchi. Shivdas Gadan has
desen this in his book "Achaldas Khinchi Ri Vachanika
 In 1444 AD, Mahmud Khilji of Malwa attacked Gayuran and second Saka took place in
the leadership of Palhan Singh Mahmud Khilji renamed Gagraun to Mustafabad
 This fort was under control of Medini Ray (during Sanga's reign) and Prithviraj Rathore
(during Akbar's reign of Bikaner
 Later on Shah-Jahan gave this fort to King Mukund Singh of Kota.
 It is fortified by ramparts on three sides and there are three entry gates to the fort
 The confluence of Kalisindh and Aahu is called as Samelji in local language, there is a
cenotaph of Saint Peepa ji near the fort

The other famous structures of the fort are mentioned below

 Nakkar-Khana: Place where instruments are played loudly like Nagada etc.
 Barood-Khana: Ammunition depot Temple of Lord Madhusudan Constructed by King
Durjansal of Kota
 Temple of goddess Sheetla Mata Buland Darwaza Constructed by Aurangzeb
 Shrine of Sufi Saint Meethe Shah/Hamiduddin: Fair is organized on Moharram
 Mint of Kota Princely state
 Gidh Karai: Place where the political prisoners were executed

Kumbhalgarh Fort (Type: Mountain Fort)

 This fort was constructed by Kumbha in Rajsamand on a peak of the Aravali mountain
range
 Mandan was the architect of the fort
 The construction started in 1448 and completed in 1458.
 It is an example of mountain fort This fort is surrounded by dense forests and mountain
peaks. The pathways leading to the fort are impassable making the fort impregnable
 The wall of Kumbalgarh is 36 kilometers long on which 3-4 cavalry soldiers can walk
together and is known as Great wall of India.
 Kumbalgarh due to its natural protection was the exigency capital of Mewar and it is also
known as the sentinel of Mewar-Marwar.
  In the words of Abul Fazal this fort is so towering that if one looks from bottom to top
the turban of the head is bound to fall", Its height from the sea is around 3568 feet,
thickness of the walls it 7 meters and apart from gateways it is impossible to enter into
the for
 The assassination of Kumbha, coronation of Uday Singh and the birth of Maharana
Pratap took place in this palace
 Col Todd has equated this fort to Etruscan fort
 There is a mini fort located on the top of the fort, which is known as Katar-Garh, known
as the eye of Mewar. The personal palace of Kumbha was in Katargarh.
 This fort was attacked many times, but only Shahbaz Khan (Commander of Akbar) to
capture it for a brief period of time in 1578 AD.

Important structures :
 kund of Mama-Dev (Water Reservoir)
 Jhala rani ka Mahaliya
 Badal Mahal Jhali Rani Ka Maliya (Palace of Jhali Queen)
 Kumbh-Swami temple

Jaigarh Fort (Type: Mountain fort)

 This fort is located on the southern hilltops on the palaces of Amber.

 The construction of this fort was started by King Man Singh and competed during the
reign of Mirza Raja Jai Singh
 This place was earlier known as eagle hills and Sawai Jai Singh constructed it in its
present form
 It is the only fort of Rajasthan which has never been invaded by external power During
emergency this fort was excavated by central government.
 The water management of the fort is exemplary. Huge reservoirs are built inside the fort,
which collects rain water , provisions were also made for filtering the water. The biggest
water reservoir was 54 feet deep.
 There is an inner fort inside Jaigarh which is called as Vijay-Garhi, younger brother of
Sawai Jai Singh, Vijay Singh was kept under house arrest in this fort
 Behind Vijay-Garhi there is a seven story lighthouse, known as Diya-Burj
 There is a huge factory to manufacture cannons, guns and other war equipments in this
fort. The famous Jaiban cannon was manufactured here. Jaiban is considered as the
biggest cannon of Asia and it was manufactured by Sawai Jai Singh
Other structures of fort
 Jalebi Chauk
 Subhat Niwas (Deewan-E-Aam), Khilbat Niwas (Deewan-E-Khas)
 Lalit temple, Vilas temple, Surya temple, Kal-Bhairav temple Ram-Harihar and Aarom
temple Aaram temple
 Garden based on Mughal art (four garden styles) is located in front of Aram temple

Nahargarh Fort (Type: Mountain fort)

 This fort was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh in order to protect Jaipur from Maruba
invasions. Its name was Sudarshan-Garh based on the temple of Lord Krishna in the fort
 This fort is known as the sentinel of Jaipur.
 Later on it was renamed to Nahargarh to honor the sacrifice of Nahar Singh Bhomiya
 Nahargarh is famous for its architecture and sculpture as there are ornamented tilted
balconies, quadrangle courtyards and lively paintings in the fort.
 Sawai Madho Singh-II constructed 9 similar palaces for his 9 concubines in the fort The
uniformity of colors and provision of light and air is noteworthy
 Ras Kapoor, the concubine of Sawai Jagat Singh was house arrested in this fort Most of
the palaces inside this fort were built by Sawai Ram Singh-II and Madho Singh

Amber Fort (Type: Mountain fort)

 This fort wan captured by Kaildeva from the Meenas and is also known as Kakilgarh.
 Man Singh started rebuilding this fort, which was continued by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and
Sawai Jai Singh
 The fort is in the shape of a palace and influence of Rajput and Mughal architecture can
be seen
 There is a maze in the fort similar to Lucknow.

Various temples and structures are as follows

 Shila Mata temple Constructed by King Man Singh, the idol of goddess was brought
from Bengal She is the clan goddess of Amber Kingdom
 Deewan-E-Khaas: Built by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and was a private audience of important
courtiers of King. It is also known as Jaimandir
  Deewan-E-Aam: It is a hall of public audience and has 40 pillars of marble, constructed
by Mirza Raja Jai Singh.
 Ganeshpol: Gateway to enter into inner palaces of fort, constructed by Sawai Jai Singh.
 Sheesh-Mahal: It is famous for the fine glass-work done on the roof and walls of the
palace
 Suhag-Mandir: Rectangular Palace, built for the recreational activities of queens
 Sukh-Mandir: 12 forts for queens are built in an identical manner and fine work done on
the gates, it was constructed by Mirza Raja Jai Singh
 Temple of Ambikeshwar Mahadev,
 Jagat Shiromani
 NarSingh Dev
 Kesar-Kyari Bageecha, Mavta water reservoir, Yash-Mandir and Suhag-Mandir

Achalgarh Fart (Type: Mountain fort)

 It is located in Abu (Sirohi) on a peak of the Aravali mountain range

 The ancient fort was built by the Parmar Kings and later on Kumbha reconstructed the
fort in is current form
 This fort was built in order to protect Mewar from potential attacks from Gujarat
 Achleshwar Mahadev temple is located inside the fort in which thumb of Lord Shiva is
worshiped An idol of Scholar Dursa-Adha is located in front of the temple.
 Idols of Kumbha and his son Uda are also located here which are known as "Idols of
Savan BHado .
 This fort was attacked Mahmud Begra and Sultan Kuttubudin Shah of Gujarat

