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{{Short description|Culture and traditions of Rajasthan}}{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}{{Use Indian English|date=May 2022}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2017}}
{{AI-generated|date=March 2026|reason=[[Special:Diff/1264816032|this edit]] (plus many many other newcomer task copyedits in 2023-24, some reverted already; note WP:AISIGNS in promotional tone, vocab distro typical of LLM output, etc}}[[File:India Rajasthan locator map.svg|thumb|[[Rajasthan]] on a map of India]]
Rajasthan, the largest state in India (by area), is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and historical significance. Rajasthani culture, which developed over the past millennia, is a blend of various elements, including music, dance, cuisine, festivals, art, and architecture.

More than 74.9% of the population of Rajasthan is [[Vegetarianism|vegetarian]], making it the Indian state with the highest percentage of vegetarians.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=Top 5 Indian States With Highest Vegetarian Population |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/visualstories/information/top-5-indian-states-with-highest-vegetarian-population-139829-30-05-2024 |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=www.indiatoday.in |language=en}}</ref>

==Music and dance==
{{main|Rajasthani music}}
Rajasthani [[folk music]] is an integral part of the state’s cultural identity. It is characterized by its soulful melodies and traditional instruments, such as the [[dholak]], [[sitar]], [[sarangi]], and [[Pump organ|harmonium]]. Folk songs often narrate tales of heroism, love, and devotion. The [[Manganiar|Manganiyars]] and Langas are two prominent communities known for their musical traditions. Their performances, which include [[raga]]s and devotional songs, are an essential part of Rajasthani culture.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iqbal |first=Mohammed |date=2021-10-02 |title=Future-proofing the Langa-Manganiyar heritage |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/future-proofing-the-langa-manganiyar-heritage/article36794789.ece |access-date=2024-12-23 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

=== Instruments ===
{{Main|Musical instruments of Rajasthan}}

* '''[[Sarangi]]''': A bowed string instrument, the sarangi is known for its deep, resonant sound and is often used to accompany vocal performances.<ref>{{Citation |title=Sarangi |date= |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/503204 |access-date=2024-12-23}}</ref>
* '''[[Dholak]]''': A two-headed drum, the dholak is a staple in Rajasthani folk music, providing rhythmic accompaniment.
* '''[[Alghoza|Algoza]]''': A double-flute instrument, the algoza is played by blowing into both flutes simultaneously, creating a harmonious sound.<ref>{{Cite web |last=maryam.usman |date=2013-08-25 |title=Instrumental Ecstasy concert: A retreat into the rhythms of Sindhi classical tunes |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/595230/instrumental-ecstasy-concert-a-retreat-into-the-rhythms-of-sindhi-classical-tunes |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref>

=== Folk Dance ===
{{main|Folk dances of Rajasthan}}

* '''[[Ghoomar]]''': Originated from [[Marwar]] region, Ghoomar is a traditional dance performed by women. It involves graceful movements and twirling in colorful ghagras (skirts).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-26 |title=You've been going crazy over Deepika Padukone's Ghoomar. Do you even know what a ghoomar is? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/celebrity/story/padmavati-deepika-padukone-ghoomar-rajasthani-ghoomar-dance-queen-padmavati-what-is-ghoomar-lifest-1070722-2017-10-26 |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
* '''[[Kalbelia|Kalbeliya]]''': Performed by the Kalbeliya community, this dance is known for its energetic and acrobatic movements. It has gained international recognition for its unique style.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Robertson |first=Miriam |title=Snake charmers: the Jogi Nath Kalbelias of Rajasthan; an ethnography of Indian non pastoral nomads |date=1998 |publisher=Illustrated Book Publishers |isbn=978-81-85683-29-4 |location=Jaipur}}</ref>
* '''[[Bhavai dance|Bhavai]]''': This dance involves balancing multiple pots on the head while performing intricate steps. It showcases the skill and balance of the performers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rathaur |first=Ravi |date=2019-09-25 |title=Bhavai Dance - History, Costume, Performance , Facts & Trivia |url=https://www.gujaratexpert.com/blog/bhavai-folk-dance/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Gujarat Travel Blog |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''[[Chari Dance|Chari]]''': In this dance, women balance brass pots with lit lamps on their heads, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-30 |title=Folk Dance & Music |url=http://rajasthan.gov.in/StateProfile/ArtandCulture/Pages/FolkDanceMusic.aspx |access-date=2024-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430060526/http://rajasthan.gov.in/StateProfile/ArtandCulture/Pages/FolkDanceMusic.aspx |archive-date=30 April 2015 }}</ref>

