Rajasthan: Language and Literature

Rajasthan is principally a Hindi-speaking region in its various dialects. Rajasthani comprises of five primary dialects – Marwari, Mewari, Dhundhari, Mewati and Harauti along with several other forms.

These dialects have been derived as a distortion of the linguistic and orthographical peculiarities of the language with time. Rajasthani Literature faced its worst period during the British Raj period. However, it is flourishing these days as hundreds of poets and writers have emerged who use the vernacular form of Rajasthani language as their medium. Rajasthan’s folk literature is rich and varied in its nature and exists in forms of the folk songs, so famous folklores, witty sayings and proverbs, riddles and much-treasured folk-plays known as ‘khayals’.

The most common language of Rajasthan is Marwari, spoken mainly in and around Jodhpur district. The mixed dialects of Marwari are also spoken in Barmer, Jalore, Pali, part of Nagaur district. In the east, it influences the dialects of Ajmer, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, to the south in Sirohi district and in the west, it affects the dialects of Jaisalmer district. Bikaner, Churu, Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts in the north are also influenced by Marwari while in the northwest, it is spoken with Punjabi influence in the Ganganagar district.

Mewari is actually the eastern form of Marwari used frequently to the southeast of the former princely state of Mewar, which comprised of Udaipur, Bhilwara and Chittorgarh districts, and its neighborhood. The dialect used in the western parts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Thar and Parkar areas of the former Sind is called Thali in the north and Dhatak in the west. In Bikaner it is called Bikaneri while in the northeastern part of Churu, it is known as Bagri.

Jaipuri or Dhundhari, earns a second place in terms of use and covers the districts of Jaipur, Tonk, Kota, Bundi, parts of Kishangarh, Ajmer and Jhalawar. Mewati is a dialect of Jaipuri to the northeast, which assumes the form of Braja Bhasha in Bharatpur. Mewati is actually the language of the former Mewat, the abode of the Meos. Dang is a further sub-dialect of Braja Bhasa in Sawai Madhopur and Karauli and that of Bundeli and Malvi in Jhalawar and the southern parts of Kota. Kishangarhi is spoken in Kishangarh and Ajmeri in Ajmer. The dialect spoken in Bundi and Kota is Harauti, which is also spoken in Jhalwar and Tonk districts.

Malvi of the former Malwa covers parts of the Jhalawar and Kota districts. The Bundeli of Narsinghpur and central Hoshangabad, the Marathi of Berar and the Nemadi dialect of Rajasthani is spoken in north Nimach and Bhansawar. The Bhils communicate in Bhili, which is similar to Dungarpur’s and Banswara’s Bagria form of Rajasthani with the exception of slight variation in the pronunciation. However, the language structure for both of them is the same.

The development of Rajasthani literature from the bardic language, ‘Dingal’ and virkavya (heroic poetry) took form in the context of the medieval social and political establishments and shapings in Rajasthan. For centuries, Caran bards, court poets and chroniclers have added incessantly to the tradition of Dingal virkavya. In contemporary times even, medieval virkavya as well as still-surviving oral traditions continue to inspire and invigorate Rajasthani prose and poetry. The maturation and Growth of written and oral Rajasthani narrative literature can be exemplified by a revision of the medieval and modern tradition of the adventures of Pabuji Dhandhal Rathaur, a 14th century Rajput gallant. Epic poems and eulogistic couplets consecrated to Pabuji formed an integral part of the Dingal manuscript tradition from the beginning of the 16th century. The Caran bards had immortalised his self-sacrifice on the battleground in verses like Pabuji ra duha, Pabuji rau chand and Pabuji ko yash varnan. The oral merits and virtues of the bardic tradition were held back long after the verses became an essential ingredient of the manuscript tradition of the locale.

During the pre-Independence scenario, poets in Rajasthani literature had resurrected the Dingal virkavya to vent out and publicise their anti-British sentiments. Thus, Mahakavi Moraji Ashiya tremendously lauds Pabuji’s unselfishness in Pabu Prakash (1932), a Dingal poem emoting incandescent patriotic pathos. After Independence, the Rajput ideals of virkavya testified to well suit to conveying a nationalist love for the nascent nation. The heart-rending unselfishness of Rajput warriors on the battlefield (referring to these heroic warriors as tyagi in Rajasthani idiom), for example, were smoothly translated into a yearning to give one’s life to the motherland. Poets had also eulogised medieval Rajput gallants and the intimidating freedom fighters in literature in the Rajasthani dialect, utilising Dingal versifications and bardic idiom.

Rajput Tyagi is equally an element of modern, regional definitions of Rajasthani literary identity. Oral narratives also serve as a basis of inspiration for Rajasthani prose writers like Vijay Dan Detha (1927). Vijay Dan Detha is graded amongst Rajasthani pragatishil and pragativad or progressive prose writers, who convey a modern political, often ‘reformist awareness’ through their compositions. The interrelated evolvement of written and oral narratives in Rajasthani literature is worth bearing in mind, when researchers tend to draw a new literary map of the subcontinent. And this perhaps can only be grasped and assimilated when one looks deep within the framework of the history of Rajasthani literature and its gradual development that has moved towards glittering maturity from the Rajputana era to present day patronages.

