GERJATHHA FOLK DANCE OF MEGHWAL COMMUNITY OF RAJASTHAN

English:The purpose of this research paper is to study the Gerjattha (Jatha Ger) folk dance of Meghwal community living in Motisara village, Siwana Tehsil in Barmer district, Rajasthan. Semi-participant observation, unstructured interview, case study and photographic analysis have been used as a research methodology. The summary of the research indicate that the Gerjattha (Jatha Ger dance) is the main traditional folk dance of the Meghwal community. Meghwals play instruments like Dhol, Thali, Satiya, etc, during performance of this folk dance. They wear Dhoti-Kurta, Kamarpatta, Golsafa, Ghungroo, Mojhari, Moje, Panasia, etc during the performance of folk dance. At present, it is taking the form of their religious and recreational activities. Some of the Meghwals also earn their livelihood from the traditional dance practice. Very little enthusiasm has been seen for this dance form among the younger generation of the community. It is due to decreasing interest, limited income through dance performance and unemployment etc, that the folk dance is not able to reach its full potential. Therefore, there is a need to document this folk dance and preserve the valuable heritage of this folk-dance form of the Meghwal community.