==Kathputli/Puppetry culture ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2023}}

[[Kathputli (puppetry)|Kathputli]] is a traditional string [[Puppetry|puppet]] performance, which is native to Rajasthan, and is a key feature of [[village]] fairs, religious [[festival]]s and social gatherings in Rajasthan. Mentions of Kathputli have been found in [[Rajasthan]]i [[folklore|folk]] tales, ballads and even folk songs. Similar rod puppets can be also found in [[West Bengal]].

=== Origins and History ===
The art of Kathputli is believed to have been pioneered by the Bhat community, a tribal group in Rajasthan, over 1,500 years ago as a string marionette art.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2017-06-28 |title=Kathputli~Jaipur - Craft Archive {{!}} Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom |url=https://gaatha.org/Craft-of-India/jaipur-kathputli-making-craft/ |access-date=2025-01-07 |language=en-US}}</ref> It is thought to have originated in the Nagaur district and its surrounding regions.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2016-04-07 |title=Kathputli ka Khel |url=https://wepa.unima.org/en/kathputli-ka-khel/ |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=World Encyclopedia of Puppetry Arts |language=en-US}}</ref> Historical records suggest that the kings and nobles of Rajasthan actively encouraged this art form, fostering a tradition of patronage over the past 500 years. Wealthy families and rulers supported Kathputli artists, who in turn performed narratives that glorified the achievements and ancestry of their patrons.

The Bhat community claims that their ancestors regularly performed for royal courts, earning prestige and honour from the rulers of Rajasthan. The performances often depicted stories from Indian epics, folklore, and historical events, making Kathputli an essential medium of storytelling and entertainment in traditional Rajasthani culture.

== Cuisine ==
{{Main|Cuisine of Rajasthan}}

Rajasthani cuisine has been influenced by the warlike lifestyles of its inhabitants, the availability of ingredients in the arid region and by [[Hindu temple]] traditions of [[sampradaya]]s like [[Pushtimarg]] and [[Ramanandi Sampradaya|Ramanandi]]. Food that could last for several days and be eaten without heating were preferred. Scarcity of water and fresh green vegetables have all had their effect on the cooking. Signature Rajasthani dishes include [[Dal baati|Dal Baati]] [[Churma]] (full meal), [[Panchratna Dal]] (pulse), [[Papad ki Saag-Bhaaji|Papad ro Saag]] (papad curry), ''Ker Sangri'' (local curry), ''Gatte ro Saag'' (local curry)''.'' This cuisine is also known for its snacks like [[Bikaneri bhujia]], [[Mirchi bada]] and [[Kanda Kachauri|Kanda kachauri]] (local dishes). Other famous dishes include ''Dal Baati'', ''malaidar special [[lassi]]'' (lassi) and ''Lashun ki chutney'' (hot garlic paste), ''Mawa lassi'' from [[Jodhpur]], Alwar ka mawa, ''Malpauas'' from [[Pushkar]] and [[rasgulla]] from [[Bikaner]], "paniya" and "gheriya" from [[Mewar]]. Originated in the [[Marwar]] region of the state is the concept [[Marwari Bhojnalaya]] or vegetarian restaurants, today found in many parts of India, which offer vegetarian food of the [[Marwari people]]. Historically, [[Rajputs]] prefer largely a non-vegetarian diet while the [[Brahmins]], [[Jains]], [[Bishnoi Panth|Bishnois]] and others prefer a vegetarian diet. Consequently the state features an abundance of both of these types of delicacies.

