Describe the life of Raikas Community of Rajasthan.
The Raikas were found in the deserts of Rajasthan.
The rainfall in the region was uncertain and poor. Hence, the Raikas combined cultivation with pastoralism.
During the monsoons, the Raikas of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner stayed in their home villages, where pasture was available. By October, when these grazing grounds were dry, they moved out in search of other pasture and water and returned again during the next monsoon. One group of Raikas, known as the Maru (desert) Raikas, herded camels and another group reared sheep and goat. They mainly lived in Thar desert near Jaisalmer and their settlement is known as ‘dhandi’.