Tribes Map3

TRIBES IN INDIA

Tribes in India   Tribes Map1 Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes Tribes Map2 Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe Tribes Map3  Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes

Tribes Map2

TRIBES IN INDIA

Tribes in India   Tribes Map1 Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes Tribes Map2 Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe Tribes Map3  Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes

Tribes Map1

 Tribes in India  

Tribes Map1	Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes
Tribes Map2	Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe
Tribes Map3	Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes

 

 TODA TRIBES

History  Toda Tribe is the most ancient and unusual tribe of Nilgiri Hills of Tamil nadu. The todas have their own language. They have their own secretive customs and regulations. Todas worship nature like hill gods, Lord Amodr (the realm of the dead) & Goddess Teikirzi. Toda community is well known for its embroidery garments. This is made usually by women using red and black threads on a white background giving a rich effect.

 CHAMAR TRIBES

History  The Chamar tribes are usually found in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra. They are also known as Chamari, Chambar Boli and Chambari. They are considered untouchables, and most of them know nothing else their entire lives. With a population of over 50 million, they are among the largest untouchables, or Dalit communities in the Hindu world. The Chamars are also known as Bhambi, Asadaru, Khalpa, Machigar, Lingayat, Mochi and Rohit. They are mostly distributed in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat.

 LALUNG TRIBES

History  The Lalung Tribe resides in the states of Assam and Meghalaya, northeastern India. These tribes are divided into two main sub-divisions: those who

 GOND TRIBES

History  The term Gond refers to tribal people who live all over India's Deccan Peninsula. They describe themselves as (hill people) or as Koi or Koitur. Gond Tribe Gondvana - the Mighty Kingdom in the olden days stayed from 15th century to the 18th century, this region called Gondwana was the home to the Gonds. The Gondwana Land gave its name to the present day countires like Africa, South America, Australia, India Sub Continent and Antarctica. The Gonds lost their lives in saving their lands from the upcoming tribe called the Banjaras. Scholars believe that Gonds settled in Gondwana, now known as eastern Madhya Pradesh, between the 13th and 19th centuries AD. Muslim writers described a rise of Gond state after the 14th century. Gondas ruled in four kingdoms (Garha-Mandla, Deogarh, Chanda, and Kherla) in central India between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Maratha power swept into Gondland in the 1740s.The Marathas overthrew Gond Rajas (princes) and seized most of their territory. While Some Gond zamindaris (estates) survived until recently. Gonds are similar to many tribal groups today in that they face severe economic hardships. titlehough some Gond groups own a great deal of land, others are classified as Scheduled Tribes, which means they are blessed with special social and economic help from the Indian Government and the local state governments.  Origin  Gonds live all over central India i.e. in the states of Maharashtra and Odisha. Apart from Madhya Pradesh, Gonds are also found in Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. They are the largest Tribe in India, South Asia, and perhaps the world with nine million people out of which four million reside in Central India. Mostly Gonds live around the Satpura Hills, Maikala Range, Son-Deogarh uplands on the Bastar plateau and Garhjat Hills of northern Odisha.  