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Published by dhumkudiya, 2022-05-10 22:21:16

Tribes of Jharkhand

Tribes of Jharkhand

2017

Tribes of Jharkhand

Tribes of Jharkhand

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 2
1. ASUR........................................................................................................................................................ 4
2. BAIGA ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
3. BANJARA.................................................................................................................................................. 8
4. BATHUDI.................................................................................................................................................10
5. BEDIA.......................................................................................................................................................12
6. BHUMIJ...................................................................................................................................................14
7. BINJHIA .................................................................................................................................................. 15
8. BIRHOR ................................................................................................................................................... 17
10. CHERO ..................................................................................................................................................19
11. CHIK BARAIK ...................................................................................................................................... 20
12. GOND ....................................................................................................................................................21
13. GORAIT ................................................................................................................................................ 23
14. HO......................................................................................................................................................... 25
15. KHARIA................................................................................................................................................. 26
16. KARMALI .............................................................................................................................................. 29
17. KAWAR.................................................................................................................................................. 30
18. KHARWAR.............................................................................................................................................31
19. KHOND ................................................................................................................................................. 32
20. KISAN ................................................................................................................................................... 33
21. KOL........................................................................................................................................................ 34
22. KORA .................................................................................................................................................... 35
23. KORWA................................................................................................................................................. 36
24. LOHARA ................................................................................................................................................37
25. MAHALI................................................................................................................................................ 38
26. MAL-PAHARIA .................................................................................................................................... 39
27. MUNDA................................................................................................................................................. 40
28. ORAON ..................................................................................................................................................41
29. PARHAIYA............................................................................................................................................ 42
30. SANTHAL ............................................................................................................................................. 43
31. SAURIA PAHARIA ............................................................................................................................... 45
32. SAVAR................................................................................................................................................... 46
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................47

Page 1 of 47

Tribes of Jharkhand

INTRODUCTION
Jharkhand, the 28th state of the Indian Union, was carved out of Southern Bihar in November 2000.
The state has a rich endowment of natural resources — forests, minerals and abundant land. With only
2.7 percent of the population of India, the state possesses approximately 33 percent of its mineral
reserves such as iron ore, coal, copper ore, mica, bauxite and so on. However, agriculture is the mainstay
for nearly 80 percent of the population in Jharkhand (UNDP, n.d.)1.
Jharkhand is the 13th most populated state in India with a population of 32,966,238 spread over an
area of 79,714 sq km (Census 2011) in 24 districts. Nearly 26.2 percent of the total population belongs
to ST category. There are 5 districts having more than 50 percent of ST population and 8 districts
having ST population between 25-50 percent.

1 http://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/operations/about_undp/undp-in-Jharkhand/about-
Jharkhand/

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Tribes of Jharkhand

Demography of Jharkhand

Indicator Jharkhand Jharkhand India
Census 2011
Census 2001 Census 2011 121.05 Crore

Total Population 269.45 Lakh 329.88 Lakh 382
13.12%
Population Density 338 414 10.45 Crore
8.63%
Proportion of Child Population (0-6 year) 18.40% 16.30% 20.13 Crore
1,07,09,967
ST Population – Total 70.87 Lakh 86.45 Lakh
940
Proportion of ST Population 26.3% 26.21% 989
945
SC Population – Total 31.89 Lakh 39.85 Lakh 914
74.04
PVTG Population - Total 2,23,336 2,92,359 58.96
16.58
Sex Ratio 941 948 19.18
18.71
Sex Ratio – ST 987 1003 2466.92 Lakh
1678.26 Lakh
Sex Ratio – SC 944 950 68.85%

Child Sex Ratio (0-6 year) 965 948

Literacy Rate – Total 53.56% 67.63%

Literacy Rate – ST 40.67% 57.13%

Gender Gap in Literacy 28.57 22.24

Gender Gap in Literacy – ST 26.77 21.97

Gender Gap in Literacy – SC 29.04 22.74

Total Number of Household 48.62 Lakh 61.81 Lakh

Total Number of Rural Household 38.02 Lakh 46.85 Lakh

Proportion of Rural Population 77.80% 76.00%

Demography of PVTGs in Jharkhand

Sn. PVTG Population Population Sex Ratio Child Number of
HHs
1 Mal Paharia 2001 2011 2011 Sex Ratio 2011 2011
2 SauriaPaharia 30,235
3 Korwa 1,15,093 1,35,797 1,003 997
4 Parhaiya 10,215
5 Asur 31,050 46,222 1,012 1,034
6 Birhor 7,462
7 Savar 27,177 35,606 978 1,002
8 Birjia 5,725
Total 20,786 25,585 958 988 4,399
10,347 22,459 958 956 2,661
7,514 10,726 960 968 2,752
6,004 9,688 992 1,019 1,358
5,365 6,276 977 997 64,807
2,23,336 2,92,359 991 998

Page 3 of 47

Tribes of Jharkhand

1. ASUR

Origin:

There is no definite information about the origin of the Asur. It is 22,459
believed that the Asur were a power which claimed and received
homage from the Vedic Aryans. Hoffmann (1938) expressed Population
that the Asur seem to be one of the branches of Munda race,
carrying on a struggle for life that is fore doomed to failure and 0.26%
must lead to extinction which is now imminent for them.
of total tribal population

The community is divided into kilis/clans/gotras and the three important gotras are –Bir Asur, Agaria
Asur and Birjia Asur. Bir Asur reside in forest and are dependent on forest resources. Goria Asur are
well known for smelting of iron and Birjia Asur practice shifting cultivation. In recent time, Birjia Asur
have been categorized as separate tribe- Birjia.

Language:
The language spoken by the tribe, Asur, originates from the Austro-Asiatic language family.

Livelihood:
The Asur are traditionally iron-smelters, having knowledge of iron ores and smelting. The nomadic tribe
were virtually forced to settle down and adapt agrarian lifestyle. They have since become settled
farmers, having access to small landholdings which are insufficient for the whole year. Low productivity
and curtailed access to forests have resulted in migration as the search for alternative sources of
livelihood.

Housing and Habitat:
The descendants of the tribe have settled in the hilly and plateau region of Netarhat (Latehar), Gumla
and Lohardaga districts in Jharkhand. They have established villages in the deep forest, as the tribe
have close relationship with forest and nature. The descendants rarely come in contact with outside
world as their needs are fulfilled by the forest.
An Asur house is made of mud wall, wood, bamboo, leaves and handmade tiles. Each house consists of
one or two rooms with a verandah, and no windows. They have earthen pots, aluminum utensils, iron
utensils and some utensils of bronze in their houses for the purpose of cooking, serving food, storing
water and grains.

Culture and Art:
Several rituals are performed, and festivals celebrated covering the entire lifespan of an individual. They
celebrate Sohrai, Sarhul, Phagua, Nawkhani, Karma and Sarhi-Kutasi where they perform folk dances
and folk songs. These are Karma, in Karmapooja, Pandaki in Diwali, Bihavanchi in marriage and
Rahas in Holi, etc. Their folk songs are Karmgeet, Suageet, Vivahgeet, and Fag. They also have a love
song known as Daharia. Popular musical instruments are Kingari, Dhol, Timaki, Mohari, and Thali.

