Caste and Lifestyle

BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE
Rajput and Darbar

 Introduction
 "Rajput" identifies numerous ksatriya or warrior castes in northern and western India. The term
"Rajput" comes from rajaputra, which means "son of kings." Rajputs are famed for their fighting
abilities and once ruled numerous Indian princely states. The British grouped many of these states
into the Rajputana Province. Today, it is the Indian state of Rajasthan.
 The Kathi Darbar is a Ksatriya caste found in Saurastra region of Gujarat, western India. Kathi
Kshatriya are popularly referred as Kathi Darbar.
 The Kathi are said to have given their name to the Kathiawar region and to be mythological
descended from the Sura, an ancient race of sun worshipers found in western India. Kathi are said to
be one of the 36 rajput clan.
Religion

 Most Rajputs are Hindu. They were known for protecting Hinduism against Buddhism and Islam.
Today, in their religious practices, Rajputs differ little from other high-caste Hindus. They use
Brahmans (priests and scholars) for ceremonial and ritual purposes. They worship all major Hindu
deities. Most Rajputs are devotees of the god Shiva. Many also worship Surya (the Sun God), and
Durga as Mother Goddess. In addition, nearly every Rajput clan has its own patron god to whom it
turns for protection.
Living Conditions

 Rajputs traditionally formed landowning classes. In the past, Rajput rulers of princely states such as
Kashmir, Jaipur, and Jodhpur were known for their splendid courts. Rajput Maharajas (kings) often
lived luxuriously in ornate palaces. After India's independence, however, the princes lost their titles
and privileges.
 Rajputs marry outside their clan. They also try to marry their daughters into clans of higher rank
than their own, while accepting daughters-in-law from clans of lower rank. The Rajput clans in
Rajasthan have the highest standing, so families with sons in Rajasthan often are sought by those
with daughters.
Clothing

 Rajput men wear the dhoti (loincloth consisting of a long piece of white cotton wrapped around the
waist and then drawn between the legs and tucked into the waist), often with a cotton tunic. Rajput
men may also wear a short jacket, or angarhkha, that fastens on the right side. Rajput men wear
turbans that are tied to represent their particular clan. Rajput women wear either the sari (a length
of fabric wrapped around the waist, with one end thrown over the right shoulder) or loose, baggy
pants with a tunic. The lengha (long, flowing skirt) is also associated with the traditional dress of
Rajasthan.
Rajput Clans

 The Rajputs are divided into clans, each clan belonging to one of three basic lineages (vanshas or
vamshas):
 The Suryavanshi lineage, claiming descent from Surya, the Hindu Sun god. In English it is known as
the Solar Dynasty;
 The Chandravanshi lineage, or Lunar dynasty lineage claims descent from Chandra (the moon or
Budh). The Chandravanshi lineage is known as the Lunar Dynasty in English;
 The Yaduvanshi lineage are a major sub-branch of the Chandravanshi lineage. Lord Krishna was
born a Yaduvanshi.
 The Puruvanshi lineage are a major sub-branch of the Chandravanshi Rajputs. The Kauravs and
Pandavs of the epic poem Mahabharata were Puruvanshis.
 The Agnivanshi lineage claims descent from Agni, the Hindu god of fire. Four main Rajput clans are
considered to be Agnivanshi. They are Chauhans, Paramara, Solanki and Pratiharas.
Darbar Clans

 The Kathi have two divisions, the Sankhyavat and Auratia. These divisions are hierarchical in nature,
with the former considered royalty. There are three clans found among the Sankhyavat namely the
Vala ,Khachar and Khuman
Building typology

 In Rajput homes, men's quarters consist of a courtyard containing a platform about four to six feet
(about one to two meters) high, reached by a series of steps and often shaded by trees. Men often
gather on these platforms to chat and perhaps smoke the hukka (a pipe). At one end of the platform
is a roofed porch. Men usually sleep behind this porch. Smaller side rooms are used for storage.
 Women's quarters are enclosed by walls, with rooms facing an inner courtyard. A fireplace is built
against one wall for cooking. Stairs provide access to the roof. The interconnecting roofs of the
houses let Rajput women visit each other without being seen by men.