NP

Nomadic Pastoralism Archive

Field Records & Living Memory

An Open Archive

Memory moves with the herd.

Before the road was a road, it was a route — walked by hooves and feet, marked by wells and the memory of where the rain fell last. Every season folded into the next, carried in songs, in saddle-bags, in the names given to a hundred different grasses.

This archive is a resting place for that knowledge: gathered, not owned. We hold it here so the walking is not forgotten.

Enter the Archive Browse Documents

70+PDF Documents

60+Images

18Maps

2Communities

Latest Field Notes

Communities & Chronicles

Dispatches, histories, and ongoing research on the pastoral communities this archive follows most closely.

Kutchi Rabari group

Kutchi Rabari women

Rabari with camel

Kutch embroidery

Gujarat & Rajasthan, India

Community Profile

The Rabari

Western India · Camel & Sheep Pastoralists

The Rabari are a pastoral community of Gujarat and Rajasthan, long associated with the breeding of camels, sheep, and goats across the arid tracts of Kachchh and the Thar's eastern edge. Oral tradition traces their migration into the region over several centuries.

Rabari migratory cycles, locally remembered through named halting grounds and well sites, have historically followed the retreat and return of monsoon grasses. Recent decades have seen these cycles disrupted by the shrinking of common grazing land.

Camel PastoralismKachchhGrazing Commons

View Rabari Images →

Kuchi men

Kuchi woman

Kuchi with camel

Kuchi tent

Afghanistan Highlands

Community Profile

The Kuchi

Afghanistan · Goat & Sheep Pastoralists

The Kuchi are Afghanistan's largest pastoral nomadic population, historically moving between summer highland pastures and lower winter grazing grounds across a route system that predates the country's modern borders.

Decades of conflict, drought, and shifting land tenure have reshaped Kuchi migration substantially, pushing many families toward partial or full settlement near urban peripheries.

Highland MigrationKin-Based HerdingDisplacement

View Kuchi Images →

Visual Archive

Image Collection

Photographs documenting pastoral life, cultural practices, and daily routines across communities.

Rabari elder

People

Rabari Elder

Rabari elder with long beard

People

Rabari Elder with Long Beard

Kutchi Rabari group

People

Kutchi Rabari Group

Kutchi Rabari women

People

Kutchi Rabari Women

Kutchi woman

People

Kutchi Woman

Black attire

Culture

Black Attire of Kutchi Rabari

Rabari with cow

Animals

Rabari with Cow

Rabari woman with camel

Animals

Rabari Woman with Camel

Rabari with dang

Animals

Rabari with Dang

Rabari camel

Daily Life

Rabari with Camel

Rabari man with camel

Daily Life

Rabari Man with Camel

Rabari woman with dang

Daily Life

Rabari Woman with Dang

Golden devotion

Ceremony

Golden Devotion Item

Rabari man with golden devotee

Ceremony

Rabari Man with Golden Devotee

Bridegroom at marriage hall

Culture

Bridegroom at Marriage Hall

Embroidery of Kutch

Culture

Embroidery of Kutch

Light of bridegroom

Culture

Light of Bridegroom

Kuchi men

People

Kuchi Men

Kuchi men

People

Kuchi Men

Kuchi bearded men

People

Kuchi Bearded Men

Kuchi bearded man

People

Kuchi Bearded Man

Kuchi in refugee camp

People

Kuchi in Refugee Camp

Kuchi man with tent

People

Kuchi Man with Tent

Kuchi tent with child

People

Kuchi Tent with Child

Kuchi tent

People

Kuchi Tent

Kuchies on tractor

People

Kuchies on Tractor

Kuchi woman

Women

Kuchi Woman

Kuchi woman

Women

Kuchi Woman

Kuchi women

Women

Kuchi Women

Kuchi women ornaments

Women

Kuchi Women with Ornaments

Kuchi woman at tent

Women

Kuchi Woman at Tent

Kuchi mother with child

Women

Kuchi Mother with Child

Kuchi man with women

Women

Kuchi Man with Women

Kuchi marriage function

Women

Kuchi Marriage Function

Children in UNICEF centre

Women

Children in UNICEF Centre

Kuchi children in school

Women

Kuchi Children in School

Camel with Kuchi

Animals

Camel with Kuchi

Camel at Kuchi tent

Animals

Camel at Kuchi Tent

Kuchi dromedary

Animals

Kuchi Dromedary

Kuchi man with sheep

Animals

Kuchi Man with Sheep

Sheep with women

Animals

Sheep with Women

Donkey with Kuchi

Animals

Donkey with Kuchi

Kuchi woman with camel

Animals

Kuchi Woman with Camel

Kuchi tent

Daily Life

Kuchi Tent

Document Repository

PDF Archive

Field reports, oral history transcripts, policy papers, and academic research on pastoral communities.

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Adaption of Rabari

Climate Research

Study on how Rabari pastoralists adapt to changing environmental conditions.

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Grass is Greener: Study of Rabari

Climate Research · Arun Agrawal

Comprehensive study of Rabari pastoralism and grazing patterns by Arun Agrawal.