Value systems:
The Asur follow the rule of monogamy in marriages but in case of barrenness, or in the case of death of
a spouse, they follow the rule of bigamy or trigamy. They strictly follow the rule of tribe endogamy and
clan exogamy. Those who do not obey these rules are banished from the community, but allowed back
in after throwing a feast seven times to the community.
The dead bodies are buried in place known as “Sasan” and a stone erected on top. On the 10th day, a
purifactory feast and on the 13th day, death feast are arranged. They observe the ceremony of recalling

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Tribes of Jharkhand

the shadow of the deceased. They bring the clothes and belongings of the dead person to burn. Then
they say to the dead person’s soul, “now run away, the house is on fire. Go to the cemetery and never
return to the old home”.
The Asur religion is a combination of animism, animatism, naturalism and ancestral worship. The chief
deity is Singhbonga, and other deities are Dharti Mata, Duari, Patdaraha and Turi-Husid. Asur society
is guided by traditionally laid down customs. They have a traditional panchayat headed by Mahto, a
hereditary post assisted by religious leader, Baiga. All the heads of families (male) are members of the
panchayat. The Panchayat have the responsibility of settling disputes arising within the community.

Page 5 of 47

Tribes of Jharkhand
2. BAIGA

Origin:

The tribe is known to have originated from larger tribe 3,582
‘Binjhiyas or Binjhwars’ habituating Chhattisgarh and West
Bengal. Population

0.04 %

Language: of total tribal population

Baiga speak ‘Parshi Bhasha’ or ‘Govahi Bhasha’, a broken form

of Hindi. 1961 Census indicates ‘Baigani’ dialect from Indo-Aryan group of languages spoken by the

tribe.

Livelihood:
The Baiga practice shifting cultivation and animal husbandry.

Housing and Habitat
Houses are made of neatly split bamboo around central pole supported by forked pillars. Bamboo walls
are plastered with mud, while roof is made of mud tiles. Houses also have verandah. Floor is plastered
with cow dung. The house is generally divided into two large rooms. Visitors are allowed to take seat in
first room, but it is considered to be appropriate to enter the second room. It has only one door and no
windows.

Culture and Art:
The tribe has a rich folklore. It describes about the Baiga empires and war stories full of battles won
most of the time using horses and elephants. A possibility of Baigas serving the Kalchuri Dynasty as
knights in Central and Western India is also noted. It is also said that after disintegration of the dynasty,
the Baigas became chieftans and ruled for a few centuries before the Gond tribe displaced them.

Several rituals are performed and festivals celebrated during life cycle of a Baiga. ‘Rasa Nava’ (Festival
of Juices) is celebrated every nine years indicating close affinity to forest and environment. Unique form
of joyful and sentimental songs sung during festivals and celebrations for child birth and marriages.
Dancing is also very common during festivals and rituals. During celebrations, liquor made from
fermented Mahua flowers is thoroughly enjoyed. The women have exquisite tattoos on face rest of the
body.

Value systems:
The tribe follows patriarchal societal system with maternal uncle holding important positions in rituals.
Old Baigas command high respect. However, women are given equal importance in decision making
process at household level. Families are nuclear, and monogamy is prevalent. Bride price custom is
practiced in form of cash and bullock or cattle head. Six different forms of marriages exist, ranging from
eloping to bridegroom serving at brides home before marriage is given consent by the elders in family.

There is no clear division of labour between men and women, and both perform tasks from cooking to
hunting to fetching water. However, women are not allowed to take part in sowing or touch plough, for,
earth is regarded as women and crops may perish if women use plough.

Women are known for their witchcraft and have Tiger as a collective totem. They have several taboos
about eating, living in a house, etc. They also wear a coarse thread around their waist to protect from
evil spirits. Several deities are worshipped by the tribe. Among them, the omnipotent one is called

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Tribes of Jharkhand

‘Bhagwan’ the most powerful one from whom the life and land originated and to whom the soul returns
after death.
‘Mukaddam’ is the head of the community and position is inherited. He is supported by ‘Sayana’ and
elected by the community itself. The Mukaddam is responsible for several tasks ranging from helping
families during difficult times such as illness or loss to settling disputes at community level. He is also
required to perform Pooja at the time of sowing seeds in belief that this would lead to good crop.
Baigas are widely known and respected amongst other tribes for powerful witchcraft and magic.
Traditional healing practices and medicines made from fungus, barks, leaves and roots are widely used.

Page 7 of 47

Tribes of Jharkhand

3. BANJARA

Origin:

The Banjara were included in the list of Scheduled tribe in 1956

487on the recommendation of Backward Class Commission,

Government of India. They are a nomadic tribe and move to Population

different areas and live in temporary settlements for periods of 0.01%
time. They adapt to the local culture, custom and language,
leaving behind their own roots. The sub-tribes are Gulgulia, of total tribal population

Kanjar, Sapera, Madari, Nat, Bazigar and others. During the Mughal period the tribe was engaged in

the business of food items and jewellery, but have also been mentioned in Vedic period as community

well known for their business in animals.

Language:
As per 1961 Census, ‘Baigani’ dialect originating from the Indo-Aryan group of languages is spoken by
the tribe.

Livelihood:
They are nomadic in nature and the traditional source of livelihood was the buying and selling of
animals and rice. The sub-tribe of Banjara was engaged in singing and begging during family occasions.
In the recent times, they have transformed into settled agriculturists with small land holdings. They
substitute their income by selling small items in the villages.

Housing and Habitat:
The villages of the Banjara are situated on the hills near the forest, isolated from the main village. The
houses are built with mud, with thatched roofs and separate compartments inside.
As they were traditionally nomadic, they would pitch their tents on the boundary of a village or city and
carry all the material related to the household and business with them. They were also in the practice of
travelling with dogs that would protect them and help with hunting.

Culture and Art:
The colorful life of the Banjaras now has become the source of entertainment to the entire state. Banjara
music and dances like Chaw, Natua, Ghatwari and Matha have become sources of recreation. The
Banjaras of Jharkhand have become famous, particularly for their embroidery work. Influenced by their
themes and culture, the Banjaras embellish their works with ivory beads, shells and colorful threads.

Value systems:
The Banjara family is matrilineal and the male member is the head of the family. The property is
inherited by sons but in absence of sons it goes to the brother’s son. In case the father does not have any
brother then the property is inherited by the daughter’s son.

The usual form of marriage is monogamy but bigamy is permissible in special cases. Levirate, Serrate
and widow remarriage are allowed. They practice tribe endogamy and clan/village exogamy. Marriage
mates should not be related up to three generations from both paternal and maternal sides. Banjara’s
practice paying bride price to the girl’s family, to conduct marriages.

The Banjara are divided into two clans-Kaslogapa and Garga. These clans are also found among
Hindus. The religion of Banjara represents a mixture of Hindu and Muslim forms of worship. The most
important deity of tribe is Banjari Devi, followed by Shiva Baia. They believe that the deities are

Page 8 of 47

Tribes of Jharkhand

responsible for every event that takes place in life. They have faith that the souls of persons meeting
natural death join the abode of ancestral spirits, hence they respect and worship them.
The Banjara have their traditional panchayat and the senior member of the community is elected as the
head of the village panchayat. The family head of each family is the member of the panchayat. The
panchayat settles the disputes related to adultery, marital affairs, inter caste-tribe marriage, witchcraft,
black magic etc. Those who do not obey the decision of panchayat are considered outcasts. Women are
not allowed to take part in panchayat meetings.

