TheRabaripeople (also known as Rebari, Raika, Desai and Dewasi people) are a caste group fromRajasthan,Kutchregion ofGujarat,Maharashtra,Haryana,Punjabof India and theSindhprovince 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

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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 fromMarwartoSindhandKutch.The migrations of Rabaris in fact follow similar paths as that ofRajputsandCharans,two other migrant group in this region, indicating intertwined histories. Westphal-Helbusch ascribes the goddess worship traditions of Rabaris to theCharaninfluence.[3]

Tattoo Culture

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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

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  1. ^Köhler-Rollefson, Ilse(1992)."The Raika Dromedary Breeders of Rajasthan: A Pastoral System in Crisis".Nomadic Peoples.30(30):74–83.JSTOR43123358.
  2. ^Chaudhary, Shyam Nandan (2009).Tribal Development Since Independence.Concept Publishing Company. p. 23.ISBN978-81-8069-622-0.
  3. ^Kothiyal, Tanuja (2016-03-14).Nomadic Narratives: A History of Mobility and Identity in the Great Indian Desert.Cambridge University Press. p. 126.ISBN978-1-107-08031-7.
  4. ^IANS (2023-07-27)."The evolution of traditional tattoos in India".The Statesman.Retrieved2024-07-15.

Bibliography

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Books

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Further reading

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