Artifact 2: Rajasthan and its Impact on the Meaning of Being Indian
The Indian state of Rajasthan was not established until the formation of the Nation of India in 1947. However, history proves that this region embodies the themes of what it means to be Indian: disunity among political rule, the mixing of numerous people, religions and cultures over the course of time, and the overarching caste system that has remained an unavoidable and critical component to Indian people for the last two and a half millennia.
Rajasthan is located in the Northwestern portion of the subcontinent and just to the South of the Punjab region. Climate and large changes in geography dictate how, where, and why people have settled across the region. The area is composed of massively arid desert, mountains, and a useful fraction available in the plains of the North, as well as the fertile lands to the South and Southeast. These geographic changes have dictated the movements and settlements of Indian people dating back to the Harrappans in the alluvial plains of the North (Keay, 4-7). As a result of the geography of the region, the Aryan lifestyle of pastoral nomadism and herding has remained an integral part of Indian life there, and aside from larger cities such as Jaipur or Kota, agriculture and herding is responsible for two thirds of the region’s economy (Britannica, 1).
Over the course of history, many different people have settled, conquered, and traversed the region of India that Rajasthan makes up. Beginning with the Harrappans, trading of resources and manufactured goods to the west allowed their civilization to flourish. Years later, the Mauryan Empire stretched to unify the region under Ashoka, whose rock edicts have influenced travelers and settlers for centuries. Keay describes the effect Ashoka’s ideology had when he writes “Indian historians insist that the ideal of a pan-Indian empire was never forgotten; and nor, more certainly, was the spirit of humanity embodied in [Ashoka’s] Edicts. The innovation which he pioneered of appealing across the barriers of sect, caste, and kin to the community of India would be revived by a host of other reformers […] and eventually Mahatma Ghandi” (Keay, 100). Ashoka’s Edicts remained relevant in the region through many different ruling dynasties. Some of these included the Satraps from the west, the Gupta Empire in the fourth to sixth centuries and Rajputs through the eleventh century were each able to resist increasing pressure from foreign influence. During the Rajput era, Muslim invaders under the leadership of Muhammad Ghuri, brought Islam into the region where it has maintained a steady following. Despite these intrusions into the region of Rajasthan, the Rajputs were able to maintain control till the sixteenth century when the Mughal Empire expanded and conquered the region (Britannica, 1). Under Emperor Akbar, the Mughal Empire was able to create a fairly stable and unified population through strategic marriages and concise military campaigns. After power in the region changed hands through the Maratha Dynasty, it came to rest with the British. During this time period, there were ideological re-examinations in Hinduism, the most notable being “Satyarath Prakash” by Saravati, as well as movements within the Jainist community (Britannica, 1).
The caste system remains a solidified basis for the day to day life of Indians living in Rajasthan today. Similarities to the original castes of Brahman, Kashatrya, Vaisha, and Shudra are quite apparent as Hinduism holds claim to the most prevalent religion in the area, followed by Islam, Jainism, and minute pockets of Christians and Sikhs. Currently, the Brahmans have been divided into extensive lineages that date back many generations, while Mahajans, “traders”, Jats “peasants” and Gujars “herders” make up the majority of the population. The population of Rajasthan is one of the least densely clustered in all the subcontinent today and the lower social classes still live in very simple conditions. However, increasing numbers of people are flocking to urban centers where technology and manufacturing industries are beginning to erupt as in other areas of India. In fact, this has been the case since the late twentieth century, and the increasing trend will likely continue for the foreseeable future (Britannica, 1).
Upon receiving its independence from British rule in 1947, India was divided into the “states” that exist today to include Rajasthan. Rajasthan in particular is divided into thirty districts, which are then subdivided all the way down to the village level, and governed by a Chief Governor who is appointed by the President of India for a five year term (Britanica, 1). Supplementing the governor, is a legislative assembly, which is composed of elected members, but that also has several seats reserved for rural village elders to participate. Under the current governing body in India, health programs combatting issues such as tuberculosis, leprosy, iodine deficiency, and blindness are all supported by a conglomeration of medical practitioners specializing in western, traditional Indian, and herbal medicine. The opportunity to pursue education also exists across the region with several Universities being located in Rajasthan (Britannica, 1).
Rajasthan is a region that paints a grand historical picture of what it means to be an Indian today. The culture is rich in diversity which stems from centuries- long dynasties bringing new ideals and practices to the region, and then melting them together with those of foreigners venturing there for trade and the allure of natural resources. Two of the largest world religions coexist under relatively peaceful terms under a governmental system that follows a western system that still adheres to the ancient caste system. In addition, the expansion of urban areas follows a general trend of socioeconomic change across India today. To say that India is a country formed around disunity would be a true statement. However, that disunity is what makes Indians unique from the rest of the world. That is what gives them identity.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s.v. “Rajasthan,” accessed October 20, 2014, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/490092/Rajasthan.
Keay, John. India: A History. New York: Grove Press, 2010.
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Signed: Ryan C. Wilson