Page 9 of 47

Tribes of Jharkhand

4. BATHUDI

Origin:

According to Rijale and Sharat Chandra Rai, this tribe is a small 3464
tribe with no definite information about their origin. They are
sufficiently under the influence of Hinduism and take the Population
services of Hindu priest in marriages and other ceremonies.
They prefer to be called Kshatriyas and do not consider 0.04%

of total tribal population

themselves as Adivasis. A few intellectuals believe that Bathudi

has originated from Bahutuli, which denotes “People of Arms” i.e. Kshatriyas .They belong to the Proto-

Australoid groups as other tribes.

Language:
The tribe speaks a language that is influenced by Bengali, Oriya and Hindi.

Livelihood:
The primary occupation of Bathudis is agriculture, but in absence of sustainable agriculture, they
migrate to neighboring states like Odisha and West Bengal as migrant labourers for 4-6 months each
year. Some are engaged in transporting food materials of other tribes and non-tribes in bullock carts.
They take up fishing and hunting for subsistence. They are dependent on MFP, which is mostly collected
by the women members of the family.

Housing and Habitat:
The villages are surrounded by hill ranges covered with thick forest in Dhalbhumgarh region of East
Singhbhum district, whereas some villages are situated on the banks of Subarnekha river. The houses
are scattered throughout the village. They build houses with wooden poles, bamboo, mud, tiles etc. with
one door and no windows. Each house has a cattle shed at the backyard and a portico for visitors.
Bathudis use earthen pots, cots, mat baskets made from forest produce, along with few utensils made
of brass, bronze and aluminium. They make fishing nets called Ghumi for catching fish and Khalai for
storing the fish.

Culture and Art:
Dance and song are integral parts of Bathuda culture and they perform dances on every occasion.
Dances are performed by groups of women. The dances are accompanied by musical instruments such
as Bansi, Jhal, Mandar and Kahangu.

Value systems:
The tribe is divided into a number of Gotras, and most prominent among them are:-Saluka, Kok,
Dahuk, Nag, and Panipat. The symbolic image of each gotra (Totem) is not eaten or harmed by people
of that particular gotra.

Gotra is the basis of marriage and the community does not allow marriage within Gotra. The usual form
of marriage in the tribe is monogamy, but in some cases polygamy is also allowed. They practice
endogamy because they select partners from their community. Any marriage outside the tribe is looked
down upon, children from such marriages are not given a share in ancestral property. Levirate, sororate
and widow remarriage are allowed.

The Bathuda bury or burn their dead depending upon the availability of firewood. They believe in
mature and immature deaths wherein immature deaths are considered bad, they are deemed to be

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Tribes of Jharkhand

caused by malevolent spirits. They offer sacrifices in the name of malevolent spirits to prevent immature
death and miseries in families.
The Bathudi village is marked by different sacred spots named after Gods, spirits and ancestors.
Sacrifices are made at the spots by specialists called Dehri, for the welfare of community members.
The tribe’s traditional panchayat is headed by a Dehri who functions as a priest. The post is hereditary
and the eldest person of every family is a member of the panchayat. All type of conflicts are settled in
the panchayat by the head with the support of a Council of Elders. The tribe is governed by customary
law wherein parental property is equally divided among sons and adopted sons have the same right. But
sons from second wives cannot claim share in parental property.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

5. BEDIA

Origin:

There is no documented history of the Bedia community within 1,00,161
the last 500 years. They originally lived in Mohdipahar where

different caves were made by Dalal Singh, but were forced to move Population

out during the time of Babar. It is believed that Babar settled 1.16%
Muslim villages in Mohdipahar, so the Bedias moved into
of total tribal population

different parts of Jharkhand .They have their own Vedas and it is

believed that that is why they are called Bedia, and that the Aryans destroyed their Vedas.

Dr. Narmedeswar Prasad mentions in his work “Land and People of Jharkhand“, that the Bedias belong
to a the sub-tribe of Santhals but later on states that Bedia and Kurmis are cousins. The tribe use Manjhi
as a title so they are considered to be related to Santhals. The community is influenced by Hinduism
and consider themselves Hindus. However, they differ from non-tribal communities due to the latter
following the caste system.

Language:
They do not have their own language, and adapt the language of the region in which they are settled.
They commonly speak non-tribal languages –Hindi, Nagpuri, Khorta, Kurmali and Panchpargania.

Livelihood:
The primary source of livelihood is agriculture, but the community only has access to small and unfertile
land of low productivity. They grow mahua in large quantities to supplement their household income.
They also substitute their income with the collection of minor forest products (Karanj, Kusum, Mahua,
Palash and others) for both subsistence and commercial purposes. In contemporary times, members of
the community also migrate to Bihar, West Bengal and Assam as seasonal labourers.

Housing and Habitat:
The majority of Bedia villages are located on the banks of the Damodar river, with some also located in
hilly areas with forest cover. They settle in places having water and forest resources. Due to the
importance given to forests, cutting of trees is considered punishable. Villagers are allowed to collect
wood from the forests, but do not hunt big animals.

Value systems:
The customary law of the tribe dictates that sons get a share of parental property, but not daughters. If
there is no son, daughters can inherit parental property on the condition that their husbands live as
gharjamai (living in the wife’s parental home). If there is no heir, then property is inherited by the
brother’s son. A portion of the property is given to widowed mothers for their Bharanposhan, and is
distributed equally among sons after her death. The eldest son acquires greater share of the parental
property (Jeth Betha). Unmarried daughters or sisters are looked after by male siblings till marriage.

The Bedia tribe comes under Kashyap Gotra but are then sub-divided into 12 gotras and each gotras
have sub-gotras. Like other tribes, marriage within same the gotra is strictly prohibited. Marriages
within the same gotra are ostracized by the community and called (Thukur Theni).

In the Bedia community affluent families burn their dead, whereas poor families bury their along with
their belongings. They consider Kundu (Ramgarh) and Sonthra (Mandu) as sacred places to sacrifice
the ashes of their dead. They also follow Hindu rituals during death ceremonies.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

The Bedia have community organizations from village to district level to safeguard their customs and
rituals. The traditional panchayat at village level is headed by Pradhan, also called as Mahto or Ohdhar.
The Pradhan is assisted by Gorait who disseminates decisions and information delivered by Pradhan to
the villagers. A group of 12 villages select a Head who solves the disputes arising within two or more
villages. All the posts in the councils/organizations are temporary.

Page 13 of 47

Tribes of Jharkhand

6. BHUMIJ

Origin:

The historical background of this tribe is not well known 2,09,448
but it is believed that they were originally situated in the

plain and hilly areas of Singhbhum, Ranchi, Hazaribagh Population

and Palamu districts in Jharkhand .The people who lived 2.4%
in the dense forest were called Chuhar by the Mughals
because they revolted against them. This revolt, termed of total tribal population

the Chuhar Rebellion, which continued during the regime of British.

Language:
They are Proto–Australoid in origin, and speak Kolerian language.

Livelihood:
The Bhumijs have taken up agriculture as their main source of livelihood. At the same time, they practice
fishing, hunting, food gathering, wage labour, and agricultural labour as supplementary sources of
income.

Housing and Habitat:
The villages are situated on the plain areas surrounded by hills near the Subarnekha river .The village
comprises of 10-60 Bhumij houses and the tribe lives alongside Santhals, Ghasi, Muslims and Hindus.
Their houses are made of mud and tiles in rectangular shape, having two to five rooms which are used
as kitchen, storeroom, bedroom and cattle shed. The houses do not have verandah or aagan. Sometimes
the walls are decorated with pictures of various animals.

Culture and Art:
Firkal is a living martial art-based dance form, performed mainly by the Bhumij tribes of Chotanagpur
area. However, it is in danger of gradually dying out.

