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Regional Distribution of Folk Traditions
Rajasthan's folk traditions are not uniformly distributed — they have strong regional identities tied to geography, community concentration, and historical patronage patterns.
| Region | Primary Folk Traditions | Key Communities | Notable Centers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marwar (Jodhpur-Barmer-Jaisalmer) | Langha-Manganiar music, Pabuji epic, Gair dance, Kathputli | Langha, Manganiar, Bhopa, Bhat | Jodhpur (RIFF), Barmer, Jaisalmer |
| Shekhawati (Jhunjhunu-Sikar-Churu) | Chang dance, Phag geet, Gogaji epic | Jat, Brahmin, Chamar | Sujangarh, Fatehpur, Mandawa |
| Mewar (Udaipur-Bhilwara-Rajsamand) | Ghoomar, Bhavai, Devnarayan epic, Pabuji Phad painting | Bhil, Gujjar, Joshi (painters), Nayak-Bhopa | Bhilwara (Phad), Nathdwara, Rajsamand |
| Hadoti (Kota-Bundi-Jhalawar) | Chakri dance, Tendukheda folk songs, Koli tribal music | Kanjar, Koli, Saharia | Kota, Bundi |
| Dhundhar (Jaipur-Tonk) | Ghoomar, Chari dance (Kishangarh), Kathputli | Gujjar, Kalbelia, Nat-Bhat | Jaipur (Kathputli Colony), Kishangarh |
| Mewat (Alwar-Bharatpur) | Rasiya geet, Ras-lila, Bhajan | Meo Muslim, Braj-influenced communities | Alwar, Karauli |
| Vagad (Banswara-Dungarpur) | Bhil tribal music, Algoza, Gair, Walar dance | Bhil, Garasia, Meghwal | Banswara (Mangarh hill) |
Source: Rajasthan State Gazetteer, Arts and Culture Volume, Vol. 1; Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi Regional Survey 2019