Question

Raika pastoral community belongs to ______
A) Rajasthan
B) Himachal Pradesh
C) Jammu and Kashmir
D) Maharashtra

Answer 1

Hint:
The Raika pastoral community for centuries has been known for their expertise in camel herding and camels have been declared as the state animal to which the Raika pastoral community belongs, to represent the colorful state and deserted places.

Complete step by step solution:
As mentioned in the hint part, the camel is the state animal to which the Raika pastoral community belongs, therefore, Raika pastoral community is based in Rajasthan’s Pali district.
More specifically these Raika pastoral communities belong to south Rajasthan’s Sadri village, they keep a large number of female camels and supply it for various clients and works. Even now, these Raikas exchange what they produce such as milk, camel wool, and manure for their needs as vegetables, grains, and the local goods produced among their neighbors.
The Raika legends state that they were 'created' by Lord Shiva to take care of the camels that were first created by the consort of Shiva, Parvati. Thus, the Raikas believed it was their duty to keep camels healthy and secure. They have legendary knowledge of all aspects of camel behavior, fostering, and medical care. In 18 years, Rajasthan's camel population has declined from 7 lakh to 2 lakhs. And the most affected group is the Raika, who are the traditional camel caretakers.
They live in groups on the outskirts of villages and combine crop yields with agricultural practices and during autumn-spring dry season during the summer rains. Raikas are mainly non-migratory and live with small herds with a rich range of breeds of around 100 species.
The group established different aspects of the community from the songs they sing on the long journeys they endure to the way they connect with the camels.

Option A, Rajasthan is the correct answer.

Note:
Communication is very important because 50 camels are handled by one herder and the herd is regulated based on the voice. The art of interaction between the camels and the breeders is called the 'Akal-dhakal'. Raikas have historically been the guardians of agro-biodiversity.