== Social Life ==
{{Main|Rajasthani people}}

== Tribes ==
{{Main|List of Scheduled Tribes in Rajasthan}}

== Language and dialects ==
{{Main|Marwari language|Mewari language}}

==Arts and crafts==
[[File:A carpet seller in Jaipur.jpg|thumb|A carpet seller in Jaipur]]
Rajasthan is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts as well as for its traditional and colorful art which often features ballads. Rajasthani furniture is known for its intricate carvings and bright colors. [[Woodblock printing|Block prints]], tie-dye prints, Bagru prints, Sanganer prints and [[Zari]] embroidery are famous. [[Rajasthani people|Rajasthanis]] are skilled in making textile products, handicrafts, gems and jeweler, dimensional stones, agro, and food products. The top five export items which contributed to the two-thirds of exports from the state of Rajasthan are textiles (including ready-made garments), gems & jewelers, engineering goods, chemical and allied products.<ref name="pages 45-46">{{cite web |title=Exports from Rajasthan |url=https://www.eximbankindia.in/Assets/pdf/research-on-states/Rajasthan.pdf |website=EximbankIndia |access-date=26 August 2022}}</ref> The blue pottery of Jaipur is particularly noted for its color. To attract investment for the revival of traditional arts and crafts as well as the promotion of cultural heritage, the first handicraft policy has been released in Rajasthan.<ref name="Development of handicrafts">{{cite news |title=Rajasthan's handicraft policy |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rajasthans-first-handicraft-policy-focuses-on-investments-for-cultural-heritage/article66107901.ece |access-date=10 November 2022 |ref=Attracting Investment}}</ref> Rajasthan has a large number of raw materials namely marble, wood and leather to cash on potential for the development of handicrafts.<ref name="Development of handicrafts" />

The [[Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing]] celebrates traditional woodblock printing on cloth.

==Architecture==
{{main|Architecture of Rajasthan}}

Rajasthan is famous for its historical [[Fortification|forts]], temples, and palaces ([[haveli]]s), all of which are a major attraction of tourism in the state.

===Temple architecture===

While there are many Gupta and post-Gupta era temples in Rajasthan, after the 7th century, the architecture evolved into a new form called the Gurjara-Pratihara style. Some famous temples of this style include the temples at [[Osian, Jodhpur|Osian]], the Kumbha Shyam Temple of Chittor, the temples at [[Baroli Temples|Baroli]], the Somesvara Temple at [[Kiradu temples|Kiradu]], the Harshnath Temple in [[Sikar]], and the [[Sahasra Bahu Temples|Sahasra Bahu temple]] of [[Nagda]].

From the 10th to the 13th century, a new style of temple architecture was developed, known as the [[Solanki architecture|Solanki]]<nowiki/>style or [[Māru-Gurjara architecture|Maru-Gurjara]] style. The Samadhishwar Temple at Chittor and the ruined temple at [[Chandravati]]<nowiki/>are examples of this style.

This period was also a golden age for Jain temples in Rajasthan. Some famous temples of this period are the [[Dilwara Temples]] and the Mirpur temple of [[Sirohi]]. There are also many Jain temples of this period in the Pali district at [[Sewari]], [[Nadol]], [[Ghanerao]] etc.

From the 14th century and onwards, many new temples were built, including the [[Mahakaleshwar Temple Udaipur|Mahakaleshwar Temple in Udaipur]], the [[Jagdish Temple, Udaipur|Jagdish Temple]] at [[Udaipur]], the [[Eklingji]] Temple, the [[Jagat Shiromani Temple, Amer|Jagat Shiromani Temple]] of Amer, and the [[Ranakpur Jain temple]].

