The Rajasthani people or Rajasthanis are a group of Indo-Aryan peoples native to Rajasthan ("the land of kings"),The Territories and States of India By Tara Boland-Crewe, David Lea, pg 208 a state in Northern India. Their languages, Rajasthani, is a part of the western group of Indo-Aryan languages.
History
The first mention of the word Rajasthan comes from the works of George Thomas (Military Memories) and James Tod (Annals). Rajasthan literally means the Land of Kingdoms. However, western Rajasthan and eastern Gujarat were part of "Gurjaratra".Ramesh Chandra Majumdar; Achut Dattatrya Pusalker, A. K. Majumdar, Dilip Kumar Ghose, Vishvanath Govind Dighe, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (1977). The History and Culture of the Indian People: The classical age. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 153 The local dialects of the time use the expression Rājwār, the place or land of kings, later Rajputana.
Although the history of Rajasthan goes back as far as the Indus Valley Civilisation, the foundation of the Rajasthani community took shape with the rise of Western Middle Kingdoms such as Western Kshatrapas. Western Kshatrapas (35-405 CE) were rulers of the western part of India (Saurashtra and Malwa: modern Gujarat, Southern Sindh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan). They were the successors to the Indo-Scythians who invaded the area of Ujjain and established the Saka era (with Saka calendar), marking the beginning of the long-lived Saka Western Satraps kingdom."The dynastic art of the Kushans, John Rosenfield, p 130 Saka calendar (also been adopted as Indian national calendar) is used by the Rajasthani community and adjoining areas such as Punjab and Haryana. With time, their social structures received stronger reorganisations, thus giving birth to several martial sub ethnic groups (previously called as Martial race but the term is now obsolete ). Rajasthanis emerged as major merchants during medieval India. Rajasthan was among the important centres of trade with Rome, eastern Mediterranean and southeast Asia.A brief history of India By Judith E. Walsh,43
Romani people
The “roma” apparently derives from a form ḍōmba ("man living by singing and music").Cf. Ralph L. Turner, A comparative dictionary of the Indo-Aryan languages, p. 314. London: Oxford University Press, 1962-6. Linguistic and genetic evidence indicates the Romanies originated from the Indian subcontinent, emigrating from the northwest of India.
Origin Like other Indo-Aryan peoples, modern day Rajasthanis and their ancestors have inhabited Rajasthan since ancient times. The erstwhile state of Alwar, in north-eastern Rajasthan, is possibly the oldest kingdom in Rajasthan. Around 1500 BC, it formed a part of the Matsya territories of Viratnagar (present-day Bairat) encompassing Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Karauli./de/India/rajasthan-people-society.aspx
Religion Rajasthani society is a blend of predominantly Hindus with sizeable minorities of Muslims, Sikhs and Jains.
Hinduism Shaivism and Vaishnavism is followed by majority of the people; however, Shaktism is followed in the form of Bhavani and her avatars are equally worshiped throughout Rajasthan.The Jains By Paul Dundas, Pg 148
Meenas of Rajasthan till date strongly follow Vedic culture which usually includes worship of Bhainroon (Shiva) and Krishna as well as the Durga.
The Charans worship various forms and incarnations of Shakti such as Hinglaj or Durga, Avad Mata, Karni Mata, and Khodiyar.
The Rajputs generally worship the Karni Mata, Sun, Shiva, Vishnu, and Bhavani (Goddess Durga). Meerabai was an important figure who was devoted Krishna.
The Bishnoi, also spelled as Vishnoi, is a Hindu Vaishnava community or panth found in the Western Thar Desert and northern states of India. Bishnoi community is turned into a Hindu caste with time. It has a set of 29 Niyamas (principles/commandments) given by Guru Jambheshwar.Akash Kapur, A Hindu Sect Devoted to the Environment, New York Times, 8 October 2010.
The Gujars worship the Devnarayan, Shiva, and Goddess Bhavani. Historically, the Gujars were Sun-worshipers and are described as devoted to the feet of the Sun-god.
Islam
Rajasthani Muslims are predominantly Sunnis. They are mainly Meo, Mirasi, Khanzada, Qaimkhani, Manganiar, Muslim Ranghar, Merat, Sindhi-Sipahi, Rath, and Pathans.Muslim Communities of Rajasthan, , 9781155468839 Converts to Islam still maintained many of their earlier traditions. They share lot of socio-ritual elements. Rajasthani Muslim communities, after their conversion, continued to follow pre-conversion practices (Rajasthani rituals and customs) which is not the case in other parts of the country. This exhibits the strong cultural identity of Rajasthani people as opposed to religious identity.Rajasthan, Volume 1 By K. S. Singh, B. K. Lavanta, Dipak Kumar Samanta, S. K. Mandal, Anthropological Survey of India, N. N. Vyas, p 19 According to 2001 census, Muslim population of Rajasthan is 4,788,227, accounting for around 9% of the total population.Indian Census 2001 – Religion
Other religions Some other religions are also prevalent such as Buddhism, Christianity, Parsi religion and others. Over time, there has been an increase in the number of followers of Sikh religion. Though Buddhism emerged as a major religion during 321-184 BC in Mauryan Empire, it had no influence in Rajasthan for the fact that Mauryan Empire had minimal impact on Rajasthan and its culture.Land and people of Indian states and union territories:Rajasthan by Gopal K. Bhargava, Shankarlal C. Bhatt, p 18 Although Jainism is not that prevalent in Rajasthan today, Rajasthan and Gujarat areas were historically strong centres of Jainism in India.Jainism: the world of conquerors, Volume 1 By Natubhai Shah, p 68
Castes and communities
Rajasthanis form an ethno-linguistic group that is distinct in its language, history, cultural and religious practices, social structure, literature, and art. However, there are many different castes and communities, with diversified traditions of their own. Major sub ethnic groups are Rajputs, Raikas, Rajpurohits, Brahmans, Bishnois, Jats, Gurjars, Yadavs, Meenas, Berwas, Chamar, Charans, Meghwals, Malis, Kolis, Agrawals, Barnwals, Kumhars, Kumawat, etc.