Other structures
 Palace of Queen Okha
 Kumbhswami temple, Rishabdev temple and Parshavnath temple
 Mandakini Pond
 Bhanvrathal The armies of Mahmud Begda were attacked by Bhanvra flies
Ranthambore Fort (Type: Mountain and Forest fort)

 It is situated on a hilltop in Sawai Madhopur district. It derived its name from two hills
Ran and Thamb, on which it is constructed
 It was constructed in 8 century by Chauhan ruler
 This is an oval shaped fort on a hill and hence it is not visible from a distance
 This fort is situated between disproportionate mountains and has trenches on its three
sides and small streams
 Allaudin Khilji invaded Ranthambore in 1301 AD, a Saka took place under the leadership
of King Hameer and his queen Rang Devi
 Later on, King Madho Singh of Jaipur captured this fort There are five main gateways
including Naulakha Darwaza
 Abul Fazal quotes "All the other forts are nude and this fort is wearing an armor

Other structures
 Hameer Palace, Supari-Mahal, Badal-Mahal
 Thirty two pillared cenotaph
 Padmla Pond (Princess Deval De took her life by jumping into this pond)
 Shrine of Peer Sadruddin
 Laxmi Narayan temple, Trinetra-Ganesh temple
 Jora-Bhora(Provision store) - Royal mint established during the reign of Akbar

Mehrangarh Fort Type: Mountain fort)

 This fort was constructed by Rao Jodha in 1459 in Jodhpur, on top of Chidya-Toonk' hill
It is said that a person named Rajiya was buried alive in the foundations of the for
 This fort is also known as Mayurdhawaj' as it resembles to a peacock and Gadh
Chintamani
 Rudyard Kipling spent a lot of time at this fort and said that "It is built by the Gods,
Angel and Fairies".
 This fort is made up of red Balua stones and is famous for its Rajput architecture There
are many cannons in the fort- Kilkila, Bhawani, Shambhu-Ban, Gajni Khan
 The water requirements of this fort were taken care by Ranisar and Padmsar ponds. Rani
was built by queen Jasma De (W/o Jodha) and Padmasar was built by Queen Padmavati
Ganga)
Other structures
 Chamunda Mata temple Built by Rao Jodha and reconstructed by Takht Singh in 1857
Temples of Murli Manohar Ji, Anandghan Ji and Nagnechya Mata
 Moti-Mahal: This palace was constructed by King Sur Singh and it is famous for g
ornamentation and lively depiction. Gold polish on the roof and walls was done dunn
reign of Takht Singh
 Fool-Mahal: It is known for fine work on stones, built by King Abhay Singh - Fateh-
Mahal: Victory palace constructed by Ajit Singh to celebrate freedom Mughal Empire.
 Shringar Chauki: Built by Takhat Singh and coronation of Kings took place here.
 Tomb of Bhure Khan
 Cenotaph of Keerat Singh Sodha,Cenotaph of Dhanna-Bheenva (Maternal Maternal uncle
nephew)
 Man Singh Pustkalaya and a museum are also located in the fort.

Junagarh Fort (Type: Dhanv/Dhanvan Fort)

 This fort was constructed during the reign of Rai Singh under the supervision of
Karamchand in Bikaner
 According to the Khyat of Dayaldas the foundation of this fort was laid upon the place of
older fort of Bikaner and hence it is called Junagarh.
 It is a rectangular fort with 37 huge towers, each having a height of 40 feet.
 The structures built inside the fort are a classic temple of Rapa Mughal mixed style. The
construction is done in Rajputi style and ornamentation is in Mughal style.
 Ganga Niwas is famous for its work of red stones, beautiful wooden roof and lively
depiction Fine work of gold is done in Anup Mahal, in which coronation of Kings used to
take place. An of Krishna-Leela
 artistic swing is also placed in this palace
 Due to their alliance with central power, Junagarh was not attacked much. Bakht Singh.
King of Nagaur attacked unsuccessfully in 1733 and Abhay Singh (Jodhpur) led a failed
attacked in 1740

Other structures
 Rang Mahal, Chatra Mahal. Moti Mahal, Sunhari Burj
 Fool Mahal and Gajmandir are known for fine cutting of glass and lively depiction of
flowers and leaves
Taragarh Fort (Type: Mountain fort)

 This fort is also called as Ajaymeru as it was built by Chauhan King Ajaymeru
 Some parts of the fort were built by Prince Prithviraj for her wife Tara and therefore was
named as Taragarh
 It is built on the top of a hill named Beethli hence it is called as Gadh-Beethli'
 According to author Harbilas Sharda, it is the most ancient mountain fort of India.
 It is of huge strategic importance as it is located in the middle of Rajasthan and so it has
witnessed many invasions.
 Rao Maldeo's wife Uma-De lived here for some time. Dara Shikok also took shelter in
this fort during his struggle with Aurnazeb.
 In 1832 Lord William Bentick destroyed some part of the fon and converted it into a
sanatorium.
 Bishop Heber has referred it as the 'Gibraltar of Rajasthan
 There are 14 huge towers in Taragarh. There are numerous water reservoirs in Taragarh
such as Nana Sahab Ka Jhalra, Gol Jhalra, Ibrahim's Jhalra and Bada Jhalra. A shrine of
Saint Meeran Sahab and memorial of Prithiviraj Chauhan is located in the fort. Acave
named Sheesha-Khan is also located in the for.

Jaisalmer Fort (Type: Dhanv/Dhanvan Fort))

 This fort was built by Rao Jaisal in 1155 AD on top of the Trikuta hills in Jaisalmer
 It is made of yellow stones which brighten up when sunrays fall upon them, therefore it is
also called as Sonar-Garh or Son-Garh. There is no use of limestone in the construction
of the fort. The fort has two layered circular rampart known as Kamar-Kot and has a
wooden roof.
 The architectural brilliance of the fort resembles a ng w ywing bom h dike a ship that has
dropped ins anchor in the se of desert
 This fort is known for 2 and half Saka's that took place here in 1299 AD, 1352 AD, 1550
AD.
 There are 99 towers in the fort and it is the fort with the highest towers
 Mulraj-II constructed Rang-Mahal and Moti-Mahal which are known for their grills, peep
holes and a fine ornamentation of flowers and leaves
 Gajvilas and Jawahar Vilas are famous for their stone work and cutting
 Jain temples of Pashrvanath Sanbhavnath and Rishabdeva reminds one of the glory and
grandeur of Jain temples of Abu and Delwara
  There is a rare collection of handwritten texts belonging to various eras in the fort. It is
called Jin-Bhadra Suri collection.
 2009 a postal stamp was issued on Jaisalmer fort and Satyajit Ray made a film named as
onar-Kila on this fort.