Culture  Gonds Tribes main deity is the pantheon - a single Temple which bows to all the Gods and Culture of the World. The Clan of Gond is known as Persa Pen who protects all Clan Members. Gonds believe in the equality of the human beings without the discrimination of higher and lower society. This can be depicted throught the transparency which can be clearly seen as they themselves have inclusions of Bhils and Santals in their tribes. Mostly Gonds live in a Village with a Headman known as Mahji or Patel. The Village Council of Gond Tribe divides the Gonds into Castes called Ahir (Cowherds), Agaria (Blacksmith), Dhuli (Drummers) and Pardhan (bard and singers). The Village has typically several hamlets & houses which are made of hatch and mud have a verandah (outer space), living room, kitchen, special room for women and shrine room for Gods and a Guest Room. They welcome visitors with tobacco leaves, fruits or other small gifts. Marriages in Gonds tribe are usually chosen by themselves. Later the tribal council approves the matches. The father of the Gond groom pays a bride price. The newly wedded Gond tribes live with the elders of the family till they make a house of their own. Gonds are educated to a pretty decent level where they can understand things better. Around 25% of Gonds in Maharashtra and 15 % Gonds of Madhya Pradesh are educated. The ratio of boys to girls still remain 1: 5 percent.  Dress  Gonds tribes of India origin have a typical Indian dress culture. Men in the Gonds tribe wear Dhoti (long piece of cotton cloth wrapped around the waist passing through the legs). Women wear soft cotton saris along with the Choli or blouse. Place /Location (then and now) Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh & Odisha. Population Four Million Languages spoken Gondi Religion/God Janani or the mother of creator, Pharsa Pen, Mariai- the Goddess of plague, God of household & God of fields Food Two millets known as Kodo and Kutki and Green Leafy Vegetables Occupation Agriculture is their main work. Gonds tribes are today mainly farmers. While some Gond communities have risen to the status of landowners, many are landless laborers. Herding cattles is a part of Gond Tribesoccupation as part of their livelihood.  Food  The Staple Food of Gonds is two millets known as Kodo and Kutki. Vegetables are usually grown in kitchen gardens or collected from forests. Gonds grow tobacco for smoking and make liquor for Mahua tree.  Language  The prime language spoken by Gond Tribe is Gondi. Beside this, the Gond tribes have a good command on Telugu, Hindi, Marathi, Parsi and many other Dravidian languages.  Festivals  Celebrations for Gonds have Danderi dancers who retell events from Gond. Sacrifices are made by the Village Priests called Devari in most of the festivals. Their festive life are filled with animal sacrifices. Gonds festivals are usually related to agriculture. Each village of Gonds has a Village Guardian and a Village Mother who are worshipped during all regular festivals. The Spirits of both good and bad are supposed to be inhabited in hills, villages, lakes and rivers. Mythology, Dance, songs, cock fighting form the main attractions of any celebration for a Gond Tribe. During the festivals, women wear colored glass bangles and necklaces made of small black beads. Tattooing is the major charm for Gonds. They are highly religious minded tribes of India. The Gond Indian tribes worship Janani or the mother of creator. They also worship Pharsa Pen, in the form of nail or a piece of iron chain. Mariai- the Goddess of plague and other diseases, and Bhimsen - the Hindu God are also worshiped by Gonds tribes in India. One unique feature of their beliefs is the existence of spirits.  Tribes in India   Tribes Map1 Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes Tribes Map2 Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe Tribes Map3  Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes

 NAGA TRIBES

History  Originally Nagas were not known as tribes. The Naga tribes are linked with tribes in Assam and Myanmar. From 1816 invasion onwards Assam came under the rule of Myanmar. Naga tribes belonged to Indo-Mongoloid Family. Each of the Naga Tribe is divided into as many as twenty clans. Some of the major Naga tribes are Angami, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Phoms, Rengma, Sema, Pochury and Zeliang.  Food  Naga food consists of rice or millet accompanied by vegetables, fish and meat. Nagas are fond of chillies and can fill their mouth with chillies and nothing else as if they were chocolates. Place /Location (then and now) Arunachal Pradesh ,Manipur, Assam and Mynamar Population 100000 - 200000 Languages spoken Sino-Tibetan Food Rice, Millets , Vegetables, Fish and Meat Languages Nagas speak 60 different dialects belonging to the Sino-tibetan family of languages.  Location  Naga tribes are found in the states of Arunchal Pradesh, Manipur and Myanmar.  Occupation  Naga tribe burn their fields and grow rice, millets and taro patato. The practice of head-hunting by Naga Tribe is accompanied with a variety of other social and cultural activities. The tribe has stimulated the carving of wooden heads marked with prominent features and mobile expressions which were worn like medals by the proud, successful head-hunters. Dancing, drinking (local rice beer) and merry-making follow the head-hunt. Head-hunting inspired the weaving of special textiles of choice, colours and designs for use as shawls by the head-hunter to identify his heroism. Strong and vigorous figures are carved in bold out of wood and fixed to the baskets of the warriors, indicating the number of heads taken. Such wooden figures were also kept in houses as prized trophies.  People  Nagas are people with great hardwork, sturdy, with a high standard of integrity and strong sense of self respect. Most of the time they are simple means the unspolit children of nature. The most important quality of Naga tribes is their hospitality and cheerfulness to greet people with a smiling face while travelling on the roads is the common experience for every one who notices them. Even today people hunt tigers and elephants in the mountains with spears and bows.  Appearance  The height of all the Naga is medium -sized. The men are muscular and full of stamina. The nose is flattened but some are sharp in their mongoloid features.The women are short but stout. The eyes of women are deep set with bulged eye sockets. Women are fairer in complexion.  Costumes  The Naga tribes are versatile artisans. The design and colour of each group of Naga tribes differs with other group depending on the wearer's position in the society. Every woman is supposed to weave the cloths for her family and carry on the activities like spinning, dyeing and weaving. The Naga shawls are the most famous ones which come in bright colour and various patterns. Colorful ornaments are worn by both men & women which are made of ivory, these ornaments include the bangles and bracelets. The tribe is very much fond of ornaments. Some old men grow hair long and arranged in tangled knots. The babbed hair is the fashion for the young Naga girl. Tattooing is customary for Naga tribes only in North and East.  Culture  The daily life of Naga tribe is governed by an ancient tradition of a customary code of laws which, titlehough unwritten, are universally understood and zealously pursued. The village councils among the Ao and Angami group of Naga tribes representing a democratic apparatus made up of village elders or the chieftains' rule as among the Konyak, Sema and Chang tribes, function as court of trial and justice against crime. The judicial process is simple, quick and the final rests on the truthful nature of the criminal.  Festival  Naga tribes' biggest festival is New year festival of January 15th, called Kaing Bi and organized by Naga festival committee who choose each year's festival location and details under the control of Central government. The Naga tribes send a few delegations to this occasion, thus it is the perfect opportunity to see variety of different Naga people at once.  Tribes in India   Tribes Map1 Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes Tribes Map2 Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe Tribes Map3  Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes

 MUNDA TRIBES

History  Munda is the tribal community from South East Asia. There are evidences that they also were in the Pre- British times. Munda tribe mainly inhabit the region of Jharkhand, titlehough they populated in the various corners of the states like West Bengal, Chhatisgarh, Odisha and Bihar. They can also be found in Bangladesh. The Munda word signifies generally as headman of the village. They have gained a lot of admiration between 1857 and 1928 by the anthropologists. Today Munda Tribe has a population of around two million. The Munda Tribes are highly respected people from the time of pre -Independence of India. Birsa Munda is the most respected Munda person who turned into a Prophet and was a freedom fighter in the Indian Independence Struggle, . At a very small age of 20 yrs, Birsa Munda was revered by his people as God. He actively participated in the freedom fight and disturbed the Britishers so much that they finally could catch hold of him at the young age of 25. Birsa Munda died in suspicious circumstances in the Jail of Ranchi in 1900. Even today his contribution to the Independence of India is recognised with regard and is been honoured by the Governent of India.  Culture  A one fourth of the population among Munda Tribal Community is Christian. They speak Mundari language. Their special dance form is called as Nupur (an anklet) dance. Wearing Nupur in ankles, they dance in chorus. Christianity is the main religion followed by them. But apart from Christanity, Mundas have their own religion known as Sarna. Sarna stress on the belief of one God. And they believe in the Supreme Being known as the Singbonga, which means the Sun God. Place /Location (then and now) Jharkhand , Chattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha Population Two Million Languages spoken Mundari, Killi Religion/God Sun God, God Of Jharkhand - Birsa Munda Food Frogs, snakes, rats, earthworms, shells and snails. According to the Mundas, the Gods save their communities from the external enemies and troubles of life. They strictly believe and say that Singbonga punishes them if they break the law of marrying in their own tribe. Mundas are of the belief that Singbonga is not the jealous God and gives the people right to worship any celestial being. In Sarna the Munda tribe worships the nature and they are highly superstitious people. People of Sarna do not have any written code of moral laws. Ideas of what is right and wrong is the adopted from their traditions and cultures. Some of the Mundas tribes also worship Lord Shiva.  Occupation  For the occupation, Munda tribes in the ancient days used to be woodcutters, cutting down the forests and then selling the wood and they have even taken up fishing and earth cutting. Munda tribes have remained hunters for centuries. Gradually they converted into the settled agriculturist. Most of them do not have land of their own and are largely dependent on the labour work in the fields to earn their livelihood.  Food and clothing  Mundas are animal eaters for a long time. Their usual food inculdes frogs, snakes, rats, earthworms, shells and snails. Mundas prefer having Tari and Haria wine on the various occasions. They are in close touch with the Hindu society. Munda men wear pant and shirts, While the women are seen wearing the cotton saris with the cholis or blouse. Mundari are generally short in height, dark complexion, and good looking. They have short curly hair.  Language  Munda tribes are the largest tribe of India. The main language spoken by them includes "Munda" or "Killi" , Santali and Mundari. The titleernative name of Munda is 'Heriki'.  Society  The Munda tribe community is divided into sub groups namely Patar, Mahali, and Kampat Munda etc. A 'Gotiora' is situtated in each munda village and this carries a well adopted habitual culture in giving training to young men of Munda. The society is governed by Panchayat, they have built up Parha System of Government. The villages markets play very vital role in their economic lives where exchange of products is essential for the basic sustenance. There exists an Akhara whichi is the medium of entertainment for the tribes. Festivals celebrated among the Munda Tribal Community are Mage, Phagu, Karam, Sarhul, and like any other tribes, Mundas also have festivals but here they are a with a difference. Lights, fire games, pomp and show make a big part of their festivals. Sarhul the festival of flowers is celebrated in the month of March-April which is the important festival of Mundas. On the occasion of this festival Sal flowers are brought to the Sarna and Pahao to propitiate all Gods of the Mundas. On a Full Moon Day of Paush month Mage is celebrated by Mundas. In this festival the spirits of deceased ancestors are the main objects of worship.In the month of February-March Phagu festival is celebrated and is characterized by communal hunt. During Phagu, the village Deity is worshipped. The festival corresponds with Holi festival as they sprinkle colour on one another. In the month of August-September for the prosperity of the village, the Karma Festival is celebrted. During the festival Karam sapling is brought from the forest by an unmarried male, singing and dancing and are planted in the village. They take rice beer and dance for the whole night. In the month of October-November Sohrai is celebrated. In the night, lamps are lighted and on the following morning, the cattle shed is washed and sprinkled with rice beer.  Tribes in India   Tribes Map1 Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes Tribes Map2 Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe Tribes Map3  Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes

