Rabari

Asia in 1200 AD, showing the Yadava Dynasty and its neighbors.

Members of the Rabari or Rewari tribe live throughout Gujarat, Punjab, Harayana,Uttar Pradesh,Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states in India.There are many Rabari families in Pakistan,especially in the Sindh.They are also known as Desai,Dewasi,Hirvanshi,Rebari,Rebadi and Rayka/Raika.The word "Rabari" means outsiders. This is because of their occupation. Rabari's main business used to be raising cattle, camels and goats; for some this is still the case. These animals needed lots of space for pasturing. Due to this, the Rabari couldn't live in towns and have room for their animals. They started living on the outskirts of towns and beyond for this necessity. They gave a name to such a community " Dhani ". Dhani means Basati-community. As it was out side the main community, so the name became Rabari for these people.

Now a days a very small percentage of Rabari are nomadic. (1-2%) Most of the grazing land is gone in India. , because of an increase in human population. After independence of India, many other opportunities opened up in business and education. So most Rabari at present day have settled down in their original communities, and are engaging in commerce and agriculture. Many have entered into politics. In state of Gujrat some Rabaries became ministers and some became member of parliament in Delhi. Education has opened up other avenue for them. So many became lawyers,engineers,teachers,nurses,dentists,doctors and MOD staff. Not all Rabari live in India now, some who wanted a better life,live abroad in countries like Canada,USA,UK and Australia.

Origin

About their origin there are interesting myths. According to one of the legends on their origin, Lord Shiva gave Sambal, one of these minions, three apsaras, to marry and flourish with a condition that he will not speak one word to them. If the violated the condition, the apsaras would be lost forever. From his association, one son and four daughters were born. Soon, the family grew large and therefore the lord asked him to go and dwell on the earth.Because of this they were called "the goers out of the path" or Rabari. Since then Sambal was called Rabari.

According to another version, Sambal was an ace camel breeder. Someone started stealing the beautiful and sturdy animals. Sambal soon discovered that the stealer was a goddess. However, Sambal caught her and through a clever stratagem removed her clothes, leaving her in an embarrassing situation. As per the tradition in situations like this, the two married and after wandering across Haryana, Rajasthan and Sind, settled in Kutch.

Rabaris are devout Hindus. According to their myth of existence they were created by Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, who wiped the dust and sweat from Shiva as he was meditating and fashioned the very first camel from the dust balls she collected from his body. Once Shiva had breathed life into this camel, it kept running away, so Parvati fashioned a man, and the first Rabari was given life so he could mind the camel. Keeping animals has thus always been a pious occupation and Rabaris see themselves primarily as custodians of animals during their moral existence, rather than their owners. It is also their beliefs that the mother goddess presides over them. Her advice is taken about when to start out migration, and animals are commended to her care.

Some says Rabari are the remnant of Huns, who invaded India in the fifth century AD.King Mihirakul converted to Hinduism in sixth century. King Mihirakul adapted Hindu religion, and became a devotee of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the destroyer of evil in Hindu mythology.Hun is a one of the subcaste of Rabari caste.

Rabaris are also believed to be the sub-castes of Rajputs because they share many clans like Rathod,Solanki,Bhati,Parmar etc. with Rajputs.These clans are called ' NAKH ' in Rabaris.This clans are further sub-divided in SHAKHS [Branches].

Story regarding there migration is that,many years ago Jaiselmer, Rajasthan was the main centre for Rabaris. Once, a Muslim King fell in love with a young Rabari girl. However, his proposal was refused by the community. The king got angry and threatened to kill all of them. The Rabaris out of fear broke their camp in the middle of the night with the help of a Muslim man. But the Muslim man while assisting the Rabaris for their escape was killed by the king. So it is told that Rabari women wore black from then to mourn his death. It is also said that the loyalty of this man gives insight to the ease of interaction between the Hindu Rabaris and Muslims found in Kutch. Some historians associate the Muslim King with Ala-ud-din Khilji. During his rule, it is believed that migration of Rabaris took place to Kutch. Some also identify Rabaris with Huns who came to India in the middle of 1st millennium