===Forts of Rajasthan===

*[[Amer Fort]], [[Amer, India|Amer]], [[Jaipur]]
*[[Alwar fort|Bala Qila]], [[Alwar]]
*[[Barmer, Rajasthan|Barmer]] Fort, [[Barmer, Rajasthan|Barmer]]
*[[Chittor Fort]], [[Chittorgarh]]
*[[Gagron Fort]], [[Jhalawar]]
*Gugor Fort, [[Baran, Rajasthan|Baran]]
*[[Jaigarh Fort]], [[Jaipur]]
*[[Jaisalmer Fort]], [[Jaisalmer]]
*[[Jalore Fort]], [[Jalore]]
*Jhalawar Fort, [[Jhalawar]]
*Juna Fort and Temple, [[Barmer district|Barmer]]
*[[Junagarh Fort]], [[Bikaner]]
*[[Khandar Fort|Khandhar]] Fort, [[Sawai Madhopur]]
*Khejarla Fort, [[Khejarla]], [[Jodhpur]]
*Khimsar Fort, [[Nagaur]]
*[[Kumbhalgarh]] Fort, [[Rajsamand district|Rajsamand]]
*Lohagarh Fort, [[Bharatpur district|Bharatpur]]
*[[Mehrangarh]] Fort, [[Jodhpur]]
*Nagaur Fort, [[Nagaur]]
*[[Nahargarh Fort]], [[Jaipur]]
*Nahargarh Fort, [[Baran district|Baran]]
*Neemrana Fort Palace, [[Neemrana]], [[Alwar]]
*[[Ranthambore Fort]], [[Sawai Madhopur]]
*[[Bhangarh Fort]], [[Alwar district|Alwar]]
*[[Taragarh Fort, Ajmer]]
*[[Taragarh Fort, Ajmer|Taragarh]] Fort, [[Bundi]]
*[[Shergarh, Rajasthan|Shergarh]] Fort, [[Baran district|Baran]]
*[[Surajgarh]] Fort, Surajgarh
*[[Bhatner]] Fort, Hanumangarh

===Palaces of Rajasthan===
{{Main|List of palaces in Rajasthan}}

* [[Alwar]] City Palace, [[Alwar]]
* Amber Palace, [[Amer, India|Amer]], [[Jaipur]]
* Badal Mahal, [[Dungarpur]]
* [[City Palace, Jaipur|City Palace]], [[Jaipur]]
* [[City Palace, Udaipur]]
* Dholpur Palace, [[Dholpur]]
* Fateh Prakash Palace, [[Chittorgarh]]
* Gajner Palace and Lake, [[Bikaner]]
* [[Jag Mandir]], [[Udaipur]]
* Jagmandir Palace, [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]]
* [[Jal Mahal]], [[Jaipur]]
* [[Juna Mahal]], [[Dungarpur]]
* [[Lake Palace]], [[Udaipur]]
* Lalgarh Palace and Museum, [[Bikaner]]
* Laxmi Niwas Palace, [[Bikaner]]
* Man Mahal, [[Pushkar]]
* Mandir Palace, [[Jaisalmer]]
* [[Monsoon Palace]], [[Udaipur]]
* Moti Doongri, [[Alwar]]
* Moti Doongri, [[Jaipur]]
* Moti Mahal, [[Jodhpur]]
* Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, [[Jaisalmer]]
* Patwon Ki Haveli, [[Jaisalmer]]
* Phool Mahal, [[Jodhpur]]
* Raj Mandir, [[Banswara]]
* Rampuria Haveli, [[Bikaner]]
* Rana Kumbha Palace, [[Chittorgarh]]
* Rani Padmini's Palace, Chittorgarh
* Ranisar Padamsar, [[Jodhpur]]
* Ratan Singh Palace, [[Chittorgarh]]
* Salim Singh Ki Haveli, [[Jaisalmer]]
* Sardar Samand Lake and Palace, [[Jodhpur]]
* Sheesh Mahal, [[Jodhpur]]
* Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden, [[Jaipur]]
* Sukh Mahal, [[Bundi]]
* Sunheri Kothi, [[Sawai Madhopur]]
* [[Udai Bilas Palace]], [[Dungarpur]]
* [[Umaid Bhawan Palace]], [[Jodhpur]]

==Religion==
{{main|Religion in Rajasthan}}

Rajasthan is a home to all the major religions of India. Hindus account for 90.63% of the population; Muslims (7.10%), Sikhs (1.27%) and Jains (1%) make up the remaining population.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|website=Consensus of India|publisher=Government of India|access-date=16 February 2017|archive-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Religious syncretism===
Rajasthan has more popular Hindu saints, many from the [[Bhakti]] era.

Rajasthani saints hail from all castes; Maharshi Naval Ram and Umaid Lakshman
Maharaj were Bhangis, Karta Ram Maharaj was a Shudra, Sundardasa was a Vaish, and Meerabai and Ramdeoji were Rajputs. The backward caste Nayaks serve as the narrators or the devotional music (or "[[bhajan]]") for the [[Baba Ramdevji]] sect.

