Meena

Who are the Meena?

The Meena are a large adivasi community of northern and western India, especially Rajasthan. They are organized into many clans and sub-clans, each tracing descent from an ancestor. Their sense of identity is shaped by oral traditions, clan ties, and shared customs. Historically, the Meena have been linked to the ancient Matsya kingdom and claim descent from the Matsya avatar of Vishnu. Today, they are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh, and maintain a distinct social and cultural presence.

Where do the Meena live?

The Meena mainly live in Rajasthan, but also in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Their homeland includes the Aravalli hills, forests, and plains of Rajasthan, a region known for its dry climate and varied landscapes. Many Meena villages are found near forests or hilly areas, reflecting their historical adaptation to these environments.

What language do the Meena speak?

Meenas speak a range of languages, including Hindi and several Rajasthani dialects such as Mewari, Marwari, Dhundari, Harauti, Mewati, Wagdi, Malvi, and Bhili. Language use often depends on the region and clan. These languages are widely spoken in their areas, and many Meenas are multilingual.

How do the Meena live?

Traditionally, the Meena were a nomadic and later semi-nomadic people, but most now practice settled farming. They grow crops suited to the dry climate of Rajasthan and nearby states. Some Meenas also work in towns and cities or engage in crafts. Their homes are often built from local materials. Women are known for Mandana wall paintings, a traditional art form used to decorate houses during festivals and special occasions.

How is Meena society organised?

Meena society is organized into clans and sub-clans, called adakhs, each named after an ancestor. Marriage is usually within the community but outside the clan. The Meena have customary laws and are noted for granting women better rights than many other Hindu castes. Leadership is often based on elders and consensus. Some sub-groups, such as Ujwal Meena, claim higher status and follow vegetarianism, while others maintain different customs.

What do the Meena believe?

Most Meenas follow Hinduism, worshipping family deities and practicing rituals such as Pitra Tarpan during Diwali. Tree and plant worship is common in marriages and festivals, following the Dharadi tradition. Each clan has its own family deity. The community celebrates Meenesh Jayanti and maintains oral traditions to preserve their history. Mandana painting is a notable art practiced by Meena women.

The history of the Meena

The Meena trace their origins to the ancient Matsya kingdom and the Matsya avatar of Vishnu. Historically, they ruled parts of Rajasthan until displaced by Rajput and later Muslim rulers. After losing power, many retreated to forests and hills. Under British rule, the Meena were classified as a 'criminal tribe' under colonial laws, a stigma that lasted until 1952. The community has a history of resistance, including a rebellion in Jaipur in the 1840s. In 1954, they were recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, which improved their legal status.

Meena life today

Today, the Meena number about 5 million, mainly in Rajasthan. They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, which gives them certain legal rights and access to reservations in education and jobs. The community is diverse, with some groups better off than others. They continue to face challenges related to social status, land, and competition for resources, but maintain strong cultural traditions and a sense of identity.

Questions people ask about the Meena

Sources and further reading

• Meena on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Meena themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.