Value systems:
The bride-price is treated as the most important requirement for marriage. Clan exogamy is strictly
followed and marriage by exchange and levirate system of marriage are prevalent. Even child marriage
and widow remarriage is not unknown. The practices of both burial and cremation of dead bodies are
followed.

Religious worship is mostly communal in nature, and individual worship takes place only occasionally.
They worship Singh Bonga, jointly and contribute money for the worship. Brahmin priests officiate
marriage and funeral rites. The Naya, the Bhumij communal priest, conducts all other family and
religious festivals.
The village unit at the primary level is under a secular-cum-sacred village headman, which in turn is a
part of the larger unit called Parha based on clan solidarities and headed by a Manki or Parha Raja. A
number of Parha constitute a Taraf with a chief known as the Sardar. The village headman, Manki, and
Sardar received special respect and authority. The Bhumijs themselves are recognized as a Hindu caste
and the entire Bhumij community harmoniously and closely associates with the Hindus.

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Tribes of Jharkhand
7. BINJHIA

Origin: 14,404
Binjhia is a minor tribe in Jharkhand that has originated
from Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. The tribe call Population
themselves as Vindyawasi as their ancestors were the
residents of Kolanagiri in Vindya Ghati. They were 0.17%
given the title of Dev.
of total tribal population

The legend of the origin of the tribe begins with the ancestor, named Surat Dev, who had three brothers.
Due to property disputes among the siblings. The dispute led to a conflict in which all siblings were
killed. Their descendants were divided into two groups, which then moved into Gumla and Simdega
districts through Keonjhar and Sambalpur districts of Odisha. Presently the descendants reside in
Kolebera block of Simdega district.

Livelihood:
They are settled agriculturists and practice farming by clearing vegetation in hilly areas. They construct
their houses and grow vegetation on uplands known as Tanr and grow paddy using traditional methods
in Don land. They commonly practice mono-cropping as agriculture is dependent on monsoon. Animal
husbandry is not common among the tribe, but they collect MFP from the forest produce to substitute
income and household requirements.

With increase in industrialization and urbanization, wage labour has become the second most
important source of livelihood. The members of the tribe take on debt from the market at high rates to
fulfil their expenditure needs, which causes them to remain in poverty.

Housing and Habitat:
The villages of Bhumij community are mostly found in Gumla–Simdega districts, with poor connectivity
and isolation for several years. . The area is surrounded by forest and hill ranges and is considered one
of the backward regions. The village is small and has highland and river sides, where most of the houses
are situated. The houses are made of mud and tiles that are handmade. They have two rooms and
verandah on both sides of porch. They mostly use household items made of mud, aluminum or brass.
The staple food is rice and intake of beef is considered a sin.

Culture and Art:
They sing Nagpuri songs accompanied by various dance form like Jhumar, Damkach, Karma and Jitia
during special occasions or festivals.

Value systems:
A group of people in Binjia community consider themselves Kshatriya, and add the title of Singh after
their names. The community is patriarchal in nature and the male descendants have the right to own
parental property. The sons of second wives are not considered eligible to inherit parental property. The
widow has usufructory rights over her husband’s property but does not own the property.

The Binhjia are divided into number of Gotras but information is found on 7 gotras and 3 totems. Like
other tribes, marriage within same gotra is prohibited. The community is influenced by Hinduism and
worship Hindu deities such as Vindyawasini.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

The traditional panchayat has two heads-Madi and Gaddi having the responsibility of settling disputes
arising within the community. A person who has consumed is considered an outcaste from the
community and in many cases, the person has to throw a feast to the whole village.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

8. BIRHOR

Origin:

The literal meaning of Birhor is “Jungle ka Aadmi” 10,726
(People of the Jungle). They are the oldest Ghoomkkar
community moving around the plateau region of Population

0.12%Chotanagpur. They reside in isolation in the hilly regions

of this area. They were originally hunters and fulfilled of total tribal population

their needs by hunting different animals. They

supplement their income with honey-making and rope-making.

The Birhor (categorized as a PVTG) is divided into two categories-Ulthalu Birhor or Bhuliyas and
Jaghis or Thania Birhor. The former are nomadic and move from one forest to other in search of food.
Jaghis are settled farmers having their own villages and cultivable lands.

Livelihood:
Ulthalu Birhor community is a nomadic depends on the forest for their needs. They move as far as
Odisha and Bihar in search of good forest produce. They usually trap hares, rabbits, peacock etc. and
sell them in the market. They collect rope making material called “chop”. They collect honey wax and
sell in the market to supplement their income.

On the other hand the Jaghi community are settled agriculturists who practice farming by clearing the
forest (shifting cultivation). However, most of the Jaghi families are landless, so they collect forest
produce that forms a major sources of livelihood. They often undertake hunting to fulfil their basic
needs. They are dependent on various economic activities as they have small land holdings and the land
is unfertile and rocky. Most Birhor families are poor as they are dependent on activities which offer low
income.

Housing and Habitat:

The habitation of the Birhor community is known as Tanda, which is a combination of 6 or more houses.
The houses are very small in size (8’20”) made of leaves and different parts of trees in conical shape.
The houses have two compartments: one used as store and other used as kitchen and bedroom. Each
Tanda has youth dormitory called Gitiora a place where unmarried Birhor youth rest at night and learn
dancing, singing and other cultural activities.

Culture and Art:
They sing Nagpuri song along with various dance form like Jhumar, Damkach, Karma and Jitia during
special occasions or festivals.

Value systems:
The Birhor community is divided into clans called kilis or gotra. The gotras take their names from
animal or plants. The family is patriarchal in nature where a male member is considered as the head of
the family. Marriage is strictly prohibited within same clan. Widow re-marriage is permissible in cases
where the younger brother can marry the widow. In case of death of the wife, the husband can marry
the young sister of wife, but not the elder.

One habitation or Tanda comprises of families of same or different clans /gotras. Each Tanda is headed
by a Naya, considered the sacred and secular head of the Birhor. He is assisted by Diguar or Kotwar in
organizing meetings, worship and sacrifices.

The death ceremony is called as “Kambuladar” based on the belief that the spirit goes into another
body.

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Tribes of Jharkhand 6,276

9. BIRJIA Population

Origin: 0.07%

The Birjia tribe are settled on the hillocks in deeply forested of total tribal population
areas. They have preserved their identity by continuing age
old practice of collecting varied produce from forest. Birjias
are divided into two sub tribes –Sinduria Birjia and Telara
Birjia. Telara Birjia is again divided into two groups, namely
Dudha Birjia and Ras Birjia.

Livelihood:
The tribe depends on iron smelting, hunting, gathering of forest produce for their livelihood. The
community practiced shifting cultivation (Jhoom cultivation) but the practice was adversely affected by
rules and policies of forest conservation. Moreover, they practiced traditional methods for growing
crops which were of low productivity. However, they are transforming from farmers to wage labourers,
as agriculture does not provide sustained income.

Housing and Habitat:
A Birjia house is made of mud wall, wood, bamboo, leaves and handmade tiles. Each house consists of
one or two rooms with a verandah but no window. They use earthen pots, aluminum utensils, iron
utensils and bronze utensils for the purpose of cooking, serving food, storing water and grains.

Value systems:
As per custom and belief of the tribe, Gotansh is prohibited for Dudh-Birjia but Ras-Birjia do not have
such a practice. Marriage within same gotra is not allowed. If a Birjia marriage happens outside the
caste then the family has to offer seven feasts to the villagers as form of punishment.