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Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary & Camel Pastoralists

Climate Research

Case study examining the impact of wildlife sanctuary policies on camel pastoralists.

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A Pilgrimage of Camels

Economy

Documentation of camel pastoralism and its economic significance.

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Historical Overview of Kutch Embroideries

Economy

Historical analysis of Kutch embroidery traditions and their economic role.

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Profit on the Move: Economic Collective Migration of Raika

Economy · Arun Agrawal

Study of economic aspects of collective migration among Raika pastoralists.

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Local Dominance: Rabaris of Gujarat

Historical Document

Study of local dominance patterns among Rabari communities in Gujarat.

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Adoption of Improved Camel Husbandry Practices

Historical Document

Research on adoption patterns of improved camel husbandry techniques.

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Black Sheep of Rajasthan

Historical Document

Study of pastoral communities in Rajasthan.

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Camel Rearing Practice

Historical Document

Documentation of traditional camel rearing practices.

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Migration Pattern of Rabari in Bikaner

Historical Document

Study of Rabari migration patterns in the Bikaner region.

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Mobility and Cooperation Among Rabari

Historical Document

Analysis of mobility patterns and cooperative practices among Rabari.

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Mobility and Cooperation Among Nomadic Shepherds

Historical Document

Comparative study of nomadic shepherd cooperation and mobility.

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No Place Like Home: History, Political and Mobility

Historical Document

Study of pastoral nomadic community in western India.

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Nomadization in Rajasthan: Migration, Institutions and Economy

Historical Document

Comprehensive study of nomadization processes in Rajasthan.

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Pace of Mobility of Rabari

Historical Document

Analysis of mobility patterns and pace among Rabari pastoralists.

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Pastoralism in Changing World

Historical Document

Study of pastoralism in the context of global change.

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Pastoralism in the Arid Lands in Rajasthan

Historical Document

Documentation of pastoral practices in Rajasthan's arid regions.

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Pastoralism in Western India: Comparative Perspective

Historical Document

Comparative analysis of pastoralism in western India.

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Pastoralists Inside Out: Contradictory Conceptual Geography

Historical Document

Study of Rajasthan Raika pastoralists' conceptual geography.

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Pastoralists Without Pasture

Historical Document

Study of pastoralists facing loss of grazing lands.

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Rabari Camel Pastoralist Kinship

Historical Document

Study of kinship systems among Rabari camel pastoralists.

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Rabari by Sigrid Westphal-Hellbusch

Historical Document

Classic ethnographic study of Rabari by Sigrid Westphal-Hellbusch.

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Rabaris of Kutch: History Through Legends

Historical Document

Historical account of Rabaris in Kutch through oral legends.

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Raika Dromedary Breeders (1992)

Historical Document

Study of Raika dromedary breeding practices from 1992.

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Raika Migration Pattern

Historical Document

Documentation of Raika migration patterns.

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Sheep Pastoralists in Rajasthan

Historical Document

Study of sheep pastoralism in Rajasthan.

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Shepherds and Their Leaders Among Raikas

Historical Document · Arun Agrawal

Study of leadership structures among Raika shepherds.

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Transient Architecture of Rabari

Historical Document

Study of Rabari temporary architectural structures.

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Literacy for Migrants

Women's Studies

Ethnographic study of literacy programs for migrant communities.

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Articulations of Raika Women Speak

Women's Studies

Voices and perspectives of Raika women.

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Local Practices of Rabari Pastoralists

Women's Studies

Documentation of local practices among Rabari pastoralists.

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Maternal Health Care of Rabari Women

Women's Studies

Study of maternal healthcare practices among Rabari women.

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Purdah Among Raika Women

Women's Studies

Study of purdah practices among Raika women.

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Questions of Inequality

Women's Studies

Analysis of inequality issues in pastoral communities.

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Religious Practices Among Raikas

Women's Studies

Documentation of religious practices among Raika communities.

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Women's Perceptions of Land Ownership

Women's Studies

Study of women's perspectives on land ownership in pastoral communities.

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Afghan Caravan Trade and Imperialism in India

Historical Document

Study of Afghan caravan trade and its relationship with imperialism.

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Maladar Community in Afghanistan

Historical Document

Study of the Maladar pastoral community in Afghanistan.

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Nomad Expansion and Commerce in Central Afghanistan (1953)

Historical Document · Klaus Ferdinand

Classic 1953 study by Klaus Ferdinand on nomadic expansion and commerce.

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Nomadic Alternative

Historical Document · Thomas Barfield

Thomas Barfield's study of nomadic alternatives.

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Nomadism and Politics

Historical Document

Analysis of the relationship between nomadism and political structures.

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Pastoral Mobility in Northern Afghanistan

Historical Document

Study of pastoral mobility patterns in northern Afghanistan.

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Traditionally Mobile Groups in Kabul's Camps

Historical Document

Documentation of traditionally mobile groups in Kabul camps.

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Accounting for Pastoralists in Afghanistan

Research Paper

Study of pastoralist accounting and economic systems.

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Afghanistan Kuchi Pastoralists: Change and Adaption

Research Paper

Comprehensive study of change and adaptation among Kuchi pastoralists.

