Prelude
The rathwa community stays in chotta udepur area of guajrat. They are Described as small & marginal farmers. Their supreme deity is baba dev. The Tribal people beleive in badhas and bhuvas are the people who remove them, Using religious rituals. Pithoro also know as " pithoro baba " is an Important deity of the rathwas. For the rathwas, this deity is very much Alive, pithoro withnesses all the good and bad events of their lives. Whenever a rathwa is in trouble, pithoro is invoked. A vow is taken, the Fulfilment of which has to result in a painting on th house of vow taker.
Chotta udepur is it proximity to various hamlets of bhils, rathwas, Bhilalas and other tribes. A tour of the tribal village and hamlets offer An insight into traditional architecture, lifestyle & handicrafts of each Aboriginal community in the tirbal market called " hatt " occur at Different villages. Rathwas who can be seen & sporting colourful attires And chunky jewellery, pithora painting, pottery, terracotta figures, Langoti wearing and bamboo basket weaving and important handicrafts.
The Kali Niketan (Nahar Mahal) palace, built as the summer residence of the erstwhile royal family is a notable monument in Chhota Udaipur. Chhota Udaipur is also known for the Rathwas in and around the city. The Rathwas are known for Pithora painting, usually carried out on the walls of the village houses. The tribal museum of Chhota Udaipur has a large collection of tribal artefacts. Many tribal artefacts are also brought for sale in the hats (weekly markets) in the city and nearby villages.industries in largest dolomite lums and powder.