Bhatner Fort (Type: Dhanv/Dhanvan Fort))

 This fort was constructed by Bhati King Bhupat in the last leg of the 3rd century in
Hanumangarh on the banks of River Ghaggar
 It has 52 towers and 365 domes and is built with baked bricks and limestone
 This fort is called as 'Sentinel of Northern boundary' and Bhati rulers are called as Uttar
ad-Kinvad (warriors of northern boundary). It has witnessed maximum invasions in
asthan
 Taimur attacked this fort in 1398 AD and in his autobiography Tujuk-E-Taimuri he
mentions it is one the safest forts of India
 Surat Singh, of Bikaner, captured this fort in 1805 on Tuesday and renamed this place as
hanumangarh
 It is the only fort in which Jauhar were done by Hindu as well as Muslim women.
 Memorial of Dalpat Singh (rebel son of King Rai Singh of Bikaner) and his six wives are
all in this fort

Jalore Fort (Type:Mountain fort)

 This fort is located on the Suvarn-Giri hills near the banks of Sukadi River in Jalore sc d
as Suvarn-Giri fort
 It was built by Pratihara ruler Nagbhatta-l and later on constructed by Kanhad Dev
Songra s Excated on the border of Marwar and Gujarat and is ruled by Pratihara, Parmar,
Chauhan, Rathores over a period of time
 In 1311 AD saka took place in this fort under leadership of Kanhad De when Allauddin
Khilji attacked Jalore and renamed it to Jalore.
 He constructed an Alar mosque and Khilji minaret in this fort
 There was a Sanskrit school built by Parmar Lines which waslater on converted in
artillery
 Jodhpur King Man Singh took shelter in this fort before becoming a King
Other structures
 Palaces of King Man Singh and Peep-holes
 Shrine of Saint Malik Shah
 Jain Kirti Stambha (Parmar era)
 Temple of Chamunda Mata and Jogmaya
 Chauki of Veeramdev

Sivana Fort (Type: Mountain fort)

 Located in the Sivana Tehsil of district Barmer this fort was constructed by Veer Panwar
and later on rebuild by Rao Maldeo of Jodhpur in its current form
 Due to presence of lot of Kumut shrubs this fort is known as Kumut fort
 This fort was called as Key to Jalore and the refuge of the Rathores of Marwar Rao
Maldeo took refuge in this fort in 1544 after being defeated from Sher Shah
 Rao Chandrasen took shelter here when he was fighting the forces of Akbar
 Saka took place under the leadership of Som and Satal in 1308 when armies of Allaudin
Khilji attacked this fort and renamed it to Khairabad
 Second Saka took placed when armies of Akbar attacked Kalla Rathore.

Lohagarh Fort (Type: Sthal Durg/Land Fort) –

 This Fort is situated in Bharatpur and is known as Lion gate of Rajasthan" and 'Sentinel
ofthe eastern boundary
 The construction of this for started in 1733 by Maharaja Surajmal Ji and it took 8 years
for the completion of the fort

 The fort is rectangular in shape and has two ramparts outer rampart is built of soil and the
inner rampart is made of stones and bricks. It is due to this design that cannon fires got
stuck in the outer ramparts thereby protecting the fort and the inner palaces.
 The fort is surrounded by deep trenches and water of Moti Lake is poured into these
trenched through Sujan-Ganga canal. Trench is named as Sunjan-Ganga trench.
 There are 8 huge towers, 40 semi circular towers and 2 gates in the fort. There is an Asht
Dhatu(Eight metal) gate located on the northern side of the fort. King Jawahar Singh
brought these gates from Red fort of Delhi.
  British General Lord Lake unsuccessfully invaded this for in 1805 AD when King Ranjit
Singh gave asylum to Maratha warriors so this fort is known as Lohagarh.

Other Structures
 Kishori Palace, Mahal-Khas, Queen Laxmi Palace
 Temples of Ganga and Bihari
 Jama-Masjid, Kothi-Khas, Mahal-Khas

Alwar Fort/Bala-Kila (Type: Mountain Fort)

 It is said that this fort was constructed by Alghuram younger son of Kapil Dev, King of
Amber and established a city named Alpur
 The fort has 155 big and 52 small towers and in the northern side Andehri Darwaza (Dark
gate) is located due to lack of sun rays.
 Hasan Khan Mewati who fought alongside Rana Sanga in battle of Khanwa was the ruler
ofthis fort
 Emperor Jahangir stayed in this fort, so it also called as Saleem Palace
 Saleem Sagar and Surajkund ponds used to fulfil the water requirements of the fort

Other Structures
 Temple of Sitaram Ji
 Karni Mata temple. Constructed by King Bhaktawar Singh
 Nikumbh Palaces: Traditional example of Hindu architectural style
 Water Palace

Bhainsrodgarh Fort (Type: Water fort)

 It is located in a valley of Aravali hills in Chittargarh district

 This fort is situated at the confluence of Chambal and Bamani Rivers and is surrounded
by water on three sides. It resembles to the fort of Gagron.
 Col Todd on the basis of popular folklore has said that the fort was constructed by
merchant
 Bhainsa-Shah and Roda Charan
  It is referred as 'Vellore of Rajasthan as the Vellore fort is considered as one of the bet
water forts in India In different time periods this fort was under the control of different
dynasties, but mostly awas ruled by Mewar.

Mandalgarh Fort (Type: Mountain fort)

 It is located near the confluence of three rivers Bedach, Menal and Banas on a hill top in
Bhilwara district
 According to the folklore, this fort was constructed by Chanana Gurjar in the memory of
Mandiya Bhil
 This fort is in the shape of circular bowl and hence it is known as Mandalgarh.
 According to Veer Vinod of Shyamaldas this fort was constructed by Chauhan Mughal
Emperors treated this fort as the gateway for conquering Mewar.
 Man Singh stayed here for a month before the battle of Haldighati for making war related
strategies
 Maharana Raj Singh conquered this place by using the pretext of Teeka-Daud from
Mughals when they were involved in succession battles

Other structures
 Jain temple of Rishabdeva
 Temples of Lord Shiva -Undeshwar and Jaleshwar
 Cenotaph of Rana Sanga and Sagar-Sagan water reservoir –

Shergarh Fort, Baran (Type: Mountain Fort)

 This fort is located on the banks of Parvan River in Baran district.

 The fort is located on a mountain named Kosh-Vardhan and hence it is also known as
Kosh Vardhan fort.
 During his Malwa campaign SherShah Suri captured this fort and named it to Shergarh,
Mughal Emperor Farrukhshiyar gifted this fort to Bhim Singh of Kota. Later on Jalim
Singh constructed Havelis of Jhala' in this place.
 Jhala Jalim Singh also gave asylum to Amir Khan Pindari in this fort against Britishers.