The most popular Hindu deities are [[Surya]], [[Krishna]] and [[Rama]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=K |first1=Kailash |title=15 Most Worshipped Hindu Gods and Goddess of India |url=https://www.walkthroughindia.com/dev-dham/15-most-worshipped-hindu-gods-and-goddess-of-india/ |website=Walk Through India |date=16 February 2020 }}</ref>

Modern-day popular saints from Rajasthan have been Paramyogeshwar Sri Devpuriji of [[Kriya Yoga school|Kriya Yoga]] and [[Swami Satyananda]] the master of [[Kriya Yoga school|Kriya Yoga]], [[Kundalini Yoga]], Mantra Yoga and [[Laya yoga]]. Rajasthan had a massive movement to unite the Hindus and Muslims to worship God together. Saint [[Baba Ramdevji]] was adored by Muslims, equally as he was by Hindus.

Mostly Rajasthani people speak the [[Marwari language]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=DIALECTS OF RAJASTHAN {{!}} RAS EXAM |url=https://justprepraj.com/dialects-of-rajasthan/ |website=Just Prep |date=21 May 2021 }}</ref>

Saint [[Dadu Dayal]] was a popular figure who came from Gujarat to Rajasthan to preach the unity of [[Rama|Ram]] and [[Allah]]. Sant Rajjab was a saint born in Rajasthan who became a disciple of Dadu Dayal and spread the philosophy of unity amongst Hindu and Muslim worshipers of God.

Saint [[Kabir]] was another popular figure noted for bringing the Hindu and Muslim communities together and stressing that God may have many forms (e.g. in the form of Rama or Allah.)
==Fairs and Festivals==
{{Main|Fairs and festivals of Rajasthan}}

The main religious festivals are [[Deepawali]], [[Holi]], [[Gangaur]], [[Rakshabandan]], [[Teej]], [[Gogaji|Goga Navami]], [[Makar Sankranti]], [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] and [[Janmashtami]] as the main religion is [[Hinduism]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-03-18 |title=Celebrating Gangaur: Top destinations in Rajasthan to experience this colourful tradition |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/things-to-do/celebrating-gangaur-top-destinations-in-rajasthan-to-experience-this-colourful-tradition/photostory/119155863.cms |access-date=2025-04-20 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

Rajasthan's [[Desert Festival|desert festival]] in [[Jaisalmer]] is celebrated once a year during winter. People of the desert dance and sing ballads of valor, romance and tragedy. There are fairs with snake charmers, puppeteers, [[Acrobatics|acrobats]] and folk performers. Camels play a prominent role in this festival.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nabi |first=Masrat |date=2024-11-02 |title=Winter festivals of Rajasthan: Bringing the desert to life |url=https://mediaindia.eu/tourism/winter-festivals-of-rajasthan-bringing-the-desert-to-life/ |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=Media India Group |language=en}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

== Further reading ==
;Folktales of Rajasthan:
* {{cite book |first=L. N. |last=Birla |title=Folk Tales from Rajasthan |location=New York |publisher=Asia Publishing House |date=1964}}
* {{cite book |title=Popular Tales of Rajasthan |first=L. N. |last=Birla |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |date=1967}}
* {{cite book |title=Folk Tales of Rajasthan|first=Bani Roy|last=Chaudhury |location=New Delhi |publisher=Sterling Publishers |date=1972}}
* {{cite book |title=Folk Tales of Rajasthan |first=Kamini |last=Dinesh |publisher=Jainsons |date=1979}}
* {{cite book |title=Folk Tales of Rajasthan |first=Dina Nath |last=Dube |publisher=Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India |date=1985}}
* {{cite book |last=Hower |first=Edward |title=The Pomegranate Princess: And Other Tales from India |location=Detroit |publisher=[[Wayne State University Press]] |date=1991 |orig-date=1988}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140201231355/http://rajasthan.gov.in/StateProfile/ArtCulture/Pages/ArtCulture.aspx Arts and Culture of Rajasthan] at [[Government of Rajasthan]]
{{commons category|Culture of Rajasthan}}

{{Rajasthan}}

[[Category:Culture of Rajasthan| ]]

Culture of Rajasthan - Revision history

Villagetalkies at 16:45, 20 March 2026