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At present, modernization and globalisation have impacted every part of the globe. A vast majority of individuals use smartphones, carry cash in their wallets, and have acquaintances from many cultural backgrounds. In such a world, a tribe of nomadic peoples still exists, worshipping and living off of nature while remaining mostly isolated from the outside world. They are Nepal’s, never settling and never giving up, Rautes.
One of the most unique indigenous populations in Nepal, the Rautes have preserved their own cultural identities for many centuries. They are the nation’s only migratory group that never settles down permanently anywhere. The Rautes reject any notion of long-term habitation, formal schooling, or agriculture. In our contemporary day of dwindling cultural variety, it is quite astounding that the Rautes, the last permanent nomads of Nepal, have persisted into this century. There are around 180 Rautes in Nepal, or about 52 households, according to some estimates. They are mostly found in the western Nepal.
The history of the Rautes has never been recorded. But they do share the fact that they abandoned everything, never came back, and built a separate way of life in the bushes. They learnt to hunt, became experts at making wooden tools, and adjusted to life in the jungle in order to survive. Only the Mukhiya of the Rautes speak to strangers on behalf of their tribe about their way of life and traditions.
The irony, it seems, with the Rautes is that they do not want to be attached to any particular land. They simply enjoy living in the traditional nomadic ways, despite the fact that there has been much discussion about property rights in Nepal and, at a time, when there have been many conflicts for the rights of land.
The Rautes possess a historical understanding of communal life. The three different types of Raute ancestry are known as Kalyaal, Raskoti, and Samaal. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to these people’s varied characteristics, such as their moral standards and values, customs, and modes of subsistence.
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The Rautes have done a great job of upholding their heritage in an era when acculturation is pervasive and variety is fading. The Rautes are a people that humanity can learn a lot since they have preserved their culture well into the modern times. Their preservation of the nomadic way of life in the midst of an increasingly globalised society is admirable. Their unique way of life can teach us invaluable lessons. It could also help sociologists, scientists, and other researchers unearth new findings about human nature and society.
Compiled By: Rebika Bishokarma
photo credit: Wikipedia, Beautiful Farwest
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