Name) Tenbite Ermias

Grade & section) 12NB

Rabari, India

The Rabari, also called the Rewari or Desai, are an indigenous tribal caste of nomadic cattle and
camel herders and shepherds that live throughout northwest India, primarily in the states of Gujarat,
Punjab and Rajasthan. There are approximately 2,70000 Rabari living in India at the present time.
Other Rabari groups also live in Pakistan, especially in the region of the Sindh Desert. The word
“Rabari” translates as “outsiders”, a fair description of their primary occupation and status within
Indian society.

The exact origin of the Rabari people is unknown. It is most likely that they migrated to India from
Iran via Afghanistan through Baluchistan around a thousand year ago, although this has been
disputed by some experts, who propose a stronger relationship with the Rajputs of Rajasthan.

The majority of Rabari, which include 133 recognised sub casts, follow the Hindu faith. According to
their creation myth they were created by Matadevi (Pavarti), the consort of Lord Shiva and great
mother goddess of India. As one version of the story goes, she cleaned dust and sweat from Shiva as
he meditated and moulded a camel from the dirt (in another version, he creates the first camel for
her as an amusement). However it kept running away, so Parvati created the first Rabari to mind it.
Keeping animals is therefore regarded as a near sacred occupation by the Rabari who see
themselves as their herds’ custodians rather than their owners. The Rabari also believe that they are
the special children of Pavarti, and seek her advice in all important matters, for example when to
start the annual herd migration. Unsurprisingly given their bond with the Mother Goddess, Rabari
social structure is matriarchal, with women conducting the majority of their business affairs and
managing their villages, while men are in charge of the animal herds that form the only true Rabari
assets.

Traditionally the Rabari followed a highly nomadic way of life, living in tents or under the open skies
and raising cattle, camels and goats. As India has changed, so has general tolerance to nomadic
groups, who relied in the past on ancestral grazing rights and ancient right-of-ways. Today only a
very small percentage of Rabari are truly nomadic, with the majority to be found settled on the
outskirts of cities, towns and villages in semi-nomadic lifestyles, following the seasonal rains for
periods of time, then returning to their villages.

The Rabari are known for their distinctive art, particularly the mirrored and whitewashed mud
sculpture-work that adorns their homes and villages. Rabari women are responsible for this artwork
and also traditionally spin the wool from their sheep and goats, and give it to local weavers to make
their woollen skirts, veils, blankets and turbans. However the women are most renowned for their
detailed embroidery and beadwork. Rabari women embroider clothing, bags, household
decorations and animal trappings in patterns that subtly highlight significant events, rites and values
in their lives, as well as historical events important to the entire tribe, which helps to perpetuate
Rabari knowledge of their heritage, particularly as he majority of Rabari are illiterate and have no
written tradition. While unmarried women embroider blouses, skirts, veils, wall hangings, pillows,
purses and dowry sacks as contributions to their own dowries, married women embroider children’s
clothing, animal trappings, household items and cradle cloths as well.

Given that there are so many Rabari sub-casts spread over such a large geographical area, it is not
surprising that their image, status and prosperity differs from region to region. Even Rabari fashion
has changed with time. The Rabari are one of the most photographed minorities in India because of
their striking dress and jewellery, vibrant embroidery work and beautifully geometric house
decoration. And yet, in modern India, their needs and requirements are often overlooked, and in
some areas, they are giving up traditional dress in favour of western clothing. If the Rabari have a
future as a distinct people, it is evident that that future rests in their own hands.