Rajasthani Languages & Literature

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Rajasthani Languages

  • Evolution of rajasthani languages from Shaurseni Prakrit
  • Saureni Prakrit is then developed into:-

         Gurjar in western region

         Shaurseni in eastern region (Apram bhasha)

 

Gurjar-

         Maru Gurjar or old Rajasthani

         its common language of Rajasthan and Gujrat

         1st work was Bhrateshwar Bahubali Ghor by Vajrasensuri in 1168 ad

         In 15th century it evolved to Dingal

         Dingal was generally used in ballards and chronicles of warriors heroic deeds in the mewar and Marwar region

Shaurseni-

         It developed in Pingal which is a rajasthani variation of Braj Bhasha

         It was largely used for devotional and erotic poetry

Charans:-

         they preserves the glorious and martial deeds of their patrons

         Khayat- Chronicles

         Vats- Accounts of past events

         Vigats-Gazettes

 

 

Decline of Rajasthani Languages after the British rule was mainly due to following factors:-

         Outdated feudal system

         Growth of Printing press,newspaper and free  discussion was largely discouraged in the princely states.

         Royal patronage to rajasthani was largely discontinued.

         Influence of Hindi

         Growth of Khardi boli

Present status of Rajasthani Languages and their main variations –

         Kamdhari- Nagari script mainly used in administration

         Jain style- Manuscript writing

         Modiya- Used by Trading class

         Shasti- Common people language.

 

 

Rajasthani Dialact

 

The Rajasthani languages belong to the Western Indo-Aryan language family. However, they are controversially conflated with the Hindi languages of the Central-Zone in the Indian national census, among other places. The varieties of the Rajasthani language are:

  • Rajasthani :the common lingua franca of Rajasthani people and is spoken by over 18 million people in different parts of Rajasthan.

 

  • Marwari: the most spoken Rajasthani in the historic Marwar region of western Rajasthan.

 

  • Malvi: Spoken in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.

 

  • Dhundhari: Spoken speakers in the Dhundhar region of Rajasthan.

 

  • Harauti: Spoken in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan.

 

  • Mewari: Spoken in the Mewar region of Rajasthan.

 

  • Mewati: Spoken in the Mewat region, comprising Haryana and Rajasthan.

 

  • Shekhawati: Spoken in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan.

 

  • Bagri: Spoken in northern Rajasthan and northwestern Haryana. There are also speakers situated in southern Punjab.

 

  • Nimadi: Spoken in the Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

 

  • Other Rajasthani languages are Dhatki, Godwari, Gujari, Gurgula, Goaria and Lambadi.

 

                                     Rajasthani Literature

Rajasthani literature written in various genres starting from 1000 AD. But, it is generally agreed that modern Rajasthani literature began with the works of Surajmal Misrana.His most important works are the Vansa Bhaskara and the Vir Satsai. The Vans Bhaskar contains accounts of the Rajput princes who ruled in what was then Rajputana The Vir Satsai is a collection of hundreds of couplets.Medieval Rajasthani literature is mostly poetry only and it is more about the heroic poetry mentioning of the great kings and fighters of the Rajasthan. Early Rajasthani literature is created by mostly Jain saints. Earlier Rajasthani was known as Maru Gurjar (or dingal), which was close to Gujarati.

Rajasthani Literature can be classified into three categories, which are as follows:-

  1. Sanskrit and Prakrit
  2. Rajasthani
  3. Hindi

 

Sanskrit and Prakrit

 

Major literature of Sanskrit and prakrit developed in Rajasthan are as follows:-

         Shishupal Vadh by poet Magh

         Samaraichcha Katha by Hari Bhadra Suri

         Kuvalaya Mala by Udyotan Suri

         Upmiti Bharva Prancha Katha by Sidhi Rishi

         Harkaili by Vigrah Raj Chauhan IV of Ajmer

         Prithvi Raj Vijay by Prithvi Raj Chauhan

         Geet Goving and Sangeet Raj by Jai deva

         Charan Literature

 

Rajasthani

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

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

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Rajasthani is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by about 60 million people in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is also spoken in parts of Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Rajasthani is a member of the Western Hindi group of languages, and is closely related to Marwari, Mewari, and Bhili.

Rajasthani literature has a long and rich history. The earliest known Rajasthani literature dates back to the 10th century, and consists of religious texts and poetry. In the 12th century, Rajasthani literature began to flourish, with the development of secular literature, such as poetry, drama, and fiction. The 16th century saw the golden age of Rajasthani literature, with the works of such great poets as Mirabai, Keshavdas, and Dayaram.

Rajasthani poetry is known for its beauty and its use of metaphors and similes. Rajasthani folk songs are also very popular, and are often sung at weddings and other celebrations. Rajasthani folktales are full of magic and adventure, and are often told to children.

Rajasthani proverbs and idioms are used in everyday speech, and reflect the unique culture of Rajasthan. Rajasthani grammar is similar to that of other Indo-Aryan languages, but there are some differences in pronunciation and vocabulary.

There are many Rajasthani dictionaries available, both in print and online. Rajasthani textbooks are used in schools in Rajasthan, and there are also many magazines, newspapers, websites, and blogs written in Rajasthani. Rajasthani Social Media is also very popular, with many people using Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with friends and family.

Rajasthani culture is rich and diverse, and is influenced by the region’s history, geography, and people. Rajasthani cuisine is known for its use of spices, and its dishes are often quite spicy. Rajasthani art is known for its use of bright colors and intricate designs. Rajasthani music is known for its use of drums and other percussion instruments. Rajasthani dance is known for its energetic and acrobatic moves.

