Raika Pastoralists of the Thur Desert (Rajasthan – India)

The Raikas are a pastoral caste herding camels, goats and sheep. They live in groups of 4 -20 families on the outskirts of villages and combine crop production during the summer rains with pastoralism during the autumn-spring dry season. Raikas are mostly non migratory and live with small herds of about 100 animals with a rich variety of breeds. Camel herding has been their traditional heritage, they are, moreover, known for 11 “Bikaneri” sheep breeds. Traditionally Raikas have been guardians of agrobiodiversity; they have developed a variety of indigenous breeds for harsh climatic conditions and maintained them within restricted social groups. Their traditional memorization of pedigree lineages of animals over 7-8 generations is invaluable.