Other Structures
 Temples of Somedev Mahadev. Char-Bhuja, Laxmi Narayan and goddess Durga
  Palaces of Jalim Singh Jhala and Ameer Khan Pindari
 Ornamented ancient step-well

Shergarh Fort, Dholpur

 This fort belongs to Kushan-era and is located on the banks of Chambal River.
 It was built by Rao Maldeo of Jodhpur and later on capture and reconstructed by Sher
Shah Suri. He renamed it to Shergarh.
 A shrine of Saiyad Hussain (Guru of Sher Shah Suri) is located in the fort and a cannon
named Hunhunkar is also placed here.
 Babur mentions the Kamal-Baag of Dholpur in his autobiography Babur-Nama. The
Nihal tower of Dholpur is the biggest bell tower of India.

Shahbad Fort, Baran (Type : Mountain Fort)

 This fort was constructed by Chauhan ruler Mukut Manidev in 1521 AD
 Sher Shah Suri during his Kalinjar campaign renamed it to Salimabad
 It is located in Kund-Koh' valley and surrounded by dense forests.
 The fort has 18 cannon guns and Naval-Vaan' is one among them
 Makbul, Garrison Commander of Aurangzeb, built a Jama Masjid in this fort
 There were two huge Alal-Pankh statues' located at the gateway of the fort in which a bet
is holding an elephant in its claws

Nagaur Fort (Type: Dhanv/Dhanvan Fort)

 Kamas, feudal lord of Prithviraj Chauhan, built this fort in 1154 AD

 Nagaur lies on the trade route between Sindh and Delhi therefore this fort acquired
strategic importance
 There are 28 huge towers and six gateways in the fort. The fort has double ramparts
which are 5000 feet in length
 In 1570 AD, Akbar organized Nagaur court in this fort, which was a watershed moment
in the history of Rajasthan Akabt also got installed beautiful sprinklers in the fort
 Later on, at the request of Gaj Singh, Shah-Jahan gave this fort to Amar Singh .
 The mural paintings of Badal Mahal and Sheesh Mahal in the fort are famous.
Taragarh Fort, Bundi (Type: Mountain Fort)

 King Bar Singh constructed this fort in 1354 AD. It looks like a shining star from a
distance hence it is called as Taragarh fort.
 The fort has a huge entrance named Hathi Pol (elephant gateway) having two statues
elephants on both sides constructed by King Ratan Singh
 The fort is renowned for its Chitrashala and mural paintings. It houses some of the best
paintings of the time
 Rudyard Kipling quotes that this fort has been constructed by ghosts and demons"
 Todd considers the forts and palaces of Bundi as unparalleled in Rajasthan
 Fool-Sagar, Jait-Sagar and Naval-Sagar are the water reservoirs inside the fort
 Cannon named 'Garbh-Gunjan' is kept in this fort.

Other structures
 Chatra-Mahal,
 Anirudha Mahal,
 Ratan Mahal
 Fool Mahal
 84 pillared cenotaph, Shikar tower

Akbar Fort (Type: Land Fort)

 Akbar constructed this fort in 1570 AD in Ajmer. It is also known as Daulat-Khana
(wealth done in this fort.
 The strategy and war planning of Haldighati battle was done in this fort
 Later on, this fort came under the control of Britishers and they converted it into an
ammunition depot and it was called Magazine fort.
 British ambassador Sir Thomas Roe met Emperor Jahangir in this fort for requesting
trade permissions
 Presently, this place is converted into a museum known as Rajputana Museum that was
established by the government .

Chomu Fort (Type: Land Fort)

 This fort was constructed by Thakur Karan Singh in 1595-97 in Chomu Jaipur. Later on
Raghunath Singh built palaces and towers in this fort, so it is called as Raghunathgarh. It
is also referred as Chaumunhagarh and Dhara-Dharagarh
  Chomu was an important Thikana of Jaipur and this fort has a special place among the
forts build by the feudal lords.

 Other Structures:
 Krishna Niwas,
 Ratan Niwas,
 Sheesh-Mahal
 Moti-Mahal - Mural paintings of this fort are known for their lively depiction and belong
Dhundhar style of painting

Kankanwadi Fort(Type: Forest Fort)

 It is located in a valley in the middle of Sariska wild life sanctuary, Alwar

 Miza Raja Jai Singh constructed this fort and it is said that Auranzeb house-arrested Dara
Shikoh in this fort
 The distinct feature of this fort is that it is visible from a distance, but on coming closer it
is lost in a cluster of bushes.
 During the reign of Pratap Singh, founder of Alwar, this fort was reconstructed. Mural
paintings and flower ornamentation also took place in palaces during this time.

Bayana Fort (Type: Mountain Fort)

 Fort of Bayana was constructed by King Vijaypal on Damdama hills in Bharatpur. Other
prevalent names of the fort are Sultankot, Vijaymandirgarh and Banasoor fort.
 Gupta King Samudra Gupta constructed the victory tower in Bayana, which is the first
victory tower of Rajasthan.
 Vishnu Vardhan, feudal lord of Samudra Gupta constructed Usha-Laat or Bheem-Laat
(Laat means pillar or tower).
 Queen Chitralekha built Usha temple which is made of red stones and later was converted
to Usha mosque by Mubarak Khilji
 A fort is a classic representation of Hindu and Mughal architecture A collection of Gupta
coins has been found near Bayana and it is the largest collection
 Guta coins in India
Other structures
 Lodhi Minar
 Sarai Sadulla
 Cenotaph of Akbar and Jahangiri-Darwaza

Fort of Madhorajpura (Type: Land Fort)

 It was constructed by Sawai Madho Singh-1 in the memory of victory over Marathas near
Phagi, Jaipur. This place is also called Naya Nava-Shahar as it was established on the
lines of Jaipur
 This fort is famous for bravery tales of Naruka Rajputs Bharat Singh Naruka abducted the
family of Ameer Khan Pindari and put them under arrest in this fort.

Kuchaman Fort (Type: Mountain Fort)

 It is located in Nawan Tehsil in Nagaur district and constructed by feudal lord Jalim
Singh It is a beautiful example of mountain fort constructed on the top of a hill in
Kuchaman. .
 It is also called as the crown of the feudal lord's forts
 It is known for the fine work of gold on Sunhari-Burj (golden tower) and beautiful
architecture of Sheesh-Mahal and Hawa-Mahal.
 Feudal lord of Kuchaman was granted permission to mint coins here. The coin was
known Ektisanda referring to the 31st year of rule of Shah Alam II. It was also called
Kuchamaniya, Bopushahi and Borasi.
 There are 5 huge water reservoirs built inside the fort for water requirements

Fort of Timangarh (Type: Mountain Fort)

 This fort was built by Tahanpal Tribhuvan pal on a Tribhuvangiri hill in Karauli.
 Other names of the fort are: Tavangarh and Tribhuvangarh There is a big market located
inside the fort with approximately 60 shops.
Other structures
 Nanad-Bhojai Ka Kuan
 Khas-Mahal,
 Bada Chauk and
 Rajgiri

Khandar Fort (Type: Mountain Fort)

 It is an an associate fort of Ranthambore located in Sawai Madhopur district

 It is triangular in shape and has features of both mountains as well as forest fort
 During the decline of Mughal empire this fort was captured by Jaipur Kingdom.

