Herders of camels, cattle, sheep and goats, the Raika pastoralists of North West India have an interesting account of their origins: created by Lord Shiva from the skin and sweat of the camel, they were charged with controlling the beast, whose stubborn behaviour was becoming a nuisance. But Raika guardianship extends beyond their livestock. In the arid land of Rajasthan, their flocks and herds are integral to the health of forests and rangelands, and generations of Raika have bred animals that can thrive in these adverse conditions.

Read more … (New Agriculturist)