A Glimpse of Rural Rajasthan

A true traveller’s trip through Rajasthan can never be complete without a detour through one of around 35000 villages in the state. With its small population spread over a large area, the Rajasthani village is a kaleidoscope of colors in a bleak, monochromatic desert landscape. Simplistic yet vibrant, life in the Rajasthani village is usually centered around the village pond or ‘talaab’ as it is the only source of water in the parched terrain.

Winding alleys called ‘Kuchas’ in the local tongue, are the arteries through which life flows. Connected by these alleys, the houses often have an open compound that is either mud-walled or fenced with tree branches. This open courtyard serves an important role in the Rajasthani village life. This courtyard is where the men sit and discuss village affairs while the women delve into family matters. The doors of the house open out to the road and are flanked by small chabutras (platforms) on either sides

People of Rural Rajasthan

Despite the inherent sense of wariness towards the strangers, the villagers are generally pleasant, welcoming, and helpful. Age-old rules of social interactions are still observed strictly. Men and women never mix or talk in public except for formal matters. Almost all villages in the rural Rajasthan are multi-caste although land holdings majorly remain with the Rajputs. Every village has some Brahmin families which oversee rituals, work as priests in temples, give information about fasts and festivals, and maintain the local calendar of festivals and social activities. Skilled professionals like potters, carpenters, puppeteers, singers, dancers, drum beaters, record-keepers, dyers, printers and other skilled craftsmen form the important castes in the villages. Unfortunately, child marriages are in vogue and mass marriages take place on auspicious occasions.

The colorful headgear of the Rajasthani men, the ‘pagdi’ and bright dresses of women make for an enchanting sight. The women usually cover their faces with a red or yellow ‘Odhni’ or ‘Dupatta’ and wear a thick, full-length ‘Ghaghara’ which is complemented by a blouse with colorful designs. The distinctly Rajasthani jewellery: heavy silver earrings, bracelets or rings, add to their charm. Music is another defining aspect of the rural Rajasthan. Folk songs are often dedicated to folk deities and are sung on numerous occasions like childbirth, marriage or festivals and the people can be heard humming these songs while going about their daily chores.

Villages to Visit in Rural Rajasthan

There are a number of villages in the state which can be visited. There are many villages in Rajasthan which can be visited. Some such villages are in the Shekhawati region, around Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Bikaner. Villages of Rajasthan offer the traveller a great insight into the Rajasthani life and ways. The rustic Rajasthan is calling you out for an experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss this one.