The people are moderately bilingual in Sindhi and some also speak Urdu. When Pakistan and India were separated in 1947, millions of Hindu and Muslims became refugees. Most of the Hindus fled to India, but some of the lower castes, such as the Marwari, chose to remain in their homeland. The partition did nothing to ease the ancient antagonism between the Muslims, who are now the vast majority of the population, and the minority Hindus. The Marwari live in either the countryside or the cities.
Irrigation is the key to making the arid land productive.
The large irrigation and power project that is now operating in southeastern Pakistan is important in helping to reclaim desert areas for farming. It will also offer economic hope to the farmers. City residents support themselves through occupations such as tanning leather, weaving, or a variety of similar commercial activities. The long petticoat-type skirts worn by rural Marwari women make them easy to identify from a distance. Village parents forbid girls to abandon the traditional dress, which is worn at all times.