Lifestyle

Traditionally they are camel herders, and were once nomadic people. These days the Rabaris are said to be semi-nomadic. They live in small hamlets of round huts with mud walls and thatched roofs. The women manage the hamlets and are shrewd and intelligent. They sell wool and clarified butter to city merchants and manage all money matters. The women are strong, tall and well built. The Rabari men can often be seen roaming the countryside with their droves. They travel hundreds of miles on annual migration routes in search of new pastures to graze their animals. Rabari girls can be married from as young as 15-months old. Most of the Rabari marriages take place on the same day once a year and can be very extravagant event involving polygamist rites.

Part of Large Family

Rabaris are mainly dependant on milk profession.Other communities like them are identified by different names in different regions of the country like Ahir,Maldhari, Dhanger,Gowda etc. The only commonality is the profession of cattle raising. They are living in different parts of India for millennia. While Rabari are comparatively recent migrant. They are the part of Huns (Hunas). Other tribe each claim different origin. An example, Oraon are earliest inhabitant (Abrogenial) of Orisa province in south east India. Prier to the arrival of Aryan tribe or Sanskrit speaking people. Reference Structure of Hindu society by N.K. Bose published by Oriental Longman limited Delhi in 1937. Gowda claim origin from Dravidians. Dravidians were the original people in India. They are the one who established Indus civilization. Reference Harpa and Monajodaro archaeological findings. These sites were in Indus valley thousands years prier to arrival of Aryan. These other tribes or caste are good, but none of them have any genealogical, hereditary, endogeny or exogeny relation ships to each other. Each of these are proud people. They developed their profession (cattle raising) independently of each other in different part of India over thousands of years ago. Reference to support this statement is found in the books published in twentieth century by many authors. Particularly by N.K.Bose as above. Second book, Castes. (The emergence of the South Asian social system) by Mortan Klass. Published by- Institute for study of Human issue, Philadelphia. PA. USA.

Andar, Ahiyaru, Ahir, Appugol, Maldhari / Bharwad / Rabari, Bharavadaru, Dhangar, Dhangad / Dhanwar / Dhanka /Dhangod, Doddi Gowda, Gadhariya, Gadaria, Gowda, Gaddi, Gadri, Gollavadu, Gounder, Halumatha, Heggades, Idyar, Khuruk, Kuda, Kuruba, Kuruba Gowda, Kurumba, Kurmar, Kurumbar, Kalavar, Kuruma, Kurumavaaru, Kurkhi, Kurupu, Naikers, Nikhers, Oraon, Pal / Pala, Palaru, Paalakyatriya, Poduvar, Yadavalu, Pashupalak, Rayka.

There are number of areas where Rabari community live, and majority of Rabari's live in all over in the states of India's Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhyapradesh and then now they are get involved and played important roles in the development of India by the developing their self in education, milk business etc.

Religion

All Rabaris do follow Hindu religion. Rabari are worshippers of Mata Devi.Many of them serve as priests (Bhuva/Bhopa) in Mata Devi temples. Mata Devi, however is honoured in all her natural elements.Rabaris also worshipp 'Goga Maharaj',who is belived to be incarnation of 'Gogaji Chauhan',a brave Rajut warrior ,who laid his life to save the cows of Rabaris. Rabari in Saurashtra region (Gujarat) believe in momai mataji. They have 8 main madh(temples) and 1 deri(temple).Every year on [Navratri festival] they celebrate a community function called punj.Rabari from all over the state, get together and worship the goddess.

Important religious places of Rabari caste:-

1.Dudhrej ,near Surendranagar(Gujarat).

2.Valinath Akhada ,near Visnagar(Gujarat).

3.Pirana ,near Ahmedabad(Gujarat).

4.Ravrai Ravechi Mataji Dham ,near Rapar(Gujarat).

