Leena Sharma from Udaipur is going to present her research on Gadoliya Lohar tribe of Mewar. The presentation is going to be in Paris in July. In 25^th European Conference on South Asian Studies, Leena Sharma will be the only person from Rajasthan presenting her research.

Leena’s research is based on Gadoliya Lohar tribe of Mewar. Pursuing her M.Phil, Leena will be throwing light on a specific tradition of this tribe. Her research says that Gadoliya Lohar tribe has a different system of dowry. As per dowry system that has prevailed in Indian society since long, the bride’s family gives a variety of things as dowry to the groom’s family. But in Gadoliya community, the groom’s family gives dowry to the bride’s family.

Studying in Gujarat University, Leena spent her time researching in Udaipur and Chittorgarh. She has also translated the folk songs prevailing in Gadoliya Lohar tribe. Tattoos are also common in this tribe. Every child has his name and even images of deities as tattoos. Her study gives a historical description of the formation of Gadoliya Lohar tribe. The research also says that the folk songs of this community have a vivid mention of their life style. The folk songs comprise of dedications towards deities, wedding songs and a lot of rituals. As per Leena’s research, these songs have now adopted Bollywood tunes instead of the ancient traditional ones.