The community practices polygamy and men can keep two wives. A person can marry two sisters but
marriage with the elder sister is conducted before the marriage with second sister.

Divorce or separation is very common among the community, and is granted in the traditional
panchayat by the Pradhan. Remarriage of divorced women is granted through “Sagaina” tradition.

The death ceremony is considered to be one of the biggest events, lasts for several days. They bury or
cremate the dead and the remains are buried in a particular place (generally road side). The blood of a
black rooster is dropped in that place and a stone (Kalbudh) placed there.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

10. CHERO

Origin:

The Chero were established as rulers in 1500 BC and 95,575
mentioned in the Mahabharata as warriors along with the

Munda tribe. They moved east towards Madhya Pradesh Population

and Uttar Pradesh, but the presence of Aryans forced them 1.11%

to towards Magadha and Rohtasgarh (Bihar). They of total tribal population

established their state in Bhojpur termed Kurush. After

defeat at the hands of Shersahsuri in 1538, a small branch

of the tribe established a new kingdom and called themselves Sahi or Bhaiya but the Chero community

in Bhojpur, Magadha and Palamu got the title of Rai. The region near river Ganga besides Ara town

developed as Chero Ghat. It is mentioned that the Chero kingdom was destroyed in 1818. Once

considered as kings and warriors, Chero were listed as a Scheduled Tribe of Jharkhand, and as the most

backward tribe in the state.

Livelihood:
The affluent tribe of the 18th century is dependent on agriculture in contemporary times. Their land
holdings are small and the land is infertile and does not provide a sustainable source of income.
Therefore, they are moving towards migrant labour and wage labour as alternatives. Some families are
cultivating Lac and Tasar as cash crops.

Housing and Habitat:
Chero is the only tribe that does not reside in forest and hills, so their villages are situated in the plains.
The houses are made of mud and tiles, in rectangular shape. They have courtyards inside the houses
and verandahs on all the sides of the wall. They have animal sheds inside the house. Some houses are
double storied and known as Atari. The houses of Chero do not resemble houses of other tribes. Chero
villages do not have Akhara unlike other tribal villages.

Value systems:
Chero’s are divided into two groups-Barah-Hazri and Terah-Hazri but the former considered
themselves superior to the latter. The community is categorized into twelve Gotras but they do not have
totemic signs for the gotras. The Chero claim to be descendants of Chauhan’s or the Chandravansi
Rajput.

Like other tribes the society is patriarchal and men inherit parental property. In case there is no son,
then daughters can acquire the property if it is given as Dan.

The marriage ceremony and death ceremony are performed on the basis of Hindu rituals and a Brahmin
priest officiates the rituals. Chara marriage is performed by affluent families and Dhola marriage is
performed by poor families.

Chero community closely relate themselves with Hinduism and accept the Hindu rituals. The village
unit and divisional unit are headed by Pradhan called the Mukhiya and the district level unit is headed
by Sabhapati. Though there is parallel system in the form of Panchayat Raj Institution, the Chero have
sought to preserve their traditional panchayat system.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

11. CHIK BARAIK

Origin: 54,163
The Chik Baraik were considered one of the castes of Sadan
community, but are listed under Scheduled Tribe by Population
Government of Bihar. There is very limited information
about the origin of the tribe. 0.63%

of total tribal population

According to Hallet they are Bunker descendants of Aryans who settled in Jharkhand in 600 B.C. Rijale
believed that they are a sub-caste of Pod. The tribe is known as Chik, Baraik, Chik-Baraik, Chikwa, and
Yaduvansi. Bunker are part of Chik Baraik, Ahiri are part of Yaduvanshi Baraik and Watchman are
part of Khandit-Baraik. The main occupation of this tribe is to make clothes like Tanti, Pod, Gond and
Panika.

Livelihood:
The traditional occupation of the tribe is making clothes through handloom. They make sari, curtain,
bed sheets and other articles of clothing. The clothes are supplied during marriages and other occasions
and in return they get rice and other food items or cash. But the new generation is moving away from
the profession of cloth making as it gives low profit with high investment and the economic viability is
low. They also practice farming but only access to small land holdings or no land, and the dependency
on agriculture as source of income is also limited only to four months. For the rest of the year they work
as labourers. They are also engaged in gathering food and hunting from the forest for subsistence.

Housing and Habitat:
The number of families varies from village to village, usually comprising 1-15 families in a village. The
structure of the house is similar to the neighboring communities in the village: In a Munda village it will
be like any other Munda house. Houses are rectangular in shape, made of mud and the roof is made of
straw or handmade tiles. The house consist of 2-3 rooms under one roof to support joint families but
married couples have their own chulha. Each house has a verandah that is used for making clothes.

Value systems:
The society is patriarchal in nature where the son inherits the property. The tribe has more than 60
gotras. Clan exogamy is strictly followed in marriage .The community follows monogamy but polygamy
is also accepted. Marriage happens after giving bride price to bride’s family. The marriage ceremony is
performed by a Brahmin priest. Widow re-marriage is permissible in Chik Baraik and it is called Sangai.

The tribe is divided in two major categories-Bar-Gohri and Chot-Gohri, and the former is influenced by
Hinduism and the latter follow tribal custom and rituals. The religion is an amalgamation of Hinduism
and Tribal customs. The tribe worship Singh-bonga and Devi Maa as the most superior deities. The
rituals are performed by Brahmin-Thakur or Baiga-Pahan.

They do not have their own traditional panchayat as the number of families in villages are usually very
less. They live with other tribes and follow their panchayat systems in settling disputes.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

12. GOND

Origin:

The Gond are the second most populated tribe in India. They 53,676
are mostly found in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Maharashtra and other parts of the country. The community Population
established their own kingdom on the hills surrounded by
rivers. The kingdom was attacked by Akbar in the year 1504, 0.62%

of total tribal population

and Marathas in 1800, and their fort was captured. The

Gonds were forced to pay taxes to the Marathas. They turned to dacoitry and acquired wealth from

affluent people but the British administration curtailed their activites. They moved to Jharkhand and

settled on the hillocks.

Language:
The tribe speaks Gondi, a Dravidian language.

Livelihood:
Gonds are dependent on agriculture and labour work as major source of income. They used to practice
shifting cultivation (known as Dipa or Bewar) but shifted to settled agriculture after the introduction
of forest policy. They are also food gatherers and hunters but undertake these activities for subsistence
purposes. The settled agriculturalists are individual land owners but shifting cultivation was done on
community-owned land. The community-owned land was encroached by other people and hence the
Gonds shifted to working as wage labourers in other areas. They take debt from the market at high rates.

Housing and Habitat:
The villages are situated in the hilly ranges covered by dense forest and plains. The houses are built on
the hill slope in a scattered manner and are usually temporary arrangements. The houses in plains are
permanent settlements and are located very close to each other. The houses are constructed out of mud
and the roof with straw or tiles. The houses have one door and no windows. They are big in size with
animal sheds and backyards.

Value systems:
The Gonds are also known as Raj-gond. . The tribe is divided into different Gotras having different
Totems and they worship a number of deities.

Marriage is not allowed within same Gotra, or the same village with different Gotras and different
Gotras worshipping the same deities.

Gondi society is patriarchal, where a son inherits the property and daughters do not. Daughters can
only be considered eligible for inheriting parental property if they live with their husbands in the
parental home.

The dead are buried in a burial place and the information of deaths is given through dhol. A stone is
placed on the roadside in memory of the dead person. They believe in rebirth of the sprit, and that spirits
come back in the form of children in their families.

