Introduction / History

The Rabha were originally from Tibet. The Rabha language is considered to be a homogeneous language of the Chinese language that developed near the Yang-Tse-Kiang and Hwang-ho (Yellow) rivers, according to scholars that specialize in this field of research and Rabha ancestry. After moving from the Tibetan region they occupied the Garo Hills area before dispersing throughout the Assam lowlands. They moved to Assam and settled primarily in the Brahmaputra Valley. After arriving in Assam, they were split into groups. On the way to Garo hills, one made a U-turn to the Brahmaputra's southern bank, while the other group moved on towards the plains of the Brahmaputra's northern bank.

Where Are they Located?

The Rabhas are a Mongoloid tribe found in Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal. They are located in West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya in India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Previously they were farmers based on agriculture and they lived near the Yang-Tse-Kiang River and Hwang Ho River. Later they migrated to India and settled in the northeastern region on the southern and northern banks of Brahmaputra.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Members of the group may hold Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and animistic beliefs.

Prayer Items

Scripture Prayers for the Rabha in India.

References

Jose, U.V, Khurangnala, Guwahati, Don Bosco Rabha, Manish Kumar, Matriliny to Patriliny, New Delhi, Gian Publishing House, 1989 Umbavu Joseph. "Languages of the Greater Himalayan region, Volume 1 Rabha", Brill, 2007