1. Name :- Saisha Revagade
Class :- 9th Div :- A
Roll no. :- 15
Topic :- Raika community of Rajasthan
Teacher’s name :- Shukleshwar Sir
2. For centuries, the Raika community in Sadri village of
Rajasthan’s Pali district, has been herding camels. The
camel was declared the state animal of Rajasthan in 2014,
and represents what many people associate with this
colourful state: the desert. Camels are essential to
pastoralists because they can survive the heat, require little
water, and offer their milk and hair in return.
Today, however, the herders’ way of life is in jeopardy. The
Raikas find themselves struggling to survive in the face of
disdain for, and often active hostility towards, their migratory
traditions.
Introduction
3. Jogaramji Raika is a senior
herder in his community, as
well as a spiritual leader – or
Bhopaji. He communes with
the gods whom the Raikas
worship – their primary god
is Pabuji. Bhopajis often go
into a trance while they
commune with the spirits.
Jogaramji’s personal place of
worship
4. Members consult their Bhopaji
for advice on various matters,
both personal and community-
related. He is also entrusted
with the responsibility of
making decisions regarding
land issues, or representing the
community at public gatherings.
The oil is made here – concentrated
opium is put in and drips out as a
liquid
5. The Raikas are with their
animals from the time
they are born until they
die – although with a
lifespan of almost 50
years, an animal may well
outlive its owner. Some of
the Raikas even grow up
surrounded by more
animals than people.
6. The Raikas are among the last
people to shear designs on the
camels' sides – this is possible
only because of the deep trust
between a herder and his animal.
For an onlooker from outside the
community, the animal may look
like it is in pain during the
shearing. But the Raikas are able
to communicate with their camels
with the slightest tilt of the head
or hand, and thereby avoid
inflicting cuts. Camel hair is used
to make carpets, and shearing
also keeps the animal cool.
A herder leaves for the day
7. The Raikas are among the last people
to shear designs on the camels' sides –
this is possible only because of the
deep trust between a herder and his
animal. For an onlooker from outside
the community, the animal may look
like it is in pain during the shearing.
But the Raikas are able to
communicate with their camels with
the slightest tilt of the head or hand,
and thereby avoid inflicting cuts.
Camel hair is used to make carpets,
and shearing also keeps the animal
cool.
The Raikas help shear the camels owned by
an NGO in Sadri
8. Twenty years ago, the pastoralists and
farmers were linked economically and
socially. When the herder took his flocks
on a long trek, he would often have to
cross farmlands. Here, the pastoralists
provided the farmer with premium
fertiliser and fresh milk from the camel.
The farmer, in turn, would provide the
pastoralist with food. Since the herder’s
route seldom changed, an association
was formed between the two, which
could span generations. Now, many
farmers don’t allow herders on their
lands fearing they will destroy the fields
or the camels will eat their crops
Camels busy grazing, eating off the
trees
9. New laws and policies, supported by some
environmentalists and animal rights’ groups,
have curtailed the movement and altered the
lifestyle of the Raikas. National parks like
Kumbhalgarh in Rajsamand district now
restrict access to pastoralists, limiting their
centuries-old migration patterns.
With the new restrictive laws making it
difficult for camel herders to access land and
resources, some Raikas have been forced to
sell female camels at the Pushkar festival.
They had never done this before the year
2000 – until then, only male camels were
sold. The sale of female camels is the
ultimate sign of resignation for a Raika:
without these animals, there is no chance of
increasing the herd.
