Gypsy of Rajasthan (my mom ancestry? perhaps!

)
Gypsies of Rajasthan

Rajasthan Gypsy The Gypsies, Roma, the ethnic minority who brought to the West the spark

of a vibrant culture, left the Indian subcontinent about

a thousand years ago embarking on a migration that scattered them all over the world. The
culture they left behind remained
unscathed throughout the centuries,isolated within the barriers of their hostile habitat: the
Thar Desert of Rajasthan.
Still nomadic, with their unique gift for artistic self-expression, these independent spirits
roam freely throughout the desert today as their ancestors did at the time of the migrations.
"Once the Gypsies" will attempt to capture the dramatic, colorful and personal story of the
current nomadic tribes in the region, following the travels of carts and camel caravans on the
open roads of the Thar Desert.

Brief History of the Gypsies

Before they left India, little is known about the culture which generated the Gypsies, except
for their migrations, within and out of India. Linguistics and historians believe that the
Gypsies were originally from North Central India. Their first known migration started around
300 BC, when they moved to North Western India. The Persian Book of Kings relates an
incident corroborated by independent chronicles that took place in the fifth century, when the
Indian King Shankal made a gift of 12.000 musicians to the Shah
of Persia. It is assumed that those musicians were the ancestors of the Roma since after a year
the Shah sent them away from Persia.

Why and when, then, the Roma left India is clouded in uncertainty, yet some scholars state
that the Gypsies entered southeastern Europe in the last quarter of the 13th Century. Because
they arrived in Europe from the East, they were thought by the first Europeans to be from
Turkey, Nubia or Egypt, or any number of non-European places. They were called, among
other things, Egyptians or 'Gyptians, which is where the word "Gypsy" comes from. All
analysis seem to corroborate the fact that the Roma ancestors are linked to this common

lineage in In dia. As well, the Roma

have been known as entertainers and inspired musicians in every country they have traveled,
as some of the nomadic groups present in the Thar Desert today.

Gypsies in Rajasthan

Bopa
In Rajasthan it is not uncommon to see people with green eyes. Among the lowest castes are
the Bopa and Kalbeliya Gypsies. In spite of their low status, these beautiful people are proud
of their roots. Both Kalbeliya and Bopa people make a living by performing songs and dances.
In recent decades, the Maharajahs have gone and Indian and foreign tourists have replaced
the royal audiences.

Kalbeliya

The Kalbeliya Gypsy people are known

as the snake charmer caste. The women are skilled dancers and are accompanied by men
playing percussion and wind instruments. The Kalbeliya were once hired to entertain great
kings and maharajahs. Today they are sadly considered to be squatters and experience much
discrimination. They struggle to preserve their culture and dances. They follow Indian fairs
and festivals hoping to get hired to perform dances in hotels and private resorts.

The Kuna
The Kuna are known for their fierce pride and serious composure but they have a war

m sense of humor in relaxed situations. This young

woman is amused at the attention she receives from visitors. Perhaps she smiles because she
knows she is about to be paid. The Kuna know the value of their faces as subjects for photos
and expect compensation for each shot.
The Bhils - The Bow Men of Rajasthan
The Bhils form an important group, which inhabits mainly the southern districts of Rajasthan
and the surrounding regions of Udaipur and Chittaurgarh. The generic term, which describes
their tribe apparently, derives its name from bil, meaning bow, which describes their original
talent and strength.

The Bhils practice endogamy, marrying with a narrow kinship. Their Gods like Pantha and
Vina, hold a special sway over their minds.Their other deities honor the primeval needs of the
pastoral society. Nandevro is worshipped as the presiding deity of corn, while Gwali is the
goddess of milk. The god of agriculture is Heer Kulyo.

Quote-
Popular lore suggests that the Roma gypsies of Europe are descended from the
people of Rajasthan. Yes, Adivasi refers to tribals, but that doesn't mean they are
wood folk--just members of a group that is outcast but ethnically distinct and
protected (theoretically) by the government.

