Raji Tribe

Raji Tribe Latest News

In Khetar Kanyal, a village dominated by the Raji tribe in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, the absence of a female candidate for the village head (pradhan) reveals a deeper crisis.

About Raji Tribe

• The Raji tribe is a small indigenous community from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, and parts of western Nepal.
• The Raji tribe is one of the smallest tribes of India.
• They reside primarily in the remote areas of Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district.
• They are also called “Banrawats,” “Ben-Manus”, and “cave dwellers.” 
• They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Traditionally forest dwellers and cave dwellers, they speak the Tibeto-Burman language Bat-Kha.
• Livelihood: 
  • They work as gatherers, collecting honey from bee-hives, fishing, and hunting. 
  • In recent decades, many have shifted to agriculture, with rice, maize, and barley being the staple crops. 
  • In addition to agriculture, the Rajis are skilled in various handicrafts, including weaving and basketry
• Religion: They worship Hindu gods, and they worship nature. 
• Social Organization:
  • The Raji tribe has a well-defined social structure, with elders playing a crucial role in decision-making and conflict resolution. 
  • The community is organized into clans, each with its customs and traditions. 
  • Panchayats (local councils) are responsible for maintaining social harmony and addressing issues within the community.
• Housing and Architecture:
  • The traditional homes of the Rajis are constructed using locally available materials like wood, stone, and mud.
  • These houses are designed to withstand the harsh climatic conditions of the region and are typically built on elevated platforms to protect against floods and wild animals.

Source: OLI

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