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Rabari

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(Redirected from Raikas) Ethnic group of India
Rabari, a caste of Camel Herders- Tashrih al-aqvam (1825)

The Rabari people (also known as Rebari, Raika, Desai and Dewasi people) are a caste group from Rajasthan, Kutch region of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab of India and the Sindh province of Pakistan. They were traditionally camel herders but have now taken to rearing sheep and cattle.

Origin

Rabari from Baroda state, 1911

Rabari claim Baluchistan as the place of their origin. According to Sigrid Westphal-Helbusch, significant migrations of Rabaris took place between 12th to 14th century, when they moved from Marwar to Sindh and Kutch. The migrations of Rabaris in fact follow similar paths as that of Rajputs and Charans, two other migrant group in this region, indicating intertwined histories. Westphal-Helbusch ascribes the goddess worship traditions of Rabaris to the Charan influence.

Mythological Roots: Legends trace their origin to Lord Shiva, who is said to have created the first Rabari to care for camels. Others suggest migration from the Iranian Plateau via Afghanistan to Rajasthan.

Historical Role: Traditionally associated with "camel and livestock herding", they played a vital role in trade and transport across desert routes.

Lifestyle & Occupation

Pastoral Nomadism : Migrate seasonally with herds of camels, sheep, and goats in search of grazing land.

Settled Communities : Increasingly, many have transitioned to agriculture or settled villages due to shrinking grazing lands.

Economic Activities : Sell milk, wool and handicrafts for livelihood.

Social Structure

Clan System: Divided into 12 clans (e.g.Panchaliya,Sorthiya, Mewasia, Dhebariya), each led by a headman (naik). Marriages are often arranged within clans.

Gender Roles: Women manage households and crafts, while men herd livestock. Women hold significant social influence.

Culture & Traditions

Attire: 

 Women: Wear black/dark-colored embroidered skirts (*lehenga*), blouses, and odhnis (scarves). Silver jewelry symbolizes marital status and wealth.
 Men: Don white turbans, kedias (short jackets), and dhotis.

Tattoos: Women adorn hands, necks, and feet with tattoos (godna), believed to protect against evil.

Festivals: Celebrate Navratri, Diwali, and Holi, with rituals honoring livestock and deities like Mata Devi (mother goddess).

Religion & Beliefs

Hinduism: Worship Rama,Shiva, Krishna, and regional deities. Rituals often focus on protecting livestock and ensuring prosperity. Animism: Belief in spirits (Pitru) and ancestral worship persists, blending with Hindu practices.

Contemporary Status

Population: Estimated 1–2 million, with Gujarat’s Kutch region being a major hub.

Adaptation: Many Rabari now integrate modern livelihoods (e.g., driving, small businesses) while preserving cultural practices.

Unique Features

Camel Expertise: Renowned for camel breeding; Kutch camels are prized for endurance.

Oral Traditions: Folktales and songs passed down through generations, often celebrating love, bravery, and nature.

Rabari Sakh (133)

There are total 133 Sakh in Rabari. The Shakhs are also known as “VIHOTAR” which means Vis+Sau+Ter(20+100+13=133).

List of Sakh : 

A- Aal, Azaana

B- Bal, Bhaangra, Bharai, Bhadka, Bhatcha or Bhaatka, Bhedred, Bhoku (pohku), Bhumbhaliya, Bhungor, Bhusya, Buchotar, Balesh, Bhim, Bhopu, Bhundre, Bhati,Baharai & Badh.

C- Chavda, Charakta, Chelaana (Bharai), Chauhan (Chohan), Charamta (Karamta)

D- Daya, Dev, Dodana, Diya, Dhagal

G- Garchar, Galchar, Ghatiya, Gehar(punjab), Ghanghar, Gohil, Garsar

H- haumod, Hathol, Huchol (Suchol), Hun

I- Ihor

J- Jamla, Jaha, Jotana, Jiyod

K- Kachhela, Kachhod, Kaalor, Kaid, Kalotara, Khaambhala, Khatana, Kola, Kankuta, Kataria, Karmata,Kodiyatar

L- Lalutara, Laltuka, Lodha, Luni

M- Makwana, Moidav or Moree, Motan, Maru

N- Nogoh, Navor

P- Padhar, Padheriya, Pahwala, Parmar, Punchhalya, Padhiyar, Pavar, Patval, Panwar, Pusala

R- Ranjya, Roziya, Rathod, Ranva

S- Sambod, Savdhariya, Seval, Shekha, Shilora, Solanki, Songra,Sangawat,Shamla

T- Tomar

U- Ulava, Umot

V- Vatma,Verana,Vansh

Tattoo Culture

Rabaris were known for their elaborate Trajva tattoos. They are usually done on the forearms, face, throat. The tattoo can have a range of meanings, including representations of fertility or skill milestones. Green sap from a nearby plant is mixed with soot to make the tattoos.

References

  1. Köhler-Rollefson, Ilse (1992). "The Raika Dromedary Breeders of Rajasthan: A Pastoral System in Crisis". Nomadic Peoples. 30 (30): 74–83. JSTOR 43123358.
  2. Chaudhary, Shyam Nandan (2009). Tribal Development Since Independence. Concept Publishing Company. p. 23. ISBN 978-81-8069-622-0.
  3. Kothiyal, Tanuja (2016-03-14). Nomadic Narratives: A History of Mobility and Identity in the Great Indian Desert. Cambridge University Press. p. 126. ISBN 978-1-107-08031-7.
  4. frater, judy (1995). Threads of identity : embroidery and adornment of the nomadic Rabaris. Ahmedabad : Mapin Pub. ; Middletown, NJ : Grantha Corp. Seattle : Distributor for North America, University of Washington Press. p. 224. ISBN 9780944142479. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  5. IANS (2023-07-27). "The evolution of traditional tattoos in India". The Statesman. Retrieved 2024-07-15.

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