Introduction / History
The Raji tribe live in the Pithoragarh region of Uttar Pradesh in India. They live in the villages of Jamtadi, Attadi, Bhaktirawa, Ciphalthara, Ganagaon, Khirdwari, Kimkhola, Kuttakanyal and Madanpuri. They are also called Banrawats, Ben-Manus and cave dwellers.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Raji have a strong liking for alcohol. They like wild fruits and tree roots. The Raji women wear large and heavy jewelry that is admired. Not many of the Raji dress in the usual tribal way. They are artistic. Good looking handbags are made that are sold in the markets and in the rest of India.
Most of the Raji live in the interior forest regions. They work as gatherers. They collect honey from bee hives. They work in agriculture and other occupations. They grow cereals and they fish and hunt. They make tools for agriculture. Women have a good position amongst the Raji.
The Raji do not marry each other and there are no child marriages. The oldest man is the leader of the family. They speak with each other in the Raji language. They are Hindus in religion and worship the Hindu gods Bhagvati and Nanda Devi. They also worship nature.
They are thought of as the most primitive tribe in Uttar Pradesh and they are the smallest tribe in that state.