I think in practice, gypsy in India refers to the itinerant Rajasthani families who
live out of a cart and perform at weddings, as musicians and dancers, and on the
streets. They are poor tribal people, and the fact that they wander just adds to
the gypsy mystique.
Thanks for your replies. The people I have seen did look like the "travelling
Rajastan families" you have told about. It is interesting that they do look rather
similar to the Roma gypsies I have seen in Russia and definitely similar to the
"tajik gypsies" that come to Russia as refugees from the Central Asia. I wonder
what is it said about the origin of the Rajastani gypsies and what are their gods.
Are they similar to the gods of the general population? The "tajik gypsies"are
supposed to be the zoroastric tribes that did not accept Islam.

The above pretty much sums it up. Today the gypsies (Roma or Sinti) are
generally believed to have originated in Rajasthan, but no one knows for sure
(Sinti is actually thought to refer to Sindh). There are theories that they migrated
through Egypt or originated there, although the designation "gitano" may simply
refer to "Egypt" as being from the "exotic east". Flamenco dance exhibits some
striking similarities to Indian dancing in its postures esp. of the hands, but it may
be circumstancial, I don't know if this has been studied, you'd expect it would be.
Anyway flamenco only developed a couple of hundred years ago, although based
on older folk styles no doubt. The music doesn't bear much resemblance to
Rajasthani folk music at least to my ear.

"Adivasi" is a general name for any of the numerous tribal people of India
("tribal" generally meaning non-Aryan and often non-Dravidian, and outside of
the general Hindu society and caste system). The name, generally translated as
"the original people" in keeping with Beach's explanation, was assigned by Gandhi
I think as a honorific title as part of his efforts towards their eman
Kathputli (Puppet)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rajasthani pupeeteer

Kathputli is a string puppet theatre, native to Rajasthan, India, and is the most popular form of
Indian puppetry.[1] Being a string marionette, it is controlled by a single string that passes from the
top of the puppet over the puppeteers.
Kathputli is a join of two rajasthani language words Kath meaning wood and Putli meaning
puppet. Kathputli means a puppet which is made entirely from wood. However it is made out
of wood, cotton cloth and metal wire.
History

A Kathputli show in Mandawa,Rajasthan

Some scholars believe Kathputli art tradition is more than

thousands years old.[2] One finds its reference in Rajasthani folk
tales, ballads and sometimes even in folk songs. The tribes of
Rajasthan have been performing this art from the ancient times
and it has become an eternal part of Rajasthani culture and
tradition. No village fair, no religious festival and no social
gathering in Rajasthan can be complete without the Kathputlis. It
is believed that somewhere 1500 years ago, tribal Rajasthani
Bhat community started the use of Kathputli as string marionette
art and it is in their love for tradition that art of Kathputli survived
the test of time. Tradition of Kathputli is based on folk tales and
stories. Scholars believe that folk tales convey the lifestyle of
ancient Rajasthani tribal people and Kathputli art might have
originated from present day Nagaur and surrounding areas.
[3]
Rajasthani Kings and nobles were patrons of Art and Craft
and they encouraged the craftsmen in activities ranging from
wood and marble carving to weaving, pottery and painting. Over
the last 500 years, Kathputli was a system of patronage
supported by kings and well-off families. The patrons would look
after the artists in return for the artists singing praises of the
patrons’ ancestors. Bhat community claim that their ancestors
had performed for royal families, and received great honour and
prestige from the rulers of Rajasthan.[4]
Today Kathputli art is one of the most popular performing arts of
Rajasthan after Ghoomar. Organisations like Rupayan
Sansthan in Jodhpur founded by Vijaydan Detha and Komal
Kothari in 1960 and Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur,
founded by Devilal Samar in 1952, are working in the field
preserving and promoting the art of Kathputli, the latter even has
a puppet theater as well as puppet museum.[5] Capital New
Delhi also has an area known as 'Kathputli Colony', in Shadipur
Depot, where puppeteers, magicians, acrobats, dancers and
musicians and other itinerant performance groups have settled
since half a century.[6][7][8]
[edit]Overview