Major literature of Rajasthani developed in Rajasthani are classified into three styles which are as follows:-

Jain- such as Prithvi Raj charit by Manak Chandra
Dingal or Charan- like Prithvi Raj Raso by Chand Bardai, Rao Jaitasirau Chhanda by Vithu Sujo Nagarjota.
Popular- like Veli Krishna Rukmani by Prithvi raj Rathore, Vansh Bhaskar by Surya Mal, Songs of Meera Bai, Khayal which are dance drama’s

Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India. It is the largest state in India by area, covering 342,239 square kilometers (132,139 sq mi). The state is bordered by Pakistan to the northwest, Gujarat to the west, Madhya Pradesh to the south, Uttar Pradesh to the southeast, and Haryana and Delhi to the east. The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur.

Rajasthan is a land of diverse cultures and languages. The Official Language of Rajasthan is Hindi, but there are many other languages spoken in the state, including Marwari, Mewari, Dhundari, Gujjar, Bhil, Pali, Jadgali, Lambani, and Rajasthani Sign Language.

Rajasthani literature is a rich and vibrant tradition that dates back centuries. The earliest known Rajasthani literature is the Prakrit poetry of the 7th century. The most famous Rajasthani poet is Mirabai, who lived in the 16th century. Mirabai was a devotee of Krishna and her poetry is full of devotion and longing.

Rajasthani literature also includes a rich tradition of folk literature. Rajasthani folk literature is passed down orally and includes stories, songs, and proverbs. The most famous Rajasthani folktale is the story of Pabuji, a warrior who fought against the Mughals.

Rajasthani literature has been translated into many languages, including English, Hindi, and Gujarati. Some of the most famous Rajasthani writers include Vijaydan Detha, Dharamveer Bharti, and Hari Mohan Vyas.

Rajasthani literature is a vital part of the state’s culture and heritage. It is a rich and diverse tradition that continues to be written and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Here are some examples of Rajasthani literature:

Mirabai’s poetry

Mirabai was a 16th-century Rajput princess who renounced her royal life to become a devotee of Krishna. Her poetry is full of devotion and longing for Krishna. Some of her most famous poems include “Jugalbandi” and “Prem Ras.”

The story of Pabuji

Pabuji is a Rajasthani folk hero who fought against the Mughals. He is a popular figure in Rajasthani folk literature and is the subject of many songs and stories.

Vijaydan Detha’s short stories

Vijaydan Detha is a modern Rajasthani writer who is known for his short stories. His stories often deal with the lives of ordinary people in Rajasthan. Some of his most famous stories include “The Barber’s Wife” and “The Thakur’s Daughter.”

Dharamveer Bharti’s poetry

Dharamveer Bharti is a modern Rajasthani poet who is known for his patriotic and social poems. His poems often deal with the problems of POVERTY, illiteracy, and social injustice. Some of his most famous poems include “The Land of the Five Rivers” and “The Song of the Peasant.”

Hari Mohan Vyas’ novels

Hari Mohan Vyas is a modern Rajasthani novelist who is known for his historical novels. His novels often deal with the history of Rajasthan and the lives of its people. Some of his most famous novels include “The Palace of Illusions” and “The City of Dreams.”

Rajasthani literature is a rich and vibrant tradition that continues to be written and enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a vital part of the state’s culture and heritage.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Rajasthan:

What is the capital of Rajasthan?
The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur.
What is the Population of Rajasthan?
The population of Rajasthan is approximately 73 million people.
What is the language spoken in Rajasthan?
The main language spoken in Rajasthan is Rajasthani, which is a dialect of Hindi.
What is the religion of the people of Rajasthan?
The majority of the people of Rajasthan are Hindu.
What is the economy of Rajasthan based on?
The economy of Rajasthan is based on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
What are some of the famous landmarks in Rajasthan?
Some of the famous landmarks in Rajasthan include the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the Amber Fort, and the Jal Mahal (Water Palace).
What are some of the traditional foods of Rajasthan?
Some of the traditional foods of Rajasthan include kachori (a deep-fried pastry filled with lentils and spices), dal bati churma (a dish made of lentils, flatbread, and sugar), and laal maas (a spicy lamb curry).
What are some of the traditional Festivals of Rajasthan?
Some of the traditional festivals of Rajasthan include the Teej Festival (a festival of love and fertility), the Pushkar Camel Fair (a fair held in the city of Pushkar), and the Gangaur Festival (a festival celebrating the marriage of the Hindu god Krishna and the goddess Radha).
What are some of the famous people from Rajasthan?
Some of the famous people from Rajasthan include the Mughal emperor Akbar, the Rajput king Maharana Pratap, and the freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi.
What are some of the challenges facing Rajasthan?
Some of the challenges facing Rajasthan include poverty, illiteracy, and Unemployment.
What are some of the opportunities for Rajasthan?
Some of the opportunities for Rajasthan include tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
What is the future of Rajasthan?
The future of Rajasthan is bright. The state has a young population, a rich culture, and a strong economy. With the right policies and investments, Rajasthan can become one of the most prosperous states in India.

Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Rajasthan: Language and Literature:

Which of the following is not a language spoken in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Spanish
Which of the following is the national language of India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Spanish
Which of the following is the most spoken language in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Spanish
Which of the following is the oldest language in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Sanskrit
Which of the following is the most literary language in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Sanskrit
Which of the following is the most poetic language in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Sanskrit
Which of the following is the most musical language in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Sanskrit
Which of the following is the most danceable language in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Sanskrit
Which of the following is the most philosophical language in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Sanskrit
Which of the following is the most religious language in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Tamil
(D) Sanskrit

I hope these MCQs are helpful!