Rajasthanis

a people constituting the native population of the state of Rajasthan in India. They total approximately 15 million (1971 census) and speak Rajasthani. Most Rajasthanis are Hindus, with about 8 percent Muslims and about 2 percent Jains. Although the inhabitants of Rajasthan are often called Rajputs, this name properly applies only to members of the Rajput feudal warrior caste.

The chief occupations of the Rajasthanis are land cultivation and, in arid regions, livestock breeding. Crafts are well developed and include metalworking, carpet-making, fabric dyeing, pottery-making, and bone and stone carving. Rajasthani architecture, miniature painting, singing, and dancing are renowned far beyond the borders of India.