Question

What is raikas about 200 words

Answer 1

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.

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.

PHOTO • SWETA DAGA

Jogaramji’s personal place of worship

When I first met Jogaramji, he was in the midst of speaking with members of the community while concocting a mixture of opium oil. He smokes or ingests some of it at various intervals during the day. His wife was busy making breakfast.

PHOTO • SWETA DAGA

The oil is made here – concentrated opium is put in and drips out as a liquid

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.

PHOTO • SWETA DAGA

Members of the community come to meet their Bhopaji everyday

Jogaramji spoke about the problems in the community, and about his family. Formal education is important nowadays, he said, at least in perception, and he will ensure that his daughter, Rekha, goes to school. “School seems to earn respect,” he explained. “We didn’t go to school so people don’t respect us because they think we don’t understand the ways of the world. Moreover, she’s a girl. She needs more ways of protecting herself.”

At the same time, Jogaramji will also pass on his traditional wisdom to Rekha. As a girl growing up in a herding community, she has freedoms that are denied to many others – a glimpse of her playing with a camel shows how much she is at ease with animals.

PHOTO • SWETA DAGA

Rekha, Bhopaji's daughter, is entirely comfortable with the camels

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.

PHOTO • SWETA DAGA

A herder leaves for the day

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.

PHOTO • SWETA DAGA

The Raikas help shear the camels owned by an NGO in Sadri

I accompanied Fuyaramji, another experienced herder, on a chadiye – when the animal is taken out for grazing. Usually, this lasts all day.

PHOTO • SWETA DAGA

Fuyaramji shepherds the camels throughout the day

He leaves in the morning, tucking provisions for tea and food inside his turban, and returns late in the evening. Despite the searing heat of Rajasthan summers, and with 20 camels to look after, he still makes and shares his tea with me.

PHOTO • SWETA DAGA

Making tea while on a ‘chadiye’

Previously, the Raikas only sold young male camels to earn an income. That isn’t enough anymore. They now sell camel products to supplement their earnings. But it is difficult, said Fuyaramji. Rich in nutrients, camel milk is considered the next “super food.” But its sale in India has not taken off because of numerous restrictions enforced by government dairies. Without such sales, the Raikas’ ability to sustain themselves is on the decline. As a result, many leave the community looking for alternative livelihoods.

According to Ilse Koehler-Rollefson, veterinarian, activist and author of the 2014 book Camel Karma , “The next generation is interested in trying to maintain some of their traditions, but their hands are tied. Try finding a bride for a herder: it is impossible to get one. Many of the Raikas have