Rabari

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.^[1][2] They were traditionally camel herders but have now taken to rearing sheep and cattle.

Rabari, a caste of Camel Herders- Tashrih al-aqvam (1825)

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.^[3]

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.^[4]

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. IANS (2023-07-27). "The evolution of traditional tattoos in India". The Statesman. Retrieved 2024-07-15.

Bibliography

Books

• Francesco D'Orazi Flavoni. (1990) Rabari a Pastoral community of Kutch

• Street, Brian V. (2002), Literacy and Development: Ethnographic Perspectives, Routledge, ISBN 9781134566204....

Further reading

• Davidson, Robyn (November 1, 1997). Desert Places, pastoral nomads in India (the Rabari). Penguin. ISBN 978-0-14-026797-6.
• Mirella Ferrera, People of the world. Published by VMB publisher 13100 Vercelli, Italy 2005
• Flavoni, Francesco D'orazi (1990). Rabari: A Pastoral Community of Kutch. Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts and Brijbasi Printers. ISBN 978-8-17107-026-8.