Socio-Cultural Organizations of the Meena Tribe in Rajasthan

Traditionally the Meenas are patrilocal, patrilineal and kin-based Society. They culturally and traditionally divide their homeland into twelve territorial units called 'Pals' and they live in both compact villages or isolated hamlets called 'dhanis' which are uniclan in nature. Generally the village of Meena community is comprised of the members belonging to a single 'got'. However, in a large number of villages two of more 'got' of the tribe are settled. Thus we can say that the village community is mainly tribal community. Agriculture being the primary occupation of the community, the typical Meena village follows its ancient pattern of settlement either on alluvial plains or on the semi-arid plateau. The habitation area is well marked with the boundaries of the villages and fields. Since age long Meenas have continued to live in the forests, villages and hilly regions. They live in huts which are more popularly called 'Dhodhe' or 'Jhopadi', is made up of clay, hay and cow dung. They used to construct their houses usually in dense forest and hilly areas so that they may live in isolation and could not be easily deducted. These safe zones of Meenas are known as Mewase.

Keywords:
Tribes in India, Meena, Rajasthan, Mewase