The harsh, barren landscape of the Thar is frequently cited as the primary factor behind Marwaris’ migration from Rajasthan. Away from home, initial lack of resources motivated them to work assiduously while adopting a frugal way of life, and these have long been attributed as reasons for their power and influence in society and industry today. Amidst this success, however, a yearning for the roots and a desire to reassert the Marwari identity has continued to connect the community to its kul (lineage). While returning to Rajasthan to celebrate various festivals and rites of passage, Marwari families have pursued philanthropic ventures and constructed temples, schools and social welfare institutions to give back what they felt they owed to their ancestors. MARWAR talks to members of the community on how they have fostered and maintained relations with their homeland and given back to their land of origin.
