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]

Vintage Rabari Bag with heavy embroidery that is unique to Rabaris of Western India. Such bags are used for gifting at wedding ceremonies.

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]