Rajasthani festivals are a major part of the culture, and are often celebrated with great pomp and show. Some of the most popular Rajasthani festivals include the Teej festival, the Pushkar Camel Fair, and the Gangaur festival.

Rajasthani tourism is a major Industry, and the state attracts millions of visitors each year. The main tourist attractions in Rajasthan include the forts and palaces of Jaipur, the temples of Udaipur, and the wildlife sanctuaries of Ranthambore and Sariska.

The Rajasthani people are known for their hospitality and their love of life. They are a proud people, and are fiercely loyal to their families and their communities. Rajasthani politics is dominated by the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The economy of Rajasthan is based on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

Rajasthani Education is free and compulsory for children up to the age of 14. There are many universities and colleges in Rajasthan, and the state has a high Literacy rate. Rajasthani healthcare is provided by the government and by private hospitals. The Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE in Rajasthan is improving, but there are still some areas that need development.

The Environment of Rajasthan is diverse, and includes deserts, Mountains, forests, and rivers. The wildlife of Rajasthan is also diverse, and includes tigers, leopards, elephants, and camels. Rajasthan is home to many national parks and sanctuaries, which are important for conservation.

The future of Rajasthan looks bright. The state is developing rapidly, and is becoming an important economic and cultural center. The people of Rajasthan are proud of their heritage, and are working hard to build a better future for their state.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about Rajasthani languages and literature:

  • What are the different languages spoken in Rajasthan?

The main languages spoken in Rajasthan are Rajasthani, Hindi, and English. Rajasthani is a group of Indo-Aryan languages spoken in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is the native language of about 60 million people. Hindi is the Official Language of India and is spoken by about 400 million people. English is a foreign language that is widely spoken in Rajasthan.

  • What are some of the famous Rajasthani writers and poets?

Some of the famous Rajasthani writers and poets include Mahakavi Kumbha, Mirabai, and Keshavdas. Mahakavi Kumbha was a 16th-century poet who is considered to be one of the greatest Rajasthani poets. Mirabai was a 16th-century poet and saint who is considered to be one of the most important figures in Rajasthani literature. Keshavdas was a 16th-century poet who is considered to be one of the greatest Rajasthani poets.

  • What are some of the famous Rajasthani literary works?

Some of the famous Rajasthani literary works include the “Prithviraj Raso”, the “Vir Raso”, and the “Krishna Bhaktamal”. The “Prithviraj Raso” is an epic poem that tells the story of the life of Prithviraj Chauhan, a 12th-century Rajput king. The “Vir Raso” is an epic poem that tells the story of the life of Rana Pratap Singh, a 16th-century Rajput king. The “Krishna Bhaktamal” is a collection of poems that praise the Hindu god Krishna.

  • What are some of the famous Rajasthani festivals?

Some of the famous Rajasthani festivals include the Teej festival, the Pushkar Camel Fair, and the Gangaur festival. The Teej festival is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of August. The Pushkar Camel Fair is a camel fair that is held in the city of Pushkar every year in November. The Gangaur festival is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of March.

  • What are some of the famous Rajasthani dishes?

Some of the famous Rajasthani dishes include the kachori, the dal bati churma, and the laal maas. The kachori is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with a spicy potato filling. The dal bati churma is a dish that consists of lentils, bati (a type of bread), and churma (a sweet dish made from wheat flour). The laal maas is a dish that consists of mutton that has been cooked in a spicy gravy.

  • What are some of the famous Rajasthani handicrafts?

Some of the famous Rajasthani handicrafts include the block printing, the mirror work, and the tie-dye. The block printing is a technique of printing designs on cloth using wooden blocks. The mirror work is a technique of decorating cloth with mirrors. The tie-dye is a technique of dyeing cloth by tying it in knots before it is dyed.

Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Rajasthani Languages & Literature:

  1. Which of the following is not a language spoken in India?
    (A) Hindi
    (B) English
    (C) Tamil
    (D) Rajasthani

  2. Which of the following is the national language of India?
    (A) Hindi
    (B) English
    (C) Tamil
    (D) Sanskrit

  3. Which of the following is the most populous state in India?
    (A) Uttar Pradesh
    (B) Maharashtra
    (C) Bihar
    (D) Rajasthan

  4. Which of the following is the capital of India?
    (A) New Delhi
    (B) Mumbai
    (C) Chennai
    (D) Kolkata

  5. Which of the following is the currency of India?
    (A) Indian Rupee
    (B) Pakistani Rupee
    (C) Bangladeshi Taka
    (D) Sri Lankan Rupee

  6. Which of the following is the national animal of India?
    (A) Tiger
    (B) Lion
    (C) Elephant
    (D) Rhinoceros

  7. Which of the following is the national bird of India?
    (A) Peacock
    (B) Parrot
    (C) Eagle
    (D) Swan

  8. Which of the following is the national flower of India?
    (A) Lotus
    (B) Rose
    (C) Jasmine
    (D) Lily

  9. Which of the following is the National Flag of India?
    (A) A tricolor flag with saffron at the top, white in the middle and green at the bottom, with a blue wheel in the center.
    (B) A green flag with a white crescent and star in the center.
    (C) A saffron flag with a white tiger in the center.
    (D) A red flag with a hammer and sickle in the center.

  10. Which of the following is the National Anthem of India?
    (A) Jana Gana Mana
    (B) Vande Mataram
    (C) Saare Jahan Se Accha
    (D) Hamdard

I hope these MCQs were helpful!

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