Even a well informed reader outside Rajasthan may be unaware of the existence of the history and culture of the Girasiya tribe. The literal meaning of the word Girasiya can be derived from ‘Girahia’ meaning ‘ forest dwelling people’. The Girasiyas believe themselves to the descendants of Savji [Lord Shiva]. According to a mythological tradition, Savji fell in love with Amia, a Girasiya girl, daughter of Bhakar vavsi [mountain god] and lived in forests. Thus they claim to be the original settlers of Mount and thick forests.
The ‘Girasiya’tribe is generally found in the Abu Road and Pindwara tehsils of Sirohi district. They claim that their place of origin is Abu (eastern part of Aburoad tehsil called Bhakar) and Chhappan. These places find their mention in many folk songs of Girasiyas.
The Girasiya tribe has several distinctive socio-cultural features which distinguish it from other tribes found in Rajasthan. Among these tribals, festivals and community functions occupy a special position. The festivals and fairs hold a great charm for these tradition bound tribals. The tribal life can best be seen on the occasion of social festivities when group life emerges into significance. The Girasiyas enjoy Perab(festivals) and melto(fairs).
The dress of Girasiya is very attractive and colourful both in designs and embroidery. The headgear is very important and men generally wear turban called ‘potiyu’ or ‘pagri’, the colour of which depends on their age and status. The women also like to wear attractive dark colour garments-generally red,blue or green. They put on along sleeve jacket (jhulki) with their names embroidered and have a opening in the front.
The Girasiya men and women bedeck themselves with various ornaments depending on their economic conditions. They use ornaments made of bronze,stones and shells. Some of the ornaments used by men are Jhela,Jharmayu,Matalio,Terayo and those used by women are Vithali,Borayoo,Jabla,Oryuyu,Bhamuriyo. The Girasiya women folk are very keen in tattooing. They believe that tattooing is a necessary operation during life time and it must be performed as early as possible.
The Girasiyas are very fond of keeping weapons with them for Kohalwa (protection) against wild animals, for Airo(hunting) and for their Maan (prestige). Stick is an essential weopen to be taken by Girasiya whenever they go to another village or town.
Kinship organization is very significant among the Girasiyas. It is strengthened on the occasion of rituals celebrated by a family. The girls have as much freedom as the boys in choosing their own partner. Widows are allowed to remarry. A wife plays an important role in making major decisions regarding marriage and adoption. She is consulted on all important matters.
The Girasiyas depend on agriculture as their mainstay. The religious rites, omens and taboos followed during agricultural operations reflect the importance attached by the Girasiyas to various gods and goddesses. The agricultural implements are worshipped not only during operations but even on social functions like marriage, child birth, etc.
The Girasiya tribe that I have introduced in this article is an age old civilization which has been buy cheap pills ultram thoroughly tested by time. I feel that the Girasiya way of life, its culture and its knowledge is a national heritage. It is best to know and appreciate it rather than to abolish it in the attempt to bring them in the main stream of life and forget the civilization.
written by
Rukhsana Saifee
Associate Professor
Chartered Institute of Technology
Abu Road (Rajasthan)
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