5.Kasva Goga Maharaj ,near Kadi,(Gujarat).

6.Chamunda Mata,Chotila ,near Sayla,(Gujarat).

7.Dwarkadheesh Krishna ,Dwarka ,near Jamnagar,(Gujarat).

8.Ramdev Pir,Ramdevra,Pokhran,Rajasthan.

9.Khodiyarmata Temple,Bhavnagar,Gujarat.

Rabari Culture

Rabaris do have very rich cultural past and present.They are known for their "Rabari Bharat (Embroidery)",especially in Kutch. Embroidery is a vital, living and evolving expression of the crafted textile tradition of the Rabaris. Rabari women diligently do embroidery on textiles as an expression of creativity, aesthetics and identity as far as the tribe’s collective memory goes. Afternoons are time for embroidery in all Rabari villages when women routinely embroider trousseaus, everyday apparel, dowry bags, bride's ghagro (skirt), kanchali (blouse) and ludi (veil), the groom's kediyan or shirt, children's cradle cloths as well as dowry bags and auspicious torans. Rabari embroidery is very vigorous, with bold shapes. Designs are taken from mythology and from their desert surroundings. They use glass mirrors in various shapes: round, lozenge, rectangular, square, triangular, and beak shaped. The stitches are square chain interlaced with buttonhole for mirror work, single chain, knot, Romanian, blanket interlaced with herringbone, running, and double running. Another interesting aspect of Raabari women is their earrings which is the most abstract form of snake earrings. Women in Puskar, Rajasthan describe a mushroom as snake umbrella, because it comes out after the rains and snakes have the habit of hiding under its hood. The nagali earring is supposed to stand for the double shape of the mushroom.

Rabari tribes, now living in Kutch passed the Puskar region on their migration from the north of Rajasthan and may have seen the local earrings there, or rather transferred their main designs to the village people.

The nagali earrings of the Kutchi Rabari with their spiral, spring like shape can be considered as the form most closely related to snake. Their attire(clothes),which is different on regional basis,also shows their culture.We can see that in Navratri festival days,urban people try to imitate their attire.The Rabari women are easily distinguished by their long, black headscarves, which fall loosely to the ground. They wear distinctive heavy brass earrings which hang low, stretching the earlobes. They tattoo magical symbols onto their necks, breasts and arms. Their jewelry is modest in comparison to other tribal women. They wear small gold nose ring and silver and gold chains around the neck on which protective amulets are hung. Few simple glass bracelets adorn their arms.

In contrast to woman, a Rabari man commonly appears in white dress, golden earrings and a big stick in the hand. They wear dhoti and on the top a short double breasted waist coat (all white) laced over the chest and tied, long sleeves which are gathered up and folded at the arms.The head is covered with 'Paghadi'(Turban).

They also do have mass collection of rare folk songs and stories.Rabari women even sing on their loved one's death occasion,which is their tradition.

One of the most common thing in their culture is highlighted in their food habit,it is that from wherever they may belong,they consume lots of milk and milk products.

Problems of Rabari community

1.Lack of Literacy.

2.Child Marriage.

3.Prevalance of Superstitions.

4.Social barriers

5.Redundant old age-traditions.

6.Long fought divorce problems.

7.Lack of hostels and community-places in major cities.

8.Large chunk population still resides in rural area and earning very less.

9.Youth is unemployed or employed in sub-standard employment.

10.Reducing pasture land [ 'Gauchar' ].

11.Lack of representation in political arena despite of large population.

Rabari Subcastes (Shakh)

As said earlier,Rabaris are also believed to be the sub-castes of Rajputs because they share many clans like Rathod,Solanki,Bhati,Parmar etc. with Rajputs.These clans are called ' NAKH ' in Rabaris.This clans are further sub-divided in SHAKHS [Branches].The total Shakhs are 133.The Shakhs are also known as "VIHOTAR" which means Vis+Sau+Ter(20+100+13=133). Rabari's have 133 sub casts like Nagoh, Moidav, Bhungor, Kola, Aal, Khambhalya, Khatana, Ghangol, Bhangra, Lavtuka, Kalotra, Mori, Bhumbhaliya, Savdharia, Punchlya, Kodiyatar, Bharai,etc.

