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]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/Ribari%2C_a_caste_of_camel-men_-_Tashrih_al-aqvam_%281825%29%2C_f.345v_-_BL_Add._27255.jpg/220px-Ribari%2C_a_caste_of_camel-men_-_Tashrih_al-aqvam_%281825%29%2C_f.345v_-_BL_Add._27255.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Camels_at_Baroda_in_the_1890s.jpg/220px-Camels_at_Baroda_in_the_1890s.jpg)
Origin
editThe Rabari is camel holder warriors.[clarification needed]
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]
Clans
editThere are reported 133 groups found among the Rabari caste those are also known as Atak (Hakh)[4] some most important classes of Rabari clans are including
Khatana (ખટાણા, ખટોણા)
Rojiya (રોજીયા)
Karotra
Bungor
Azana
Karamta,
Hun
Makona
Hodanchi
Khabla
Ghanghol
Nogoh
Bombaria
Lodha
Shekha
Uchol
Lalotra And some other locally know clans.[4]
Tattoo Culture
editRabaris 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.[5]
References
edit- ^ Köhler-Rollefson, Ilse (1992). "The Raika Dromedary Breeders of Rajasthan: A Pastoral System in Crisis". Nomadic Peoples. 30 (30): 74–83. JSTOR 43123358 – via JSTOR.
- ^ Chaudhary, Shyam Nandan (2009). Tribal Development Since Independence. Concept Publishing Company. p. 23. ISBN 978-81-8069-622-0.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Gujarat. Popular Prakashan. 2003. p. 1158. ISBN 978-81-7991-106-8.
- ^ IANS (2023-07-27). "The evolution of traditional tattoos in India". The Statesman. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
Bibliography
edit- Street, Brian V. (2002), Literacy and Development: Ethnographic Perspectives, Routledge, ISBN 9781134566204....
Further reading
edit- 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.