The main god and goddess of Gond are Thakur Dev and Thakur Devi represents Sun and Earth. The
rituals are performed by Baiga assisted by Mati.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

The community has traditional panchayat with head of the family as member of the panchayat. The
head of the traditional panchayat is a Baiga, called as Sayana. He takes decision unanimously with the
support of a council of elders. They are involved in decision making as well as implementation of the
decisions. Those who do not obey the decisions are considered culprits and ousted from the community.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

13. GORAIT

Origin: 4,937
Goraits are considered an offshoot of one of the aboriginal
races while some anthropologists suggest that they may be Population
connected with the Rora caste. They exist in every village in
Bihar and Chotanagpur because of their profession but their 0.06%
population is otherwise scattered.
of total tribal population

According to Risley (1891), they are related to the Kora community along with the Korait and Baikhar.
He also mentioned that Korait and Gorait were the original names of the community. The Gorait are
traditionally a community of drum beaters. They are a part of the Proto-Australoid group. They prefer
to settle down in hilly areas densely covered with forests and greenery. They are generally situated on
the hills of Chotanagpur region.

Language:
They speak Sadri, and Hindiand use the Devanagari script.

Livelihood:
Gorait tribes have taken up the occupation of farming and use various tools like Khamti, khurapi, axes,
sickles etc. to work. Some of them also work as drum players, village messengers and watchmen. Apart
from these, some are also involved in weaving. Items like baskets, mats, brooms, winnow tray etc. are
made by the tribe. Gorait society is agrarian. They also hunt and make weapons, including bow-arrow,
Lathi, Ber, and Barchha. Besides, they are also known to make musical instruments, like, dhol, manar,
nagara, flute and others.

Housing and Habitat:
The construction of houses is not uniform in each area. They imitate the pattern of house construction
from their neighbours. However, generally they erect one room houses and the same room has kitchen,
bedroom, and storeroom. Attached to the house is a verandah that is used as cattle shed. The house
does not possess any window except a small gate to enter and exit. The houses have wooden racks to
store items.

Culture and Art:
The Gorait tribes have a heritage of rich culture and tradition as reflected in various aspects like
marriages, attires etc. They celebrate festivals like Karma, Sarhul, Jitia, Sohrai, Nawakhani, Maghi
and Phagu.

Value systems:

The society of this tribal community is administered by the traditional Panchayat. The Pradhan is the
head of the panchayat, and is responsible for implementing laws for the tribal society. Lineage and
succession among the Gorait tribes is patrilineal. The property of the father is inherited by all his sons
equally. However, the daughters of the Gorait tribes receive only maintenance. The husband's brother's
sons inherit the property of barren couples and they also have to look after the old couple throughout
their life.

There are numerous clans within the Goriat tribes based on 'totemism'. Few significant 'totemic' Gorait
clans are Indnar, Tudu, Khalkho, Toppo etc. Marriage within the same clan is forbidden. Thus they
follow the rules of tribal endogamy and clan exogamy. The Gorait maintain that cousins and relatives

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Tribes of Jharkhand

up to three generations from the sides of both of the parents cannot marry. Widow re-marriage is
widespread and divorce is also permissible.
The religious practices are a blend of manaism, animism, animalism, naturalism, Bongaism, witchcraft
and Sharananism. The tribes ardently believe in the concept of rebirth. They believe in different Gods,
Goddesses and spirits who according to them, dwells in Saranagrove. Jalalbonga, Dubal Bonga, Katal
Bonga, maral Bonga etc. Significant deities include Vana Deo, Vanadei, Burha Deo, Burha Dei, Thakur
Deo, Gram Deo, Dihawar Deo, Nag Deo, Bagh Deo, goddess Kali, etc.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

14. HO

Origin:

The Ho, one of scheduled tribes of the Jharkhand state, is 9,28,289
concentrated in the Kolhan region. According to their

tradition, they are of the same family as Munda and they Population

came to Kolhan from Chotanagpur. The Oraon claims that 10.74%
they were driven in the Kolhan by their invasion. When the
Ho came to settle in the Kolhan area, the area was occupied of total tribal population

by the Bhuinyas and the Jains. They were driven away by the

Ho and the entire Kolhan was inhabited by them. The Ho are traditional warriors, having fought with

the British in the Kolhan area. They are a Proto-Australoid group.

Language:
They speak the Ho language of the Mundari family.

Livelihood:
The traditional economy of the Ho was hunting and shifting agriculture. Gradually they adopted settled
agriculture and livestock rearing. Landless families are engaged as agricultural labour and wage labour.
There are many families employed in companies engaged in mining as the area is rich in iron ore. The
Hos, along with Santals, Oraons and Mundas, are comparatively more advanced than other tribes.

Housing and Habitat:
The houses are made in rectangular shape having mud walls and the roof is made with grass or tiles.
The walls are painted in red-yellow or red-black and decorated with the drawings of plants and animals.
The Ho house has two or more rooms. Adjacent to the house is a small hut used for the cattle and guests.

Culture and Art:
Dance is important to Adivasi culture in general and for the Ho, it is more than simply a means of
entertainment. Their songs are generally accompanied by dances which change with the seasons. Songs
are sung with distinctively choreographed dance, during their traditional festivals, especially Mage
Parab. Most villages have a dedicated dancing ground, called akhra. Traditional Ho music incorporates
native instruments including drama (drum), dholak, dumeng (mandar), and the rutu (flute).

Value systems:
The majority of the Ho are animists (believe that non-human objects have spirits) who worship clan
gods such as a snake or monkey, and spirits. They believe the world is full of bongas (spirits) that exist
in objects of nature. Meat and beer are offered as a sacrifice to the bongas as they are believed to cause
disease and bad luck to those who do not appease them.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

15. KHARIA

Origin:

The Kharia is known to have originated from larger tribe 1,96,135
‘Binjhiyas or Binjhwars’. This is one of the largest indigenous

ethnic groups of India. They are sub-divided into three groups Population

known as the Hill Kharia, Delki Kharia and the Dudh Kharia. 2.26%

Amongst them, the Dudh Kharia is amongst the more of total tribal population

advanced and educated ethnic communities in India. The

Dudh Kharia and Dhelki Kharia are formed together as one compact tribe. The Hill Kharia do not relate

to Kharias, as their habitations, lifestyle and culture are different.

Language:
The tribe speaks “Kharia” dialect, which belongs to proto-austroloid group of language. They are also
able to speak Hindi and Bengali to some extent.

Livelihood:
The Khaira mainly rely on agriculture and wage labour for livelihood. Vadai and Rabi crops are
cultivated by traditional manual methods of farming. Some of the progressive farmers among Kharia
have began cultivating cash crops and sell the produce in the local market. However, since agriculture
is rainfed, they are able to take up farming activities for 6 to 8 months a year, and engage in wage labour
and collection and sale of minor forest produce, fishing and hunting in rest of the year.

Housing and Habitat:
The habitations of Kharia are situated in both hilly areas and plains covered with thick forest. The
Kharia construct their houses with bamboo wood, mud, grass, straw and rope prepared from tree bark.
The houses are rectangular in shape with no window. The house has one room, verandah and courtyard.
The Verandah is used as guest room and keeping goats, chicks, ducks, etc. Attached to the house is a pig
sty and cow shed.

