Rathwa

The Rathwa are an indigenous tribal community in India, classified as a Scheduled Tribe in Gujarat and parts of central India. They are primarily found in western and central regions, with populations concentrated in Gujarat and neighboring areas where forested and rural environments support their traditional livelihoods. Historically, the Rathwa have engaged in agriculture and gathering forest products, with many families relying on farming and related activities, while some participate in forestry work and crafts.

The Rathwa speak regional languages, commonly Gujarati in Gujarat, and use local dialects; many are bilingual in Gujarati and Hindi. They are organized into kinship groups and clans, with customary practices that govern marriage, rites of passage, and village life. Social structures and traditions continue to shape community life, even as younger generations encounter broader educational and economic opportunities.

Culturally, the Rathwa are closely associated with Pithora painting, a distinctive form of ritual wall art. Pithora paintings are created on the interiors of homes and ceremonial structures using natural pigments. The imagery typically features deities, animals, and mythic narratives tied to village protection, fertility, and seasonal cycles. Traditionally performed by Rathwa artists, these paintings are tied to specific rituals and occasions and are valued as a living expression of their religious and social identity.

In contemporary times, many Rathwa continue to pursue agriculture while also engaging in crafts, weaving, and small enterprises. They face development challenges common to tribal communities, including access to education, health care, and land rights, but benefit from government welfare schemes and programs targeted at Scheduled Tribes aimed at supporting livelihoods and cultural preservation.