Fort of Kota

 Jaitra Singh constructed Gulab fort in Kota by defeating Kotiya Bhil near the banks of
Chambal River.
 Later on, Madho Singh of Kota builds the fort at this place.
 Col James Todd has said that apart from Agra no other fort has ramparts as big as the fort
of Kota

Fort of Dausa (Type: Mountain Fort)

 This fort is in a shape of Chajala (Grain separator) and is located on the hills of Dev-Giri
 It was constructed by the Bad-Gurjar rulers of Dausa and later on Kachwaha's captured
fort and built various palaces and other parts of the fort
 Dausa was the first capital of Kachwaha's when Dulhe Rai defeated the Bad gurjars.
 There is a temple of Ramchandra Ji, goddess Durga, Jain temple and a mosque inside the
fort reflective of the secular nature of the Kings

Other structures
 Rajaji Ka Kuan, Saal (big room) of 14 Kings
 Temple of Baijnath Mahadev and Neel-Kanth Mahadev
Fort of Deeg

 This fort was built by King Badan Singh in Bharatpur in 1730 AD.
 King Surajmal constructed a water palce with white Balu stones which is known for its
architectural brilliance.
 Deeg is known as City of Water-palaces which are famous for their architecture and
beauty.
 The influence of Mughal architectural style can be seen.

Fort of Fathepur, Sikar

 Fateh khan Kayamkhani built this fort in 1453 AD.

 It has a shrine of Pir Nizzamudin and a Telin Palace,
 Various ancient texts are kept in the Saraswati library of this fort

Sajjangarh Fort

 Famously known as the Monsoon Palace, it is a hilltop palatial residence of King of

Mewar
 It was constructed by Maharana Sajjan Singh and it overlooks Fateh Sagar Lake and
offers a panoramic view.
 It is also known as Mukut-Mani(Jewel of the crown) of Mewar.
 It has a well designed system of rainwater harvesting

Fort of Churu

 It was constructed by feudal lord of Churu, Kushal Singh

 In 1814 AD, Surat Singh King of Bikaner, attacked Churu and silver cannons were fired
from the fort of Churu. The feudal lord at that time was Syoji Singh.
Untala Fort

 This fort is located in Vallabhnagar in Udaipur district.

 It is famous for a competition held between Shaktawats and Chundawats for the right to
fight in Harawal (front battalion) part of Mewar army.

Merta Fort

 The city of Merta was founded by Rao Duda Ji, son of Rao Jodha.
 This fort was built by Rao Maldeo which is also known as Malkot or Medantakpur .

Mohangarh Fort

 It is considered as the last fort built in India in 1945-46 AD in Jaisalmer district

 History of Rajasthani Language and Regional Dialects
Many scholars and historians have thrown light on the historicity of Rajasthani language. In the
current context, it refers to the language spoken in the province of Rajasthan. Various names
such as Maru-Bhasha, Maru-Bhom Bhasha, Maru-Vani were prevalent in ancient times referring
to the language spoken in Rajasthan. Col James Todd has used the word Rajasthan in 1829 for
the first time. Following are the evidences of mentioning of Rajasthani by different scholars at
different times
 Udhyotan Suri, a famous Jain Scholar, wrote a book named Kuvlyamala in 783 AD. It
gives information about 18 languages of that time out of which one language is Maru-
Bhasha.
 In Medieval era Abul Fazal wrote a book named "Aain-Ae-Akbari' in which he has
categorically mentioned Marwari as one of the prominent language of this region.
 In 1912 AD, George Abraham Grearson authored a book named “Linguistic survey of
India', He has described Rajasthani language in this book. The word Rajasthani was first
used in this book for the language of Rajasthan.
 L. P. Tessitori, in an article published in magazine ‘Indian Antiquary', has shed light on
the birth and development of Rajasthani language.
 'Naubeli-Chand’, text written in 17th century and 'Aath-Desh Ri Gujari' of 18th century
has also described Maru-Bhasha as the language of Rajasthan.

Flow chart depicting the birth of Rajasthani Language

Arya Language

Vedic Sanskrit

Pali Sankrit

Shaur-Seni Maharashtri Magadhi

Prakrit Prakrit Prakrit

Gurjari Shaur-Seni
 Apbransh Apbransh

Rajasthani Gujarati Hindi

Dingle Pingle

Categorization of Rajasthani Language

On the basis of geography and other cultural factors Rajasthani is further divided into two
language i.e. Dingle and Pingle.

 Dingle
 Dingle is spoken and is literature form of western Rajasthan.
 Most of the literature of this language is written by Charan writers.
 It has more influence of Gujarati and Rajasthan.

 Pingle
 Pingle is mostly spoken in eastern Rajasthan.
 It has more influence of Mevati, Brij and other languages of eastern Rajasthan.
 Romantic themes are dominant in the literature composed in Pingle.

Regional dialects of Rajasthani

Dialect Region Literature composed
Entire literature of Meera Bai, Dhola
1. Marwari Jodhpur,Nagaur,Pali, Barmer
-Maru Ra Duha
Literature of Laxmi Kumari
Udaipur,Bhilwara,Rajsamand,Chitta
2. Mewadi Chundawat
ur
3. Devdavati Sirohi (Sub-dialect of Marwari)
Sub-dialect of Marwari and influence
4. Shekhawati Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhnu
of Dhundhari can be seen
Sub-dialect of Marwari. Influence of
5. Khairadi Shahpura and some parts of Bundi
Mewari, Hadauti and Dhundhari.
6. Dhundhari Jaipur Texts of Dadudayal Ji
Sub-dialect of Dhundhari. Texts
7. Hadauti Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar
composed by Suryamall Mishan
Southern Part of Jhunjhnu, eastern Sub-dialect of Dhundhari
8. Torawati
and southern part of Sikar
9. Rajawati Eastern part of Jaipur Sub-dialect of Dhundhari
 Western part of Sawai Madhopur,
10. Nagar-Chaul Sub-dialect of Dhundhari
southern and eastern part of Tonk
11. Kathedi Southern part of Jaipur Sub-dialect of Dhundhari
Shahpura(Jaipur) and western part of
12. Chaurasi Sub-dialect of Dhundhari
Tonk
13. Vagadi Dungarpur, Banswara Literature of Saint Mao Ji
Literature of Charandas and Laldasji
14. Mewati Mev area of Alwar, Bharatpur
sect
15. Malwi Malwa region of Madhya pradesh Influence of Marwari and Mewari
16. Rangdi Spoken by Rajputs of Malwa region Sub-dialect of Malwi
Spoken in areas in southern
17. Neemdai Sub-dialect of Malwi
Rajasthan adjacent to Malwa.
18.Aheerwati/Ra Behrod, Mundawar(Alwar), Hameer Raso, Ali-Bakshi Khyal
thi Kotputli(Jaipur) .
19.Godwadi Ahor(Jalore) to Bali(Pali) Bisaldev Raso (Somdev)
Rajasthan Literature: Overview, Types and Important texts
Rajasthani literature refers to the oral and written literature composed in the language spoken
in Rajasthan. Huge number of texts have been written in Rajasthan in prose as well as poetry.
Scholar Seetaram Lalas has created a timeline of Rajasthani literature which is as follows
 Ancient Rajasthani Literature: 743 AD-1403 AD
 Medieval Rajasthani Literature: 1404 AD-1843 AD
 Modern Rajasthani Literature: Since 1843 AD