Characteristic to this form are the shrill voices produced by the

lead puppeteer which are spoken through a bamboo reed. The
art of Rajasthani puppetry (also called Kathputli) originated a
thousand years ago when the Bhat community began to practice
this art. Patronised by many ruling families in the state, it soon
grew into a major art form of the region. Due to
the invasion of Rajasthan by theMughals, Kathputli gradually lost
 its importance. It has been one of the oldest forms
of entertainment. Historically, these puppets were
not only a source of entertainment, but also
provided moral and social education. The shows
tackled problems like the dowry system, women's
empowerment, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment,
and cleanliness. These puppet shows made people aware of the
social problems that everybody was facing and also showed
ways of solving them.
[edit]Benefits of Kathputli Puppetry as a learning medium for
kids

 It provides children opportunity for verbal expression.

 It helps in developing creative temperament.
 It encourages and develops team work capabilities in
children.
 It can be used to develop relevant voice modulation.
 It help in developing emotional behavior.

[edit]

Ghoomar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ghoomar is a traditional women's folk dance of Rajasthan, India which was

developed by the Bhil tribe and was adopted by other Rajasthani communities. It
is performed by groups of women in swirling robes, and accompanied by men
and women singing together.

This folk dance gets its name from ‘ghoomna’, the pirouetting which displays the
spectacular colors of the flowing ‘ghaghara’, the long skirt of the Rajasthani
women. There is an amazing grace as the skirt flair slowly while the women folk
twirl in circles, their faces covered with the help of the veil. Their measured steps
and various graceful inclinations of body, beating palms or snapping fingers at
particular cadences while singing some lilting songs.
[edit]
Rajasthan Traditional Dresses
A Symphony Of Colours
Against the backdrop of dusty land and sun-soaked skies, Rajasthan is filled with opulent
colours, the sparkle of mirror and silver and precious stones, and the sheen of silk and vivid
kaleidoscope of cotton. The exotic and vividly colorful state of Rajasthan is synonymous with
majestic forts, stately palaces, lakes, sand dunes, camels and people dressed in brightly
 coloured costumes.

To add a dash of colour and life to the barren, colorless landscape and the
monotonous, cloudless sky, the people of Rajasthan show a distinct
preference for bright costumes. From the simple village folk or tribal belle to
the royalty, the preferred colours are bright red, dazzling yellow, lively green
or brilliant orange, highlighted by a lavish use of sparkling gold and silver
'zari' or 'gota'.

The dyers of Rajasthan and neighbouring Gujarat were masters of their craft
from the dawn of history. Their unsurpassed skill is still evident in the
costumes worn by the Rajasthani people, both rich and poor. The study of
the people of Rajasthan is incomplete without the knowledge of costumes and ornaments. The
costumes of the present have the reflections of the costumes of the past. Clothes express one's
personality and distinguish people of different places from each other.

The Brilliance Of Hues

Both males and females dress in the customary dresses fully influenced by climate, economy,
status and the profession. The traditional dresses being 'potia', 'dhoti', 'banda', 'angrakha',
'bugatari', 'pachewara', 'khol', 'dhabla', amongst Hindus; and 'tilak', 'burga', 'achkan' amongst
Muslims, which are fast changing now with 'bushirt', 'salwar' and 'skirts', saris and pants
accordingly.

Turban, the head dress of Rajasthani men, is a differential pattern, of each geographical region
designed to suit terrain and climatic influence. All over Rajasthan, the 'bandhni', the tie-and-dye
sari and turban reign supreme. The common dress of the women constitutes (i) sari or 'odhani',
(ii) 'kanchli' or 'kunchuki' or 'choli' (iii) 'ghaghra' or 'ghaghri' or 'lahanga'. Besides, the women of
high status and ranks wear 'dupatta' and 'patka'.

The use of chappals or sandals or 'jutees' is also common but ladies of high families use
coloured sandals studded with gold threads and stars.

