The ethnic origin of the Rabhas is Mongoloid. Their hirsuite type, large supraor-bital ridges, broad face, low bridge nose and sparse body hair clearly indicate their Mongoloid origin. In the districts of Goalpara, Darrang and Kamrup where a great number of this tribe has settled, they have been subjected to conversion or a gradual process of assimilation so that there is hardly any differences between the Assamese other backward classes and the Rabhas. Though clannish in nature, the Rabhas seldom care to make the village look an integrated one. Their house is a two-roof affair. It stands on the ground with the roofs almost touching the same on both sides. Almost cent percent of the Rabha people are agriculturist. Percentage of people engaged in other activities is negligible to make any impact upon the village economy.
The Rabhas speak a language different from that of the Kacharis. The Rabha language is spoken at present by a handful of the tribe who belong to the Rangdaniya and Maintoria group. It is already in the process of becoming inflexional through intercourse with the Assamese and Bengali speakers.
The Rabha women-folk love the amber colour for their costume which consists of three pieces. The petticoat encircles the body below the hips and flows decently to the feet. There is an amber scarf folded round the bosom besides a head piece, also of the same colour. The rabhas practise monogamy. Children belong to the Baraihuri (family) of the mother but a daughter cannot inherit the property of the father. The Rabhas cremate their dead. They observe a yearly festival for the dead kins of the clan, which is known as Farkhanthi. Their biggest festival of the year is Baikhu. During Baikhu the youth sing Sathar songs to the accompaniment of Kara flute and singa. Kingfisher is the sacred bird of the Rabhas.