Among the Raika and Their Camels

I had imagined Rajasthan as a dry land of mountains and deserts. I expected to see vast stretches of sand and a landscape with very little greenery. Instead, I found patches of greenery across the landscape, with thorny acacia trees dominating many areas.

Through the Green Hub Fellowship, I recently got the opportunity to visit Rajasthan. Before going, I used to think that camel herding was common across Rajasthan. After arriving, I realised that the Rabari (Raika) community has a long tradition of camel herding.

The journey begins in a landscape different from what I had imagined.

A Life Spent Walking with Camels

I spent two days in the forest with the Rabari community. Every day, from 8 AM to 8 PM, they roam through the forest with their camels, covering about 20–25 kilometres. Their lives are closely connected with nature, and their daily movement depends on the landscape and the resources available to them.

The Raika and their camel herd

Life in the Forest

For the Rabari, camels are not simply livestock. They are an important part of their livelihood and everyday life. During the long hours of walking, people and animals move together through the forest.

A day spent walking with the herd

Moving together through the forest

A close relationship with the camel

Tea, Food and a Simple Way of Life

When they feel hungry, they prepare tea using camel milk. They also eat Indian jujube (ber) fruits found in the forest. I drank camel milk with them. Its taste was not very different from cow’s milk, and I had no stomach problem. Sharing these small moments helped me understand their self-sufficient way of life.

Tea and food in the forest

Movement and Memory

In winter, the Rabari travel even more. They may stay in one forest for a day and move to another the next day. Their winter is spent moving through different forests with their camels. Their deep connection with nature and their tradition of camel herding fascinated me.

I drink camel milk tea in the forest

A pause in the journey

The Rabari and their camel herd in winter

Learning from the community

This experience taught me a lot about the resilience, self-sufficiency and deep respect for nature that the Rabari community embodies.

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