Fakirani Jat is a nomadic pastoralist community living in and around the arid, coastal district of Kutch in Gujarat. They rear camels and move throughout the year in search of grazing resources for their herds. Due to the destruction of habitat resulting from climate change and aggressive industrialisation—especially along the coastal belt—their way of  life is being challenged.


The camel herders of Kutch 0
Fakirani Jats migrate throughout the year mostly within Kutch. They have fixed grazing patterns. Camels are the mainstay of Fakirani communities. But in recent years because of shrinking grazing ground more and more families are giving up their migratory life.
The camel herders of Kutch 1
Traditional dwellings of Fakirani Jats are known as ‘pakkhas‘. Pakkhas are made of kal (reed grass), jute, ropes and wood. Women build them just before the onset of the monsoon. These dwellings are rebuilt every one or two years.
The camel herders of Kutch 2
Ayub Ameen Jat pets an adult Kharai camel in Chirai Moti.
The camel herders of Kutch 3
On a hot summer day in Abdasa taluka, Mujamil Jat gives water to his herd of sheep and goats.
The camel herders of Kutch 4
Over a cup of tea made from camel milk, elders worry about the start of summer as grazing land is already scarce. 
The camel herders of Kutch 5
Bacchi Jat is making Rotlo (ragi roti) for dinner at her makeshift pakkha while other members of her family are out grazing the camels. Rotlo and camel milk is the staple of the Fakirani Jats. 
The camel herders of Kutch 6
A herd on the march in the Rann.
The camel herders of Kutch 7
Gusty winds blow on a summer afternoon while the herders take a break from work.
The camel herders of Kutch 8
Aga Khan Savlani (left)  is a spiritual teacher and respected elder of the Fakirani Jat community. He is also an activist working for the community’s well being.
The camel herders of Kutch 9
People enlisting their herds  for a health camp organised for camels. There is a constant demand for medical camps for the animals. 
The camel herders of Kutch 10
Latif and Murad are best friends. They learnt to shepherd their camel herds at a young age. 
The camel herders of Kutch 11
A group of Fakirani youth carry mutton biriyani at a social gathering in a small hamlet located close to the Indo-Pak border.
The camel herders of Kutch 12
In night Fakirani herders sleep under the open sky close to their animals.
The camel herders of Kutch 13
The herd is lined up along a water trough. 
The camel herders of Kutch 14
A calf drinks milk while the herder keeps a close eye.