Various types of Rajasthani literature is mentioned as under

1. Literature written by Charans
 Charans were scholars who were patronized by Kings.
 Most of the literature is in the form of poems and glorifies bravery, though many
poems also have romantic themes.
 Bankidas Ji, Isardas Ji and Dayaldas are some of the prominent scholars.

2. Literature written by Brahmins

 Mostly texts related to religion and devotion were written by Brahmins.
 Translation of various ancient scriptures was also done.
 Examples: Narpati Nallah, Padmanabh and Shridhar Vyas

3. Jain Literature
 This literature was written by Jain Saints and Scholars and has contributed immensely
to the development of Rajasthani language.
 These texts are mostly religious in nature written in prose. These religious texts are
commentaries written in Tabba and Balavbodh style. .
 Examples: Kuvlaya Mala(Udhyotan Suri), Panchgranthi Vyakran (Buddhisagar Suri)

4. Saint Literature
 This literature was written by Saints of various sects which had message for public on
various aspects of life.
 Couplets written in simple language containing a message is the unique feature of this
literature.

5. Folk Literature
 It refers to the literature based upon the folklores, idioms, love stories and public
poetry Dhola-Maru ra Duha is an example of folk literature.
Types of Rajasthani Literature on basis of Prose or Poems
1. Khyat
 word Khvat is derived from Sanskrit word Khyati which means fame or popularly, refers
to historical texts based on famous dynasties.
 For ease of understanding Khyats can be divided into two types
 The first one provides genealogies of dynasties in an orderly manner.
 In the other, history is told by describing the political achievements of a Kingdom.
 Mundiyar Ri Khyat is an example of Khyat text. This book was written by Charan writers
of Mundiyar village.
 This book provides information on Rathore rulers of Marwar and sheds light on Mughal
Marwar marital relations.
 Muhnot Nainsi Ri Khyat, Bankidas Ri Khyat and Dayaldas Ri Khyat are other examples
of Khyat texts.

2. Vaat/Baat
 Literal translation of Vaat refers to the art of storytelling through conversations. Many
Vaats have been written which provide information about historical events and famous
personalities.
 These texts give a ringside view of the then societal structure and traditions.
 Vaats have been written in prose, poetry and a mix of prose and poetry.
 Pabuji Ri Vaat, Dhola-Maru Ri Vaat and Veeramdev Songra Ri Vaat are some of the
examples of Vaat texts.

3. Vachanika
 Vachanika is derived from Sanskrit word Vachan which means saying or declaration.
 In composition of Vachanika both prose and poetry are used with rhyming words.
Apbhransh mixed Rajasthani is used in Vachanika.
 These texts generally detail the accomplishments of any famous historical personality.
 Achaldas Khichi Ri Vachnika, Vachanika Rathore Ratan Singh Maheshdasot Ri are few
examples of Vachanikas.

4. DavaVait
 It is an artistic form of writing in which there is abundant used of Urdu, Persian and
Arabic words.
 According to Dr. Narottam Das Swami DavaVait is Hindi mixed in Urdu.
 Maharana Jawan Singh Ri DavaVait and Rai Jai Singh Ri Dava Vait are texts written in
this style.
5. Vigat
 These texts provide information about the socio-economic history of a Princely state.
 Day to day activities of the Royal court were recorded and detailed information about the
various administrative posts, taxation systems, castes and their occupation are given.
 Marwar Ra Pargana Ri Vigat of Muhnot Nainsi is an example of this type of texts.

6. Marsiya
 This is an obituary written in the form of a poem. These texts were written on the death
of King or any significant person.
 A detailed account of the person's life and events are given.
 Examples: Rana Jagat Ra Marsiya, Marisya Kalla-Raymalot Ra.

7. Raso
 Raso are the texts written in honor of Kings for their glorious achievements by poets of
their courts.
 These texts shed light on the character and political accomplishments of a King.
 Example: Rana Raso, Khuman Raso, Hameer Raso

8. Velli
 Velli is Apbransh of Sanskrit word Vallari which means creeper or climber.
 Most of the literature of 15th century, i.e. Jain, folk and history is written in Velli style.
 It is a dynamic style which was used in writing history as well as poems about ancient
scriptures.
 The distinct features of this style allow manifestation of devotion, romance and bravery.
 Examples: Veli Krishna-Rukmani Ri, Mahadev-Parvati Ri Veli

9. Tabba and Balavbodh

 Explanations written on the side of the page of the original text is known as Tabba.
 Detailed explanation of the original manuscript is known as Balavbodh.

10. Parchi
 Texts based on the lives and works of saints are known as Parchi.
 Family history, birthplace and other spiritual achievements are detailed in these texts.

11. Sakhi
 Sakhi has originated from word ‘Sakshi' which means witness. This type of literature
was mostly written by saints detailing their spiritual and devotional journeys.
Important Texts Written in Rajasthani Language
Name of Author Name of Book Remark/Feature
This text is considered as the oldest
1. Vajrasen Suri Bharteshwar-Bahubali-Ghor
book of Rajasthani literature.
This is the oldest book which
2. Shalibhadra Suri Bharteshwar-Bahubali-Raas mentions the year of composition
(1168 AD)
1. This book is on the famous
Chauhan King Hammer who fought
3. Nayan Chandra Suri Hameer -Mahakavya Allaudin Khilji.
2. According to this book Chahuans
are descendants of Sun god.
4. Sarang Dhar Hameer Raso
1. Jodhraj was a court scholar of
Chauhan King Chandrabhan of
5. Jodhraj Hameer Raso Neemrana
2. This book is written in Ahirwati
language.
6. Bhandu Vyas Hameerayan
1. Niyamat Khan was the Nawab of
Fatehpur.
7. Jaan Kavi (Niyamat 2. It is the history of Chauhans who
Kayam Raso
Khan) became Kayam-Khani Muslims.
3. Chauhans are referred as
descendants of Brahmins.
This book is on history of Mewar
8. Girdhar Aasiyan Sagat Raso which sheds light on Shakti Singh,
younger brother of Pratap
1. This book gives details of the
Kings of Mewar from Bappa Raval
to Raj Singh.
2. Details of Mughal-Mewar
9. Dalpat Vijay Khuman Raso relations during the rule of Amar
Singh.
3. Information about the
reconciliation of Pratap and Shakti
Singh.
Information of Kings of Men from
10. Dayal Rana Raso
Bappa Rawal to Jai Singh.
This book provides details of King
11. Nall Singh Vijaypal Raso
Vijaypal Jadaun of Bayana.
 Detailed information of Achaldas
Khinchi, King of Gagraun who
fought against Hoshang Shah of
Achaldas Khinchi Ri Malwa in 1423 AD.
12. Shivdas Gadan
Vachanika Saka took place under his
leadership in this battle. He was the
brother of famous Bhakti Saint
Реера.
1. Keshvdas was court scholar of
King Gaj Singh of Marwar. 2. Gaj-
1.Amar Singh Ra Duha Gun-Rupak is genealogy of Marwar
13. Keshavdas Gadan 2.Vivek-varta Kings from Rathore Seeha to Gaj
3.Gaj-Gun-Rupak Singh.
3. Vivek-Varta is commentary on
Upnishads.
Details of love story of
14. Kushal-Labh Dhola-Maru Ri Chopai Dhola(Prince of Narwar) and
Maru(Princess of Maru)
15. Kavi Kallol Dhola-Maru Ra Doha
Information of Kesari Singh, feudal
16. Harinabh Kesari Singh Samar
lord of Khandela (Sikar)
Description of Mughal-Marwar
17. Jagjeevan Bhatt Ajitodaya relations during the reign of Ajit
Singh
1. Dose Adha was a court scholar of
King Surtan Devda (Sirohi).
2. Virud (title) Chahtari mentions
1. Virud Chahtari 76 titles of Rana Pratap
18. Dursa Adha 2. Kirtar Bavani 3. In Kirtar (god) Bavani, 52
couplets are written in praise of
god.
4. Statue of Dursa Adha is installed
in the fort of Gagraun.
It is a Dingle translation of
19. Khet Singh Sandu Bhasha-Barath
Mahabharta.
Murari Das was court scholar of
Jaswant Singh-II of Marwar. This
20. Murari Das Jaswant Jaso Bhushan book is famous for its usage of
Alankars(figure of speech).

21. Bakhtawar Ji Kehar Prakash

Umardan ji was a writer with
1.Daru-Ra-Dosh
scientific temperament who used to
22. Umardan Ji 2.Amal-Ra-Avgun
criticize hypocritical saints. He has
3.Bhajan-Ri-Mahima
given a very poignant description of
 Chappaniya famine (1899 AD).
Eye-witness account of
23. Bakhtram Shah Buddhivilas
establishment of Jaipur city.
Information of Man Singh of
24. Kavi Narottam Mancharit-Raso
Amber and battle of Haldighati.
25. Acharya Haribhadra Samraicchkaha (lejkbpdgk) Information regarding the diverse
Suri lifestyles of Rajasthan.
Information about the life and
26. Girdhar Asiyan Shtrusal Raso
history of King Shatrusal, Bundi.
27. Acharya Merutang Prabandh-Chintamani Information of Prithviraj Chauhan
Details of Regime of Amar Singh
28. Pandit Jeevdhar Amar Raso and Maharana Pratap and lives of
common public.
1. He was a court Scholar of
Maharana Sajjan Singh.
29. Kaviraja Shyamaldas Veer Vinod 2. This book is a detailed account of
history of Mewar and other Princely
States of Rajasthan
It provides information about the
battles fought by Rao Mallinath, his
30. Badar Dhadhi Veermayan
brother Veeram and nephew
Gogade.
 Important Texts of Modern Rajasthani Literature
Name of Author Name of Book/Books Description
1. He was a court scholar of King
Ram Singh of Bundi, given the
honorific of Mahakavi.
2. His texts inspired the rebels of
1857 and infused sentiments of
nationalism in Rajasthan. Women
1. Vansh-Bhaskar
are shown as brave and full of honor
2. Veer-Satsai
in his poems.
3. Balvant-Vilas
1. Suryamal Meesan 3. Vansh-Bhaskar is a
4. Sati-Raso
comprehensive history of Bundi
5. Chand-Mayukh
along with other Princely states of
6. Ram-Ranjat
Rajasthan.
4. Veer Satsai is a poetry reflecting
patriotism of the highest order.
5. He wrote extensively praising the
revoultanries of 1857 and chiding his
King for supporting the British
1. Ek-Beendni-Do-Beend Abhe Patki is a story of widow
2. Parnyodi Kunwari focusing on women empowerment.
3. Dhora Ro Dhori Dhora Ro Dhori book is written on
2. Shreelal Nathmal Joshi
4. Aabhe Patki (Aabhe=Sky) L. P. Tessitori who dedicated his life
5. Sabdka to Rajasthan.
6.Mehndi,Kaneer Aur Gulab
His poems instilled nationalism and
1. Des-Darpan
asked people to oppose the British
2. Bhagirathi Mahima
3. Shankardan Samor Empire. In his poem Angreza Ri
3. Sagati Sujas
Neet he has called for communal
4. Angreza RI Neet
unity against the Britishers.
1. Hun-Gori-Kin-Peev-Ri Most of his writings have feudalistic
2. Khamma Anndata backgrounds and he has attacked
3. Janani Dyodhi some of the hollow feudalistic
4. Yadvendra Sharma
4. Hajar Ghodo Ka Sawar traditions via his novels. He was
'Chandra'
5. Jamaro awarded with Sahitya Academy
6. Tash Ro Ghar award.
7. Mehndi Ke Fool
Kanhaiya Lal Sethiya is one of the
most profound writers of Rajasthan.
1. Dharti Dhora Ri
He was awarded with Padma-Shree.
2. Pathal or Peethal
Dharti-Dhora Ri is an iconic poem
5. Kanhaiya Lal Sethiya 3. Nirgranth
on Rajasthan. Pathal and Peethal is a
4. Kumkum
dialogue between Pratap and poet
5. Minjhar
Prithviraj. He spent his entire life
fighting for the recognition of
 Rajasthani language by the
government.
1.Batan Ri Fulwari(14
volumes)
2. Maan Ro Badlo
He was inspired by Russian
3. Alekhoon Hitler
literature and due to his love for
5. Duvidha (Translated to
Rajasthani he never wrote in any
6. Vijaydan Detha ‘Bijji' movie)
other language. He received
6.Charandas Chor(Translated
Rajasthan Ratna and Padma-shree
to movie)
7. Lajvanti
8. Antral
9. Sapanpriya
She was princess of Devgarh and
member of Rajasthan legislative
7. Laxmi Kumari 1. Kah Re Chakva Baat
assembly. She was a member of
Chundawat 2. Amolak Batan
Rajya Sabha and president of the
3. Gir Uncha Uncha Gadha
congress. She was awarded
Rajasthan Ratna in 2013.
1. Paramveer Meera has been described from an
2. Durgadas angle of woman's redemption and
3. Meera freedom. His depiction of Durgadas
8. Narayan Singh Bhati
4.Olyun gives a new and different
5. Barsan Ra Digoda Dungar perspective.
Langhiya
Revantdan attacked the feudal
1. Nehru-Ne-Olmo
9. Revantdan system and the practices through his
2. Barkha-Beendni
writings
1. Mantri Ji Ri Beti
10. Karnidan Barath 2.Badi Behanji
3.Aadmi Ra Seeng
1.Badali
11.Chandra Singh Birkali
2. Loo
1. Kesar Vilas
12. Shivchandra He is considered as the first scholar
2.Kanak Sundar
Bhattacharya of modern Rajasthani.
3. Vishrant Pravas
1.Rajasthani Sanskriti Ra
Chitran
13. Jahoor Khan Mehar
2.Dhar Manjilan-Dhar Kosan
3.Arjun Aali Aankh
1. Pagfero (Poem Collection) Mani Madhukar was awarded
2. Sojati gate Sahitya Academy for Pagfero. In his
14. Mani Madhukar 3. Aalija Ghara aajyo novels he has focussed on the folk
4.Safed Memna life of the masses.
5.Patto Ki Biradari
15. Meghraj Mukul 1.Chanvari
 2.Kodamde
3.Sainani
Murdon Ka Teela is based upon
1. Gharonde
Mohanjodaro. Most of his novels are
2. Murdon Ka Teela
centred upon the regional customs
3.Kab tak Pukaroon
and common public. He was an
16. Rangeya Raghav 4. Aakhiri Aawaz
experimentalist writer. He was an
5. Kaka
expert of all art forms of 500
6. Gadal
literature wrote more than texts
during his lifetime.
1. Satya Prakash Joshi wrote poem
Radha in 1960. Generally in
Rajasthani literature wars are
glorified but in this poem Radha
1. Radha
17. Satya Prakash Joshi requests Lord Krishna to stop the
2. Bol-Bharmali
battle of Mahabharata, hence this is
known as Anti-War poem.
2. Bol-Bharmali is on women
empowerment.
1. History of Rajputana 1. Prachin Lipimala is first book of
18. Gauri Shankar 2. Prachin Lipimala India devoted to Palaeography.
Heerachand Ojha 3. Col.James Todd Ka 2. He was a disciple of Kaviraja
Teevan Charit Shyamaldas.
19.Chandra Dhar Sharma This story was published in
Usne Kaha Jahan
'Guleri' magazine named Saraswati.
1.Khyal-Bharmali 1. Khyal Bharmali is a famous folk
20. Hameedulla
2.Darinde drama.
1. Haan, Chand Mera Hain 1. Dhuni Tape Teer is based on the
21. Hariram Meena
2. Dhuni Tape Teer life of Govind Guru.
Aankh Hiye Ra Hariya
22. Aaidan Singh Bhati
Sapna
23. Mohar Singh Yadav Banjar Dharti
24. Anna Ram Sudama Aangan Nadiya
1. Anayak
2. Gamna
25. Habib Kaifi
3. Rani Sahiba
4. Safiya
1.Sattar Par Ke Shikhar
26. Panu Kholiya
2.Tute Hue Surya Bimb
27. Lajja Ram Dhurt Rasik Lal
It is a huge novel of 5500 pages
28. Janardan Rai Nagar Jagadguru Shankracharya
which is divided in 10 parts.
29. Manisha Kulshrestha Shigaf
Mahabhoj
30. Mannu Bhandari Aapka Bunty
Khotey Sikkey
31. Mridula Bihari Kuch Ankahi
32. Lata Sharma Sahi Naap Ke Jute

Important Magzines of Rajasthan Literature

Name of the Magzine Publisher/Editoru Place
Bindu Nand Chaturvedi Udaipur
Lahar Prakash Jain Ajmer
Vatayan Harish Bhadani Bikaner
Kyun Swayamprakash, Mohan Khsotriya Bhinmal
Sambodhan Kamar Mewari Kankroli(Rajsamand)
Shesh(Bi-lingual Magzine) Hasan Jamal Jodhpur
Kriti Aur Vijendra Jaipur
Sampreshan Chandrabhanu Jaipur
Madhumati Rajasthan Sahitya Academy Udaipur

Important Institute Related to Development of Literature in Rajasthan

Name of Institute Description
1. Rajasthan Sahitya Academy Established in 1958 in Udaipur for development of
literature and awareness. Highest award for
Rajasthani literature, Meera Award is given by
academy. It publishes a magazine named
‘Madhumati'.
2. Rajasthan Sanskriti Acadamey It was established in 1980 to encourage original
works in Sanskrit and to make Sanskrit popular
among the masses of Rajasthan. It gives Magh
Award.
3. Rajasthani Bhasha,Sahitya and Established for the development of Rajasthani culture
Sanskrit Academy and literature in 1983 in Bikaner. It gives the
Suryamall Mishan award and publishes magazine
“Jagati-Jot"
4. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Arabic- Established for the development of Arabi and Persian
Persian Shodh Sanstha in Tonk in 1978.
5. Rajasthan Rajya Abhilekhagar It was established in 1955 in Bikaner to preserve the
inscriptions and other rare texts.
6. Rajasthan Hindi Granth Academy It was founded in 1969 under national education
policy for composition and publication of standard
Hindi books. It is an autonomous body.
7. Rajasthani Punjabi Bhasha Academy It was established in 2006 in Shri Gangangar for the
development of culture, literature and art of Punjabi.
8. Rajasthan PrachyaVidhya Pratishthan This institute was founded for collection and
conservation of handwritten manuscripts in 1951 in
Jodhpur.
9. Rajasthani Udrdu Bhasha Academy Jaipur
10. Rajasthan Sindhi Bhasha Academy It is located in Jaipur and publishes a magazine
named 'Rihan'.
11. Rajasthan Punjabi Bhasha Academy It was established in 2006 in Shri Ganganagr.
12. Rajasthan Dharobar Pragati Sansthan It was founded in 2006 in Jaipur
13. Rajasthan Brij Bhasa Academy It is established in Jaipur and publishes a
magzine’Brij-Shatdal
14. Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy Jaipur
15. Hindi Sahitya Sansad Churu
16. Sahitya Sangam Alwar
17. Rashtrabhasa Hindi Sahitya Prachar Shri Dungargarh, Bikaner
Samiti
18. Nagar-Shree Shodh Sansthan Churu
19. Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy Jodhpur
20. Jaipur Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Jaipur
Sansthan
21. Hindi-Vishwabharti Bikaner
22. Rajasthan Lekhika Sahitya Sansthan Jaipur
23. Sambhavana Jodhpur