Arakh Tribe

Arakh tribes are a small caste of mainly cultivators and labourers. Arakh tribes are found in the provinces of Awadh, in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. They are considered as an offshoot of Pasi tribe. Arakh tribes were in power till the end of fourteenth century AD. Ultimately Firoz Shah Tughlaq overpowered them by sending a huge army. The remnants of Arakh rule are still being seen in ruined forts.

There are several legends related to the origin of Arakh tribes. History suggests that all their tradition associate them with the Pasis and Parasurama, incarnation of Vishnu. According to one legend, when Parasurama was taking a bath in the sea, a leech bit his bare foot and it started to bleed. Parasurama divided the blood into two parts and made Pasi out of one part and the Arakhs out of another. 

Other legend says that the Pasis were created out of the sweat of Parasurama. One day, when Parasurama was away, the Pasis shot some animals and they were cursed by a deity. This led to the degradation of the Pasis. Once, Parasurama sent for the help of the Pasis in one of his wars. But they hid in an arhar field and hence the name Arakh emerged. According to these legends, Arakhs belong to ancient Kshatriya.

The culture of Arakh tribes is quite enriched, especially the folklores, which comprise beautiful songs, emulating the great deeds and bravery of heroes like Salhia and Malhia. Arakh people mainly speak Hindi, though their primary language is Awadhi. Their traditional occupation is bird catching and hunting. Their marriage ceremonies are quite different from the Hindu marriage ceremonies. In their societies the wedding ceremony takes place near a temple. They have various exogamous groups such as Tekam, Matia, Sayam, Tesli, Madai, Chorliu and Godam. Marriage within the same clan is prohibited. This system of division is based on the number of Gods that they worship. Widow re-marriage is allowed. In case of anyone`s death, mourning is observed for a day and it is followed by a funeral feast.

Arakh tribal communities are considered as semi-Hinduised aboriginal race. Arakh tribe is closely associated with the Gond tribe. In the coastal area of Western India, especially in the state of Maharashtra, an indigenous group exists known as Arakh Gonds. They are occupational community depending largely on river and forest for their livelihood. Some Arakh Gonds are also associated with cultivation and cattle grazing. This sub-group of Arakh tribes are spiritually inclined to their clan Gods. Village priests of head of the family usually carry out all the religious duties.