 KHOND TRIBES

History  Khond Tribes are usually found in Bihar and are considered as the scheduled tribes. It originates from Odisha and is one of the major tribes of India. Khonds are also found in Andhra Pradesh. They are also called as Kandhs. The tribe is divided into many groups like hill or Kutia and Plain Dwelling Khonds.  Culture  Male Khonds costumes generally includes Dhoti, Ganji and Shirt. The costumes of female include saree and salwar kameez, Dupatta. Khonds are very much fond of ornaments; they wear ornaments in neck, ear, finger, hair, nose, wrist and feet. They are made of bronze, shell, gold, brass, steel, nickel, seeds, thread and gold. They almost follow eighty three gods. Some of the Khonds follow Hindiusm and some follow Christanity. They worship the main deity Sing Bonga and the local deities namely Thakur Dei, Thakur Deo, Burha Dei, Burha Deo, Borang Buru, Bhagbonga, Tila Bonga. They also worship some of the popular gods such as Goddess Durga, Bhagwati, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva.  Occupation  The tribal community of Khonds belongs to the Anstro-Asiatic Family. Khond are hunter and gatherers. They go out for collective hunts eating the fruits and roots they collect. These practices make them mainly dependent on forest resources for survival. They have given their name to the Khondmals, a subdivision of Angul district in Odisha. The Khond language, Kui, is more closely related to Telugu.  People  Khonds are very good at usage of medicinal plants and treat diseases with the plants. They are tall group of people who have some features of Aryans. They are divided into different clans like Hansa, Beck, Hembram, Bedia etc. Place /Location (then and now) Bihar, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Languages spoken Kuvi Religion/God Hinduism & Christanity Food Sal and mahua seeds  Food  They usually cook food with oil extracted from sal and mahua seeds. They also use medicinal plants.  Language   Their main language is known as a Kuvi which is a type of Dravidian Languag.  Festivals   The tribal people have separate village and they are too developed in adopting the occupations of hunting as well as cultivation. The festivals are occasions with great pleasure and enthusiasim. Khond Tribe celebrates festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, Sohraj, Sarhul, Jitia, Phagu Karma, Nawakhani and Ramnavami with great honour and pomp. The celebration in this tribal community are with lots of fun and truimph which includes music and dance with beating of Dhol, Kartal, Thali, Nagara and Flute. The rituals of Khond Tribes are very much pious which are reflected in their practices. In the ancient times the Khonds used to commermorate their Earth Goddess, Tara pennu, the practice of giving the living beings as a sacrifice. The religion of animism is followed by Khond Tribe. The first victim of Khond Tribe is Biharwas devoted, bought or captivated. He is then anointed with oil and turmeric and then connected to crosspiece of the pillar which has an elephant. Then the crosspiece is spanned and taken around the erected post. Men and women both dance and sing around the victim who are then narcotized and intoxicated. He is then beaten upto death and chopped into pieces. Then the Khond Tribes used those pieces and bury it into the fields to ensure that the crop is beneficial and debar evil. Ultmately this practice was prohibited in the year 1845. Today Khonds go for giving goats and buffaloes as offerings.  Economy  Khonds economy is mainly dependent on agriculture and labour. Each family in the Khond Tribal Community owns some agricultural land, besides homestead land and Bari-land. Their agricultural land is two types- Don and Tanr. Don land has move water storage capacity so Jarhan or Agahani paddy are cultivated. Tanr land has less water storing capacity. So, Vadai paddy, maize, marua, Kurathi, Surguja, Til, Arahar, gram, etc. are cultivated in Tanr land. The cultivation in Tanr land is done by dry cultivation method, while in the Don land, cultivation of crops is done by wet cultivation method. There is no assured means of irrigation as they are dependent on rain fall . Nowadays, some Khond families have wells and diesel machine and they are attracted towards the cultivation of vegetable crops. They use Hybrid seeds, fertilizer and pesticides in the cultivation of the vegetables. The agriculture is generally not profitable, but they are able to grow paddy for their consumption. They are not in a position to sell the yield of the paddy because they do not have more yields. The agriculture provides them engagement only for 6 to 8 months in a year. For another 6 to 4 months, they are dependent on setting their labour as Reja, Coolie in the forest, field, construction site, brick kilns, mines, industries etc. But as labour, they do not get work regularly. They do not get minimum wages as fixed by the Government time to time.  Tribes in India   Tribes Map1 Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes Tribes Map2 Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe Tribes Map3  Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes

 GUJJAR TRIBES

Origin  The Gujjar tribals for many years have settled in the heartland of Himachal Pradesh. In all the tribal communities the Gujjars are held high in esteem. The Gujjars are also called as Goojar, Gujar & Gurjara. They are mostly residing the northern western part of Himachal Pradesh. The origin of this tribe is quite interesting as it has said it was during the time of invasion of Hunas the Gurjara tribes moved into northern India and the Himachal Pradesh. It is also assumed by another school of thought that the Khazar tribes are the Ancestors of the Gujjar Tribe. The term Gujjar has arrived from Khazar. In India, Gujjar populations are found mainly in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, northern Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. The semi-nomadic Gujjar groups are found in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and north-western Uttar Pradesh. The name for the state of Gujarat has derived from "Gurjar".  Culture  Gujjars are culturally very much depictable by dancing, religious rites and customs etc. The tribes have got inclination towards religion. Some of them have converted themselves to Hinduism and also Islam. They are the tribes who strictly follow old traditions and customs. They still follow custom of early marriages, where girls are married at an age of 14 - 15 years and boys at 17-18 years.  Occupation   For most of the Gujjar Tribes is in the northern Indian Territory the occupation is semi nomadic tribal community. The tribals herd animals like sheeps, goats and buffalo. Semi-nomadic people of Gujjar community are in the habit of migrating to upper parts of Himalayas along with their cattle during the summer season and back to the plains with the onset of chilly winters. There is dearth of trained Gujjar artisans in various handicrafts. Therefore, they are constantly dependent on the items needed by them from the market and the Barbers, Blacksmiths, cobblers and other artisans also move with them to various locations. These people have adopted their own way of life and Gujjars have accepted them as part of their social group.  People  The Gujjar tribal communities have an exquisite tribal way of dressing style for both men and women which are of distinctive pattern. They have colourful turban with unique style of wrapping which has been a mark of the Gujjar tribal Community. Topi which is also called as Afgani hat is worn by the aged Gujjar men. Gujjar females have greatly enhanced beautiful clothes called Duppatta which looks like a shawl. They are also fond of jewellery and have a fascination for the necklace with a triangle pendant, studded with a beautiful stone in the center of it. It symbolizes 'evil eye' and mainly utilized to avert bad luck. Place /Location (then and now) Himachal Pradesh & Jammu and Kashmir Population 55 lakhs in Jammu and Kashmir & Himachal Pradesh Languages spoken Gojri, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu,, English Religion/God Hinduism, Islam Sikhism Food Veg and Non Veg , wheat , cereals  Food   Mostly they depend on milk products as their staple food besides cereals, wheat and maize. They may be vegetarians and non-vegetarians as well. The favorite dishes of Gujjar are "Maki ki Roti" Ganhar / Sarssoon ko Sag, Lassi, Kalari, Karan, etc.It is surprising that Gujjar are mostly vegetarians.The Banhara Gujjars mainly live in "Kullas" made from Special type of grass, while Bakerwals live in temporary Doharas and in Tamboos. Settled Gujjars mainly live in "Kothas"  Language   The Gujjar tribal community has the beautiful language of Gujari also called as Gojri. The language belongs to the Rajasthani language group. The communities have also developed fluency in other languages such as Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Pastho, Pahari languages like Kangri and Dogri.  Festivals   Festivals are of part and parcel for Gujjar Tribal Community. They celebrate all the festivals of national significance apart from these Gujjars too have incorporated their religious beliefs and customs. Id is one the main festivals for their society which they celebrate with great festivity and enthusiasm. The Government of India has set up various commissions from time to time for identification of various weaker communities so that data and other necessary information could be collected in respect of their educational, social, economic and political status and on the basis of such datas and resultant recommendations, such downtrodden communities could be provided avenues for development and progress. A few of such commissions which have played vital and historical role include Gajendragadkar Commission, the Sikri Commission, the Wazir Commission (1969), the Anand Commission (1976) and the Mandal Commission which covered the entire country.  Economy   Gujjar Tribe has always been an exploited component with Gujjar politics which is related to the poor economic condition of this down trodden community. The basic characteristics of Gujjar Economy is: Labour Class Agriculture Class Service Class Business Class Dealing with Milk and Milk Products Dealing with Mutton and Woollen products Other business related Activities Artisans Class: The people associated with professional handicrafts, handloom and all semi-skilled activities.  Tribes in India   Tribes Map1 Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes Tribes Map2 Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe Tribes Map3  Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes

 SANTHAL TRIBES

History  The third largest tribes of India are the Santhal Tribe. This tribe habitation is mainly in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and Assam. They belong to the Pre -Aryan period and were the great fighters during the British regime in India. A bantam bunch comprising of the Santhals can also be traced back to Bangladesh. Santhals were brave and courgeous people who wagged war against the permanent settlement of Lord Cornwallis in 1855. In 1850 Santhals hero Sidhu had accumulated around 10 thousand Santhals to run parallel government against the British government. The first Santhal leader who raised weapons against the Britishers in 1789 was Baba Tilka Majhi. According to the earlier census their population is around 49,000. The scientists have conjectured that the individuals of the Santhal in Jharkhand had the Proto Australoids as their ancestors and these so-called Proto Australoids had embarked upon a journey towards the eastern frontier of India and eventually settled there. Many call them as "the tribes at extreme". Place /Location (then and now) West Bengal , Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam Population 49000 Languages spoken Hindi, Santhali Religion/God Sarna, Sari Dhorom Culture Santhal Tribes enjoy and love dancing. Dancing is one activity which is in their blood. It forms an important part of the Santhals fairs and festivals. Santhals relax themselves with the light music music and dance after the long day hard work. Santhal women dress up themselves in the red bordered white sari and dance in the line sequence. Apart from dance, Santhals have fun & enjoy& also play great music using Tirio (bamboo flute with the seven holes), an open chest( korom), a short neck(hotok)and a head( bohok), Phet banam (a fretless stringed instrument with three or four strings), Tumdak, Tamak, Junko and Singa. Dhodro banam (which consists of belly called lac covered with an animal skin on which rests the bridge(sadam, lit, horse), Santhal Tribal Communtiy have no temples of their own and they even do not worship any idols. Santhals follow the Sarna religion. Their God and Goddess are Marangburu, Jaheraera, and Manjhi. The most amazing fact about Santhal is that they pay respect to the ghosts and spirits like Kal Sing, Lakchera, and Beudarang etc. Santhals have village priests known as the Naiki and shaman Ujha. In this community animal sacrifices to the Gods is common to appease the Gods and Goddesses.  Occupation  The occupation of the Santhals revolve around the forests in which they reside. Their basic needs are fullfiled from the trees and plants of the forests. They are also engaged in the hunting, fishing and cultivation for their livelihood. They possess unique skills in making the musical equipments, mats and baskets out of the plants. The talent of Santhal Tribe is safely passed on from one generation to the other.  People  Santhals have long head and flat nose. Their complexion varies from dark brown to black in colour. Santhals usually have curly hair.  Language   Santhals speak Santhali, which belongs to the Austro- Asiatic language family. Santhals have their script called Olchiki, which was developed by Dr Raghunath Murmu in 1925. They are generally bilingual. Apart from Santhali they also speak Bengali, Oriya and Hindi. The members of the Santhal tribe have accepted the dialect Santhali as their mother-tongue. This language has also been derived from the Austro-Asiatic group of languages and has a lot of features common with the languages like Vietnamese and Khmer like most of the lingos used by the tribes. The alphabet used by the Santhali language is known as Ol Chiki. A strange feature of this alphabet is that it does not possess any similitude with the Indic or the Devanagiri scripts. Another specititley of the Santhali language is that they possess three extra vowels along with six regular ones.  Festivals  Santhals mainly celebrate the Karam festival which falls in the month of September and October. They celebrate this festival to please the God to increase their wetitleh and free them from all the enemies. It is the tradition among the Santhals to grow the Karam tree outside their house after the purification process. Other festivals of the Santhal community include Maghe, Baba Bonga, Sahrai, Ero, Asaria and Namah. They also celebrate hunting festival called Disum sendra on the eve of Baishakhi Purnima.  Judicial System  The judiciary system is well organised in traditional manner. It manages and gets solution to the problem inside the community. They make every effort to solve it among themselves within in the society. The Santhal Tribe head is called as Manjhi Hadam. He is considered as the chief of the judicial, executive and other function of society. Manjhi is helped by various others like Jagmangjhi, Jagparanik, Naike and Gudit who work in the other fields in diverse areas.  Tribes in India   Tribes Map1 Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes Tribes Map2 Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe Tribes Map3  Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes

 CHENCHU TRIBES

Origin  Chenchus are hindu Aboriginal tribes residing in the central hillstations of Andhra Pradesh. They inhabit the Nallmalla hills which has been a part of Nagarjuna Sagar, the Tiger Sanctuary for centuries in Andhra Pradesh. They are mainly found in the districts of Mahboobnagar, Nalgonda, Prakasam, Guntur and Kurnool. The Origin of Chenchu is connected to Lord Malikarjuna of the Srisailim temple.  Occupation  The Chenchus stil go for hunting rather than farming. They sell the meat for the livelihood. The Chenchu Tribes collect jungle products like roots, tubers, fruits, beedi leaves, mahua flower, honey, gum, tamarind and green leaves and sell it to the traders and Government cooperatives for a meagre income. Leaf cups and plates are made out of tobacco leaves by the Chenchu tribes and even tamarind, mahua flowers and sell them in the local market , where they are in the great demand. They also make use of the mahua flower in making liquor which can be sold in the local market.. Honey is the favorite among them all. Chenchus are good hunters; they can be seen hunting for animals like deer, wild boar, rabbit, wild cock, rat and birds. They use bow and arrow for hunting. Apart from root, tubers, and fruits, Chenchus love eating fresh honey.  People  Self reliant, the Chenchus have learned various small arts, and crafts, to make their lives easier. The Chenchus prefer to do most of their things on their own. Place /Location (then and now) The Chenchus are found in Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Population Population of Chenchu tribes is nearly 8% of the total nation's population that is nearly 68 million people according to the census of 1991. Languages spoken Chenswar, Choncharu, Chenchwar and Chenchukoolam with telugu accent Religion/God Chenchu's worship Lord Shiva, Hanuman, Goddess of Fire for their safety and prosperity Food The chenchus food consists of gruel made from jowar or maize, and boiled or cooked jungle tubers. Personality Chenchus have short stature with long head, good eyebrows with flat nose. They have jet curly hair and their complexion vary from wheat grey to brown with broad faces. The have independent and personal freedom. Young people are free to marry whomsoever they like and can get apart whenever they like.  Staple Food  Their staple food is a gruel of Maize or Jowar and bolied or cooked junglers tubers. Chenchus love smoking and make tobacco cigarettes consumed by themselves.  Language  They speak in Chenchu language with Telugu Accent. Their language is also known as Chenchucoolam, Chenchwar, Chenswar or Choncharu.  Religion  Chenchus worship Bhagwan Taru who lives in the sky and look after chenchus in all their doings. They also worship Garelamai Sama who is the goddess of forest. She protects them from any danger.  Social Living Pattern  Penta is the name given by Chenchus to their villages. One penta consists of a few huts that are grouped together based on the kinship pattern. The close relatives live near to each other while the distant ones live further away. Chenchus homes are sparse and have a Spartan appearance. The village elder is named as 'Peddamanishi' and is generally responsible for maintaining order and harmony within the family as well as in the village as a whole. The Peddamanishi's words have the final social authority. The Chenchus are generally sub-divided into clans like the Hindus, As many as 26 gotras are found in their Chenchu society. The Chenchus do not marry within the same clan or gotra. After marriage, a woman bears the gotra of her husband. The Chenchu marriage is known as 'Pelli'. Either the youth choose their life partners or elders arrange the marriage ceremony. The marriage ceremony takes place in a traditional way with the entire community present as the witness. Elders from 'Uttaluri' clan preside over the marriage as the priest or 'Kularaju'. The maternal uncle of the bride performs the 'sampradaan' ceremony (giving the hand of the bride) while a grand feast takes place at the conclusion of the ceremony. After marriage, the new couple set up their own house. Today, the forest region no longer belongs to the Chenchus. It has been declared as a Tiger reserve sanctuary. The government has been motivating the Chenchus to adapt to agriculture, but has failed. The Chenchus refuse to be displaced from the forest and continue to live in harmony with the tigers in the sanctuary. Though some of their children are sent to government schools, there are very few instances of educated Chenchus finding their way into mainstream modern society. The Chenchus are struggling to adapt to new patterns of life as the forest resources dwindle with time. The Chenchus have been their own masters for many generations and have not needed the services of any outsider. They are unmindful of an external society which is alien and unimportant to them. The life in the wild is one of hardship, but the Chenchus live on cheerfully unmindful of their difficulties. The NGOs in the Andhra Pradesh have made many efforts to bring the Chenchus Development Activities and make them self-reliant and educate them in which they have even succeeded to a great extent.  Tribes in India   Tribes Map1 Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese tribes Tribes Map2 Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa tribe Tribes Map3  Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes