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.

Origin
editRabari 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
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.[4]
References
edit- ^Köhler-Rollefson, Ilse(1992)."The Raika Dromedary Breeders of Rajasthan: A Pastoral System in Crisis".Nomadic Peoples.30(30):74–83.JSTOR43123358.
- ^Chaudhary, Shyam Nandan (2009).Tribal Development Since Independence.Concept Publishing Company. p. 23.ISBN978-81-8069-622-0.
- ^Kothiyal, Tanuja (2016-03-14).Nomadic Narratives: A History of Mobility and Identity in the Great Indian Desert.Cambridge University Press. p. 126.ISBN978-1-107-08031-7.
- ^IANS (2023-07-27)."The evolution of traditional tattoos in India".The Statesman.Retrieved2024-07-15.
Bibliography
editBooks
edit- Francesco D'Orazi Flavoni. (1990)Rabari a Pastoral community of Kutch
- Street, Brian V. (2002),Literacy and Development: Ethnographic Perspectives,Routledge,ISBN9781134566204....
Further reading
edit- Davidson, Robyn(November 1, 1997).Desert Places, pastoral nomads in India (the Rabari).Penguin.ISBN978-0-14-026797-6.
- 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.ISBN978-8-17107-026-8.