Genesis Stories
Why do pastoralists persist despite shrinking pastures, a disinterested younger generation and a polarised polity? Why do they continue in this profession despite so many challenges, we ask in bewilderment?
In response, every pastoralist community begins by sharing their stories of origin. These are always part of a larger tapestry of stories that remind them of their relationship with earth, its elements, and the sentient beings that inhabit them. They are not allowed to forget that their animals are their spiritual kins. They are born to herd them; and so they do.
Living Lightly presents three such stories of genesis from Kachchh. One speaks about how the grassland of Banni came to be, the other tells us why Rabaris and Fakirani Jats, Hindu and Muslim camel herders believe they are brethren, and the third traces the origin of the Rabaris – one version amongst many!
Living Lightly presents three stories of genesis from Kutch. Each strikingly sketched by Tapas Upadhay, an artist based in Bhopal.
The Birth of Banni~
- How the Banni Grasslands came to be
Banni, in Kachchh, is one of Asia’s largest and
richest grasslands. It is celebrated for its
biodiversity. This grassland is home to the
cattle herding Sindhi Madharis of Kachchh. This
grassland apparently derives its name from the
Hindi word बनी हुई (Bani Hui). Tapas narrates the
story as we watch visuals from this artwork depicting
Banni’s creation.
richest grasslands. It is celebrated for its
biodiversity. This grassland is home to the
cattle herding Sindhi Madharis of Kachchh. This
grassland apparently derives its name from the
Hindi word बनी हुई (Bani Hui). Tapas narrates the
story as we watch visuals from this artwork depicting
Banni’s creation.
A Syncretic Relationship ~
- Rabaris, Fakirani Jats & Camels
The Hindu Rabaris and Muslim Farikarini
Jats of Kachchh believe they are locked in
brotherhood. Both the communities, to this
day, continue to be bound by bonds of belief,
duty and interdependence. Most Kharai camels
owned by Rabaris have been grazed and
guarded by Fakiranis for generations.
How did this incredible relationship come to be?
One cannot but suspect some element of mysticism!
Jats of Kachchh believe they are locked in
brotherhood. Both the communities, to this
day, continue to be bound by bonds of belief,
duty and interdependence. Most Kharai camels
owned by Rabaris have been grazed and
guarded by Fakiranis for generations.
How did this incredible relationship come to be?
One cannot but suspect some element of mysticism!
Created for the Camels~
- The Origins of Rabaris and Raikas
The Rabari herders of Kachchh consider the
Camel to be a manifestation of the divine and
camels are worshipped as Meldi Mata. The Rabaris
believe they were created to look after camels and
consider them primary members of their family!
But when did this deep bond between the Rabari
and her animal begin? Let us listen in. Camel divine.
Camels are worshipped as Meldi Mata. They believe
they were created to look after camels. That is probably
why camels are often treated as members of the family
by the Rabaris. What lies behind such legendary ties
between man and animal? This story of Shiva
and Parvati unravels the legend.
Camel to be a manifestation of the divine and
camels are worshipped as Meldi Mata. The Rabaris
believe they were created to look after camels and
consider them primary members of their family!
But when did this deep bond between the Rabari
and her animal begin? Let us listen in. Camel divine.
Camels are worshipped as Meldi Mata. They believe
they were created to look after camels. That is probably
why camels are often treated as members of the family
by the Rabaris. What lies behind such legendary ties
between man and animal? This story of Shiva
and Parvati unravels the legend.
All Illustrations by Tapas Upadhyay