A- Aal, Azana

B- Bal, Bhangra, Bhatcha or Bhatka, Bhedred, Bhoku, Bhumbhaliya, Bhungor, Bhusya, Buchotar, Balech, Bhim, Bhopu, Bhundre, Bharai

C- Chavda, Charakta, Chelana

D- Daya, Dev, Dodana, Diya

G- Galchar, Ghanghol, Ghatiya

H- Hathol, Hunchol

I- Ihor

J- Jamlaa, Jaha, Jotana, Jiyod

K- Kachhela, Kachhod, Kalor, Kaid, Kalotra, Khaambhalya, Khatana, Kola, Karamta, Kankuta, Katara

L- Lalutara, Lavtuka, Lodha, Luni

M- Makwana, Moidav, Mori

N- Nagoh, Navor

P- Padhar, Padheriya, Pahwala, Parmar, Punchhalya, Padhiyar, Pavar, Patval

R- Rangiya, Roziya, Rathod, Ranva

S- Saambod, Savdhariya, Seval, Shekha, Shilora, Solanki, Suchol

U- Ulava, Umot

V- Vatma,Verana

Proud of Rabari Caste

1. Ranchod Pagi (Libala Ta.Vav) Dist.Banaskantha,He helped immensely to Indian Army as a guide during the war of 1965 A.D and the war of 1971 A.D with Pakistan.He is in good health at the age of post 80.

2. Sagar Rayka,First and the only Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) of Rabari Caste.

3. Nathabhai Desai (Olavi),First MLA of Rabari Caste in Gujarat.

4. Mihir Rayka,First Rabari who has cleared UPSC exam in Gujarat.

5. Hamir Rabari,Hamirsar lake of Bhuj's name is dedicated to him.

6. Nimba Ram,First Rabari who has cleared civil service of India(UPSC)in 2007.

7. Arjunbhai Amibhai Rayka(Surat),He fought for independence with Portugese in Goa,Daman,Div,D.N & Haveli.

8. Babubhai Jesangbhai Desai,Danvir Ratna,MLA-Kankrej,Gujarat.

9 .Usha Rada-DySP,1st Rabari lady to be ACP, Gujarat.

10. Hirabhai Velabahi Khambhalya(Vankaner),He fought for independence with Junagadh Nawab,in Aarzee Hukumat battle.

Rabari Politicians

1. Sagar Rayka,First and the only Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) of Rabari Caste.

2. Nathabhai Desai(Olavi),First MLA of Rabari Caste in Gujarat.

3. Babubhai Jesangbhai Desai(Danvir Ratna),MLA- Kankrej,Gujarat.

4. Mafabhai Vihabhai Desai (Ghajnipur),Banaskantha, Former MLA,Gujarat.

5. Maljibhai Devjibhai Desai,Former MLA,Gujarat.

6. Ranchodbhai Desai,Former Minister,Gujarat.

7. Bhikhabhai Desai,Former Minister, Vadodara,Gujarat.

8. Ratan Shankarbhai Dewasi,MLA,Rajasthan.

9. Ottaram Dewasi,MLA,Rajasthan.

10. Ratibhai Desai,Former Mayor,Vadodara,Gujarat.

11. Babubhai Karshanbhai Rayka,Former Leader of Opposition of Surat Municipal Corporation and Former President Of Bar Council Of Surat,Gujarat.

12. Sanjaybhai Desai,Chairman,Gujarat Gopalak Vikas Nigam.

13. Rameshbhai Desai,Former Leader of Ruling Party,Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation,Gujarat.

14. Govabhai Hamirabhai Desai,Former MLA,Gujarat.

15. Kanjibhai Motibhai Desai,President,Taluka Panchayat,Patan,Gujarat.

16. Mehurbhai Lavtuka,Congerss President,Bhavnagar District,Gujarat.

17. Baldevbhai Luni,General Secretary,Gujarat Congress,Gujarat.

18.Babubhai Motibhai Desai,Congerss President,Patan District,Gujarat.