Culture and Art:
Several rituals are performed and festivals celebrated in the lifespan of Kharia. They celebrate Sohrai,
Sarhul, Phagua, Nawkhani, Karma and Sarhi-Kutasi featuring traditional Kharia folk dances (known
as Paru or Halka) and songs. Traditional musical instruments such Mandri, Nagera and Changu are
played during the festivals.

Value systems:
The Kharia family is patriarchal and generally practice monogamy except in case of barrenness,
impotency and widowhood. Inter tribe and Inter caste marriage is social offence and offender are ousted
from community.

Kharia are divided into number of clans which are exogamous and some of them are Muru,Soren,Topno
,Hansda in Dhelki Kharia and Dungdung, Kulu, Soreng, Ba, Topo, Kiro in Dudh Kharia.

Regarding death rituals, the Kharia cremate the body and erect stone carving in memory of the
deceased.

The head of the village is called Pradhan and the head of inter village panchayat is called Parha
panchayat. The heads are responsible for resolving disputes arising in the community. If someone is
not satisfied with the decision of Pradhan then he / she can approach Parha Panchayat also.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

HILL KHARIA
Origin:
The Hill Kharia, a part of larger Kharia community, are found in different parts of India but major
concentrations are found in Mayurbanj district of Odisha and East Singhbhum, Gumla and Simdega
districts in Jharkhand. They are also found in West Midnapur, Bankura and Purulia district of West
Bengal.

The Hill Kharia call themselves Sabar as they refer to their descendants as Sabar Burka and Sabar
Burki. This has resulted in discrepancies in population census as both the tribe are considered as one
single tribe. The Hill Kharia and Sabar have been considered as the same tribe after the formation of
Jharkhand.

The population census 1981 did not consider the population of Hill Kharia as separate entity so there is
no information about their population. But the population of the tribe was 9423 and 10241 as per
population census in 1961 and 1971 respectively.

Language:
They originally spoke Kharia language, which belongs to the Munda sub-group of the Austro-Asiatic
languages. But Hill Kharia have switched to an Indo-Aryan language.

Livelihood:
Hill Kharias practiced shifting cultivation but have changed the system of cultivation in contemporary
times. They are dependent on forests for collection of forest produce for subsistence and sale in the local
haats. They had special tool, Khanta made of wood used for taking medicinal herbs from the forest.
Hunting and fishing are alternate sources.

There has been decreasing trend in the land holding pattern that has led them to work as agricultural
labour. They are also engaged in unskilled labour in nearby places. They do not prefer to migrate to
other places and remain in their own village. Traditionally they have also collected silk cocoons, honey,
and beeswax.

Housing and Habitat:

The Hill Kharia tribes have settled in the hills of Dhalbhum division and extended to other blocks like
Ghatshila. The structure of house is such that there is one room with no window, and is used as kitchen
and for sleeping. There is an adjoining room for keeping pigs.

Culture and Art:
The Hill Kharia have preserved their traditional dress pattern whereas rest of the Kharias has been
influenced by modernization and changed their dressing style. Both men and women wear ornaments
generally made of brass, nickel, aluminum, silver and rarely of gold.

The cultural life of Hill Kharia is full of dance and song related to nature. On every occasion both men
and women dance and sing together. The various form of dance are Kinbar, Hariyas and Jadhura.

Value systems:
The Hill Kharia family is patriarchal in nature and the male heirs have rights over parental property
and land. Women do not own parental property but play a major role in the social and economic
activities of the family.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

There are several gotras (clans) among the Hill Kharia. Among them, Golgo seems to be dominant as
their presence is dominant in every village. Marriage within same clan is not allowed. In case marriage
occurs in same gotra, the family is punished as per the decision of panch.
In the community, touching of boy’s head with girl’s head and tying with thread symbolizes marriage.
Widow re-marriage is allowed. A new born child is named after his or her dead forefather/grandmother.
The community buries their dead by keeping the head on northern side. The dead body is cremated
when a death has occurred due to cholera, smallpox, leprosy or any endemic disease unlike other tribes
where the dead body is thrown in the forest.
The tribe do not have “Akhra” for community meeting or a burial place in their village. The religious
ceremony after death is performed by Dihuri (Pujari) in Hill Kharia community whereas other Kharias
call a Pahan for this purpose.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

16. KARMALI

Origin

The Karmali are a Scheduled Tribe in the state of Jharkhand. 64,154
They are mostly found in Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Ranchi,
Santhal Pargana and Singhbhum districts of Jharkhand. Population

Livelihood: 0.74%
The tribe had traditional skills in extracting iron from iron
of total tribal population

ore and moulding into fine implements for diverse use, such as agriculture, hunting and other

household usage. In contemporary times, they face difficulties in getting raw materials, so they are

engaged in agriculture and wage labour to supplement incomes. The women are engaged in basket-

making and sell in local markets.

Housing and Habitat:
Karmali stay in settlements contiguous with habitats of other tribes. The Karmali build their homes with
mud walls and tiles /bamboo. Their homes are rectangular in shape and have wooden doors.

Culture and Art:
Sarhul, Karma and Sohrai are the major festival accompanied by songs describing the history of the
festivals. The songs are also related with sowing of paddy, harvesting paddy crops, forests and nature.
Tattooing is considered holy among the Karmali and almost all members of the community have
extensive and exquisite tattoos representing human forms and symbolizing nature.

Value systems:
The tribe follows monogamy but polygamy and trigamy is permitted in case of infertility and men and
women whose spouses have died. They are endogamous and have clan exogamy, which means that they
marry within group but not within same clan. Marriage between tribes is not permitted. In marriage
bride price is given by the father of the groom.

The Karmali have traditional panchayat and the male head of every family are members of the
panchayat. The head of the panchayat is called Mahato /village chief. The panchayat has the
responsibility of solving cases on divorce, adultery, rape and unfaithfulness in marriage.

They worship Singbonga as the main deity along with other gods. Their priest is called Pahan. They
believe that the spirits of ancestors live in the house and along with the priest they give sacrifice to the
gods and spirits.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

17. KAWAR

Origin: 8,145
The Kawars trace their origin from the Kauravas of the
Mahabharata, who were defeated by the Pandavas at the great Population
battle of Hastinapur. It is claimed that only two pregnant
women survived the battle and fled to the hills of Central India, 0.09%
where they took refuge in the houses of a Rawat (grazier) and a
Dhobi (washerman) respectively, and the male and female of total tribal population
children born to them became the ancestors of the Kawar tribe.

The Kawar are primarily located in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Orissa in central India. Some of
the Kawar tribes have become so absorbed by the cultures of the surrounding peoples that they are no
longer considered to be true Kawar. They have completely lost their language and former culture and
now speak a different dialect.

The Kawar are considered a scheduled tribe. Although they consider military service their traditional
occupation, most have given up military life and have become farmers or wage-workers.

Language:
They speak Kawari, which is an Indo-Aryan language.

Livelihood:
The Kawars live in hilly areas and dependent on agriculture as a main source of livelihood. They
practice mono-cropping in the absence of irrigation facilities. They substitute their income as casual
labour and agricultural labour. In case of emergency, they mortgage their land to their neighbor for
fulfilling their needs.

Housing and Habitat:
The Kawar live in spacious houses, but wear clothing and ornaments similar to the Hindus. Women
wear pewter rings as necklaces as well as silver earrings, but they do not wear nose-rings.

Value systems:
The Kawar follow the traditional customs and rituals of the Hindus. Though they follow Hindu
practices, they still mix their traditional beliefs with their practice of Hinduism.