The Diverse Attire

Royal Wardrobe
The rich and opulent dresses of the royalty were made under the meticulous attention of special
departments in charge of royal costumes while the 'Ranghkhana' and the 'Chhapakhana' were
departments that took care of dyeing and printing the fabrics respectively. The 'siwankhana'
ensured its flawless and articulate tailoring. Two special sections, the 'toshakhanand' and the
'kapaddwadra', took care of the daily wear and formal costumes of the king.

Traditional Textiles
Rajasthani daily wear such as saris, 'odhnis' and turbans are often made from textiles using
either block printed or tie-and-dye techniques.

Rajput Costumes
The Rajput kings, owing their close proximity to the Mughal court dressed up in their colorful
and formal best. Richly brocaded material from Banaras and Gujarat, embroidered and woven
Kashmiri shawls and delicate cottons from Chanderi and Dhaka were procured at great cost.

Women's Attire
Odhni
It is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide, One corner is tucked in the skirt while the other end is taken
over the head and right shoulder. Colours and motifs are particular to caste, type of costume
and occasion. Both Hindu and Muslims women wear 'odhnis'.

Pila
An 'odhni' with a yellow background and a central lotus motif in red called a 'pila', is a
traditional gift of parent to their daughter on the birth of a son. The vibrant and colorful land of
Rajasthan, with hospitable and well-attired men and women add a splash of colour to the
otherwise parched landscape.

Men's Attire
The turban, variously called 'pagari', 'pencha', 'sela' or 'safa' depending on style, an 'angrakha'
or 'achakan' as the upper garment and 'dhoti' or 'pyjama' as the lower garment make up the
male outfit.
 Turban Styles
Varying styles of turban denote region and caste. These variations are known
by different names such as 'pagari' and 'safa'. Infact, there are about 1,000
different styles and types of turbans in Rajasthan, each denoting the class,
caste and region of the wearer. Turbans come in all shapes, sizes and
colours; and there are specific turbans for specific occasions as well.

A 'pagari' is usually 82 feet long and 8 inches wide. A 'safa' is shorter and
broader. The common man wears turban of one color, while the elite wear designs and colors
according to the occasion.

Headgear / Turbans
Varying styles of turban denote region and caste. These variations are known by different
names such as 'pagari' and 'safa¿. Infact, there are about 1,000 different styles and types of
turbans in Rajasthan, each denoting the class, caste and region of the wearer. Turbans come in
all shapes, sizes and colours; and there are specific turbans for specific occasions as well.

A 'pagari' is usually 82 feet long and 8 inches wide. A 'safa' is shorter and broader. The common
man wears turban of one color, while the elite wear designs and colors according to the occasion

Way Of Dressing
Traditional textiles
Rajasthani daily wear such as saris, 'odhnis' and turbans are often made from textiles using
either block printed or tie-and-dye techniques.

Rajput Costumes
The Rajput kings, owing their close proximity to the Mughal court dressed up in their colorful
and formal best. Richly brocaded material from Banaras and Gujarat, embroidered and woven
Kashmiri shawls and delicate cottons from Chanderi and Dhaka were procured at great cost.

Colours, Hues & Themes

Against the backdrop of dusty land and sun-soaked skies, Rajasthan is filled with opulent
colours, the sparkle of mirror and silver and precious stones, and the sheen of silk and vivid
kaleidoscope of cotton. The exotic and vividly colorful state of Rajasthan is synonymous with
majestic forts, stately palaces, lakes, sand dunes, camels and people dressed in brightly
coloured costumes.

To add a dash of colour and life to the barren, colorless landscape and the monotonous,
cloudless sky, the people of Rajasthan show a distinct preference for bright costumes. From the
simple village folk or tribal belle to the royalty, the preferred colours are bright red, dazzling
yellow, lively green or brilliant orange, highlighted by a lavish use of sparkling gold and silver
'zari' or 'gota'.

The dyers of Rajasthan and neighbouring Gujarat were masters of their craft from the dawn of
history. Their unsurpassed skill is still evident in the costumes worn by the Rajasthani people,
both rich and poor. The study of the people of Rajasthan is incomplete without the knowledge of
costumes and ornaments. The costumes of the present have the reflections of the costumes of
the past. Clothes express one's personality and distinguish people of different places from each
other.