Bania are the trading communities which includes Aggarwals, Barnwals, Khandelwals and Maheshwaris. Agarwals trace their origin to Agroha, a historic town near Hisar in Haryana and Barnwal (also spelled Baranwal, Burnwal, Varnwal, Warnwal or Barnawal) is an Indian toponymic Marwari surname from Baran in Rajasthan, India, while Khandelwal and Maheshwari communities are said to be originated from Khandela, near Jaipur. Baniya community is known for their excellent trading techniques and business acumen. Bishnoi (also Vishnoi) is a Vaishnava community which follow Vedic culture and live in well organised social structure. Most of them are agricultural landowners, but many of them are opting for service sector. Also, Bishnois from south-western Rajasthan are business oriented people. Bishnois predominantly live the districts of Anupgarh, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Balotra, Sanchore, Jodhpur, Jodhpur rural, Phalodi, Pali but can also be found throughout Rajasthan in smaller numbers. They are categorised as a forward caste in all the states of India except in Rajasthan, where they are categorised under OBC. Brahmin (alternately Brahman) are mostly Gaurs, Paliwals, Dadheechs, Nagars, Vyasas, Pareeks, Rankawats, Audichya Brahmin, Sikhwals, Saraswats, Sanadhyas, Shrimalis, Gargas, Abotis, Pushkarna Brahmins, Bhutia Brahmins. Brahmins, along with the Rajpurohit and Charan, are the only castes other than the Rajput who were granted jagirs in Rajasthan. Charan is a caste engaging in diverse occupations like poets, litterateurs, as well as warriors, traders and jagirdars. Charan, along with the Brahmins, are the only castes other than the Rajput who were granted jagirs and were allowed to use the title thakur. Gurjars are an animal rearing caste, this caste is included in the Backward Classes group in most of the states of India. They are also found in some states like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in good number. They were added in criminal tribe by britishers for revolting against them in various parts which is one of the main reason they were left behind in education and this tribe is generally known for its bravery. Jats are traditionally an agricultural caste and are listed under Other Backward Class of Rajasthan State. In east Rajasthan, Bharatpur and Dholpur, were ruled by Jat rulers. Jats of these two districts were removed from central OBC list after a order by Supreme Court of India in 2015. Rajasthan state government added them back in the state's OBC list but did not send the recommendation to central government, since they were removed by the Supreme Court. Khatik word is derived from the Sanskrit language word Khat. Khatik means "butcher". In ancient times the main profession of Khatik Caste was to slaughter and prepare sheep and goats. Found throughout India, the Khatik community began as hunters and butchers. Kumawats are also found all over Rajasthan with majority in Jaipur, Pali, Bikaner, Jodhpur Churu hanumangarh jaisalmer Sri ganganagar etc. . Kumawat's main profession is related to agriculture and now even they are into business all over the country like Indore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai etc. Meghwal The Meghwal or Meghwar (also known as Megh and Meghraj) people live primarily in northwest India, with a small population in Pakistan. Their traditional occupation was agricultural farming. Sain Nai mostly lives in Alwar, Dausa, Bharatpur, Jaipur & some other district of Rajasthan. They worship their kuldevi sati Narayani Mata (Temple in Alwar).Jibraeil: "Position of Jats in Churu Region", The Jats - Vol. II, Ed Dr Vir Singh, Delhi, 2006, p. 223 Rajputs are various patrilineal clans historically associated with warriorhood. An aristocratic class in Rajasthan, they are descendants of ancient ruling dynasties of the region. Rajput is a Forward or General caste in India. Rajpurohit is a caste with traditions similar to both Rajputs and Brahmins. They are the descendants of Saptrishis. They are engaged in diverse occupations like Gurus of Rajput kings, warriors, traders and jagirdars. Rajpurohit, along with the Brahmins and Charan, are the only castes other than the Rajput who were granted jagirs and were allowed to use the title thakur. Rajpurohits, Rajputs and Charan are considered to be identical for their political ideology. Seervi are mainly in agriculture business in Jodhpur and Pali District of Rajasthan. Major population of Seervi's are followers of Aai Mata which has main temple at Bilara. These days Seervi have migrated from Rajasthan to Southern part of India and became good business community. Sunar (alternately, Sonar or Swarnkar, Soni) is a community of people who work as goldsmiths.People of India: Uttar Pradesh (Volume XLII) edited by A Hasan & J C Das page 1500 to 150 The community is primarily Hindu, and found all over Rajasthan. The Sunar caste is in central as well as the state OBC list in Rajasthan.