Garsiya tribe

Garasiya
(Western Region)
This tribal group is living in Sirohi, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur and Banswara districts of
Rajasthan with a population of 67,440 (1991 census) and sex ratio of 1:1.
They are a mixture of Rajput (original caste group of Rajasthan) and Bhil (a tribal group
of Rajasthan).
They belong to the proto-australoid racial stock (narrow nose, medium stature, black head
hair and skin hair).
They speak Mewari – a group language of Rajasthan (austric group language).
It is a patriarchal society with many gotra-based groups.
Birth Ceremony
Unlike Hindus, Garasiya celebrate Chhathi ritual (when the mother comes out from the
delivery room the first time) and Barhi ritual (a function on the twelfth day when the
child takes edible items like honey). Pregnant women follow some taboos (prohibitions)
up to one month after the birth of the child (she cannot touch any religious or kitchen
items neither can she enter these places). In the Barhi ritual, a dinner is given to the
community.
Marriage Ceremony
They are gotra exogamous. Dapa (bride wealth) is the prime factor in deciding a
marriage. Consent, elopement and levirate marriages are in practice. After the marriage,
the bride remains with her parents, who pay a return-visit to the bridegroom in the same
way as groom’s marriage party visited them. Adamala (bride’s parents) come to the
groom’s home with Ghumana (a group of youth with dancing and singing). Adamala live
at the groom’s place for two or three days. Polygamy is rare but in practice. Divorce and
remarriage are allowed.
Death Ceremony
Unlike Hindus, they bury both married and unmarried men and women. Phula ritual is
concerned with the collection of remains after the cremation on the third day. They give a
feast in the honor of the soul and to the community.
Religion
They are Hindus. A few of them have embraced Christianity. The worship of spirits is
prevalent. Shiva, Ramrishabhdeo and Bhairon are their gods, and Durga and Kali are
their goddess.
Economy
They are agriculturist. Hunting and manual labor are their other sources of income.
Political Organization
Garasiya have a traditional panchayat of panchayat of five members, who listen to all
their disputes. Nobody can deny the decision of the panchayat. It is the central body for
the regulation of their routine life.
Education
0.5% are graduate and 3% are intermediate and 11% are junior high school educated.
Two junior high schools and one intermediate college are in their locality.
Garasiya are adopting urban life. They are traditional but familiar with modernity. Spread
of the Panchayati system is making them aware about government facilities. 7 NGOs are
working for their betterment and development.
Shahariya, Rawat, Mirats, Meena and Damrias have the same socio-cultural life as the
Garasiya have.