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Afghanistan's Kuchi Herders: Risks and Survival Strategies

Research Paper

Analysis of risks faced by Kuchi herders and their survival strategies.

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Change and Adaption Among Kuchi

Research Paper

Study of changes and adaptations among Kuchi communities.

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Communication During Drought

Research Paper

Study of communication patterns during drought periods.

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Coping with Protracted Displacement

Research Paper

Analysis of coping mechanisms during prolonged displacement.

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COVID and Kuchi

Research Paper

Impact of COVID-19 on Kuchi communities.

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Insecurities Among Pastoralists

Research Paper

Study of security challenges facing pastoral communities.

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Kuchi of Afghani

Research Paper

Comprehensive overview of Kuchi communities in Afghanistan.

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Land Degradation in Afghanistan

Research Paper

Study of land degradation issues in Afghanistan.

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Land of the Seven Scarves: Kuchi Nomads

Research Paper

Documentation of Kuchi nomads in Afghanistan.

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Looking for Peace on the Pastures

Research Paper

Study of rural land relations in Afghanistan.

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National Assessment of Kuchi

Research Paper

National-level assessment of Kuchi communities.

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Pastoral Support System

Research Paper

Study of support systems for pastoral communities.

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Pastoralism Among Afghan Kochi Refugees

Research Paper

Study of pastoralism among Afghan Kochi refugees.

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Pastoralism, Power and Politics

Research Paper

Analysis of pastoralism in relation to power and politics.

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Singing in the Wilderness: Kuchi Nomads in Modern Afghanistan

Research Paper

Study of Kuchi nomads in contemporary Afghanistan.

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Singing of Kuchi

Research Paper

Documentation of Kuchi oral traditions and songs.

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Study of Kuchi in Kabul City Area

Research Paper

Urban study of Kuchi communities in Kabul.

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Richard Tapper: Who Are the Kuchi?

Research Paper

Richard Tapper's foundational study on Kuchi identity.

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We Who Move

Research Paper

Study of mobility and identity among pastoral communities.

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Where Do Nomads Bury Their Dead?

Research Paper

Study of burial practices among nomadic communities.

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Afghan Registan Kuchi

Women's Studies

Study of Kuchi communities in the Afghan desert.

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Women in Afghanistan

Women's Studies · Ritu Mahendru

Ritu Mahendru's study of women in Afghanistan.

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Woman as Partner in Pastoralism in Afghanistan

Women's Studies

Study of women's roles as partners in pastoral economies.

Spatial Documentation

Maps & Routes

Interactive and static maps showing migration routes, grazing territories, and historical changes in pastoral landscapes.

Gujarat migration map

Gujarat Migration Routes

Migration Map

Detailed mapping of Rabari migration routes in Gujarat region.

Gujarat pastoralists map

Gujarat Pastoralists

Territory Map

Mapping of pastoralist territories and grazing areas in Gujarat.

Gujarat Rabari map

Gujarat Rabari Territory

Territory Map

Rabari territorial boundaries and movement patterns in Gujarat.

Gujarat to Rajasthan migration

Gujarat to Rajasthan Migration

Migration Route

Cross-state migration routes from Gujarat to Rajasthan.

Kutch Rabari migration

Kutch Rabari Migration

Migration Route

Seasonal migration routes of Rabari in Kutch region.

Rabari migration area Gujarat

Rabari Migration Area in Gujarat

Area Map

Comprehensive map showing Rabari migration zones in Gujarat.

Migration route of Rabari

Migration Route of Rabari

Route Map

Detailed migration route mapping for Rabari pastoralists.

Pastoralists in Gujarat

Pastoralists in Gujarat

Territory Map

Mapping of all pastoralist communities in Gujarat.

Pastoralists in India

Pastoralists in India

National Map

National overview of pastoralist communities across India.

Rabari migration area

Rabari Migration Area

Area Map

Complete mapping of Rabari migration zones.

Rabari route at Pali

Rabari Route at Pali

Local Route

Detailed route mapping in the Pali region.

Rajasthan migration route

Rajasthan Migration Route

Migration Route

Migration routes through Rajasthan desert regions.

Rajasthan Thar desert

Rajasthan Thar Desert

Geographic Map

Pastoral territories in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan.

Afghanistan migration

Afghanistan Migration Routes

Migration Map

Historical migration routes of Kuchi pastoralists across Afghanistan.

Afghanistan pastoralists

Afghanistan Pastoralists

Territory Map

Mapping of pastoralist territories across Afghanistan.

Kuchi route

Kuchi Migration Route

Route Map

Detailed Kuchi seasonal migration route mapping.

Kuchi livestock migration

Kuchi Livestock Migration & Restoration Areas

Conservation Map

Livestock migration routes shown in relation to priority restoration areas.

Pakistan pastoral systems

Pakistan Pastoral Systems

Regional Map

Comparative mapping of pastoral systems in Pakistan region.

Get In Touch

Questions, corrections, & contributions.

This archive grows through correspondence with researchers, descendants, and herders themselves. If something here is incomplete, miscredited, or missing — tell us.