Rabari Government Officers

1.Mr.Dhagal,1st IPS of Rabari caste,Gujarat.Now Retired.

2.J M Luni,1st IAS of Rabari caste,Gujarat.

3.Mr.Galchar,1st IRS of Rabari caste,Gujarat.

4.V V Rabari,IPS,Gujarat.

5.I M Desai,IPS,Gujarat.

6.Mihir Rayka,IRS,Gujarat.

7.Usha Rada,DySP,ACP,Gujarat.

8.S M Khatana,Dy.Collector,Gujarat.

9.Mr.Galchar,Dy.Colector.Gujarat.

10.Mr.Dhagal,Dy.Collector,Gujarat.

11.B L Desai,Dy.Director Social Welfare Dept.,Gujarat.

12.Nimbaram,IRS,Rajastahan.

13.S K Desai, Judge(JMFC),Gujarat.

14.Bhupendrabhai Deasi,Salestax Officer,Gujarat.

15.Kusumben Deasi,Salestax Officer,Gujarat.

16.Ruturaj Desai,Taluka Development Officer,Gujarat.

17.Jibhai DesaiTaluka Development Officer,,Gujarat.

18.Ajit Desai,Taluka Development Officer,Gujarat.

19.Kamleshbhai Desai,Taluka Development Officer,Gujarat.

20.Baldevbhai C. Desai,Mamlatdar,Gujarat.

21.Jagdishbhai Desai,Mamlatdar,Gujarat.

22.Naranbhai Muchar,Mamlatdar,Gujarat.

23.Rasilaben Rayka,Mamlatdar,Gujarat.

24.Devangiben Desai,Mamlatdar,Gujarat.

25.Baldevbhai Desai,Asst.Commi.Salestax,Gujarat.

26.Devendrabhai Desai,Social Welfare Officer.,Gujarat.

27.Akhibhai Luni,Mamlatdar,Gujarat.

28.Vaghjibhai S.Desai,DySP,Gujarat.

29.Ishwerbhai Nagjibhai Desai,DySP,Gujarat.

Rabari NGO/Charitable Trusts

1.'RECT'( Raika Education Charitable Trust),run by Lalsingh Pawar (Director) in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

2.'RAM ROTI ANNAKSHETRA AASHRAM',run by Vaja Bhagat,Surendranagar,Gujarat.

3.'MARAG',run by Laljibhai Desai in Gujarat.

4.'MANAV KALYAN TRUST'.run by Lallubhai Desai,Gujarat.

5.'JANJAGRAN SANGH',run by Tejabhai Desai,Gujarat.

Community Magazines

1.'Gopal Bandhu',run by Govindbhai Desai,Gujarat.

2.'Rajasthan Lok Disha',run by Umedsingh Dewasi,Jaipur,Rajasthan.

3.'Gopal Gatha',run by Amrutbhai Desai,Gujarat.

4.'Rabari Mahima',run by Virabhai Kodiyatar,Porbandar,Gujarat.

5.'Gopalak Dotcom',run by Arjunbhai Desai,Vadodara,Gujarat.

See also

• Dhangar
• Maldhari

• Rabari, Hindu of India
• RABARIS - THE PASTORAL COMMUNITY
• THROUGH A PHOTOGRAPHER'S EYE - RABARI
• In and around Jodhpur, Rabari nomads
• Rabaris
• "Rabari" the Last of the Wandering Shepherds
• Rabari Tribals of Kutch, Gujarat
• The People
• rabari online
• JAY VADWALA

References

2. Mirella Ferrera, People of the world. Published by VMB publisher 13100 Vercelli, Italy 2005

• Sinlung Sinlung - Indian tribes