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18. KHARWAR

Origin:

Most anthropologists agree that Kharwar are one of the 2,48,974
primitive tribes in India. The term Kharwar means grass and it

is said that they never destroy grass. The members of the tribe Population

claim ‘Rohtas’ to be their original native place and associate 2.88%
with legendary ‘Rohitashva’, son of King Harish Chandra, the
‘Suryavanshi Rajput’. The anthropological findings indicate of total tribal population

that they originated in the Sind Valley civilization but were chased by Aryans from their original habitat.

There are features that distinguish a Kharwar tribe from others. They live in the states of Uttar Pradesh,

Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. They use Singh,

Kharwar and Mandal as surnames.

Language:
They do not have a language of their own and speak Hindi.

Livelihood:
The Kharwar families are engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.

Culture and Art:
“Karma”, “Sarhul” and “Sorhorai” are celebrated as main festivals while there is celebration
accompanied by folk dance and mythological folk songs with agriculture cycles, worship of implements
etc. They also celebrate Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Dusshera and Holi.

Value systems:
Kharwar follow patriarchal system of family where male members enjoy the ownership of ancestral
property. Polygamy is permitted in marriages among Kharwar. Like other tribes, the practice of paying
a bride price by the groom’s father is common in the form of ornaments was common previously. But
this practice is no longer observed after the tribe started experiencing poverty and deprivation.
The tribe believes in several superstitions, omens and influence of spirits. The tribe has considerable
influence of Hindu deities and worship the gods and goddesses of Hindus.
The law and order in the community is maintained through the ‘chatta’ system, formed by elected
members from the community and priest headed by ‘Mukhiya.’

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Tribes of Jharkhand

19. KHOND

Origin: 221
The Khond, one of the scheduled tribes of Jharkhand, are
found in the districts of Singhbhum and Hazaribagh. They are Population
a minor tribe. They have probably migrated from Odisha where
Khond is a major community. Racially they belong to the proto- 0.003%
australoid and linguistically to the Austro-Asiatic family.
of total tribal population

Livelihood:
They have a subsistence economy based on hunting and gathering but now primarily depend on a
subsistence form of agriculture – shifting cultivation or slash and burn cultivation or Poduchasa as it is
locally called. The most striking feature of the Khond is that they have adopted horticulture and grow
pineapple, oranges, turmeric, ginger and papaya in plenty. Forest fruit trees
like mango and jackfruit are also found in huge numbers, which fulfill the major dietary chunk of the
Khond. So they are excellent fruit farmers.

Housing and Habitat:
They have their own home stead land and houses. The house is rectangular in shape and erected with
mud, wood, bamboo, rope and tiles. There are at least two rooms and a verandah and courtyard in each
house. The rooms have no window but wood door. Adjourning the room is a verandah which is used for
cooking, and also for keeping Denki, Janta, Khal-Musali, Loraha-Silaut, etc. The guests are also
entertained in the verandah. The rooms have rope racks and bamboo racks to keep things.

They have Khatia, Pida, Chatai, Chanki, Barhani or Jharu, earthen pots, aluminium pots, steel thali
and tumbler, wooden pots, varieties of baskets, pila to measure the grains, Denki, Janta, Khal-
Okhali,Loraha-Silaut, etc. in their houses.

Culture and Art:
On festive occasions, they organize religious dances in the Akhara of the village in which men, women
and children take part. While performing dance, the play the manar and sing a variety of songs.

Value systems:
Traditionally the Khond believe in totemism, animism, ancestor worship, shamanism and nature
worship. The Khondh give highest importance to the Earth goddess, who is held to be the creator and
sustainer of the world.

Earlier, human sacrifices called "Meriah" were offered by the Khond to propitiate the Earth Goddess. It
is believed that if any member of Khondh society breach religious conduct then the community will be
affected through natural calamities, drought, and destruction. Hence, the customary laws, norms,
taboos and values were greatly adhered to and enforced with high to heavy punishments, depending
upon the seriousness of the crimes committed.

The practice of traditional religion has almost become extinct today. Significantly, as with any culture,
the ethical practices of the Khond reinforce the social and economic practices that define the people.
Thus, the sacredness of the earth perpetuates tribal socio-economics, wherein harmony with nature and
respect for ancestors is deeply embedded.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

20. KISAN

Origin: 37,265
The Kisan Tribe are Dravidian ethnic group in Odisha, West
Bengal and Jharkhand. Kisan means "farmer". They are called Population
by names according to the states they live in. In Orissa they are
called Kor, Kuda, Mirdhaand, Kola and Morua. In Bihar they 0.43%
are called Nageshwar and Nagesia. They are traditional
farmers and food gathering people. of total tribal population

Language:
The Kisan speak the languages of the states they reside in. They speak Kurukh language in Jharkhand
but the tribe speaks Sadri in Bihar and West Bengal and Oriya in Odisha.

Livelihood:
Agriculture is the main occupation for the landowners but the landless households are engaged in
agricultural labour and wage labour as a source of income. In West Bengal, the tribe works on tea
plantations.

Housing and Habitat:
As they are settled tribes, their houses are made up of comparatively durable materials. Their houses
stand on high plinths. Each house has a workshop, store room, a kitchen, a sleeping room and a
verandah.

The Kisan erect houses with mud, wood, bamboo, leaves, straw, rope and handmade fire baked tiles. A
verandah is erected with wooden poles, bamboo and tiles or leaves and straw.

Culture and Art:
The tribe is distinguished in rope making and craft. They celebrate on festive occasions and organize
religious dances in the Akhara of the village

Value systems:
The Kisan are Hindus and worship all the main gods and goddesses like Krishna, Siva, Hanuman, Rama
and others. They believe in a traditional system of worship. The Brahmin priests are called Purohit and
local priests perform ceremonies. The Kisan have pollution periods for both births and deaths. In West
Bengal, the dead are mainly cremated and in Orissa they are buried. ‘Mukaddam’ is the head of the
community and the position is inherited. He is supported by ‘Sayana’ and elected by the community
itself. The Mukaddam is responsible for several tasks ranging from helping families during difficult
times such as illness or loss to settling disputes at community level. He is also required to perform Pooja
at the time of sowing seeds in belief that this would lead to good crop.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

21. KOL

Origin: 53,584
The Kol are an ancient tribal community, one of the original
inhabitants of northern and central India. The name Kol Population
occurs as a generic category in Sanskrit literature along with
the names of other prominent forest tribes like the Bhil and 0.62%
Kirat. The Kol people are referred to in medieval texts such
as Ram-charita-manas written in the late 16th century by the of total tribal population
Hindi poet Tulsidas. They are located in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tripura.

Language:
The tribe have largely forgotten their language and speak Hindi and use the Devanagari script to write.
They speak the Angika dialect in Bihar.

Livelihood:
Iron Smelting was the traditional occupation of the Kol tribe but the traditional occupation is in the
state of extinction with the rise in big iron and steel companies. As most of the families are landless
they work as agricultural labour or wage labour in construction sites, mines or quarries.

Culture and Art:
This tribal community has their own folk songs and folk dances and an indigenous percussion
instrument. The Kol women tattoo their bodies with pictures of flowers, leaves and animal forms some
of which have a religious significance.

Value systems:
The Kol worship all the deities of the Hindu religion as well as tribal gods. Hinduism is intermingled
with their animistic beliefs. They also worship Marang Buru, the mountain god, who is supposed to
reside in the most prominent hill in the neighbourhood, and who controls rainfall and is appealed to in
the time of drought and epidemics. The tribes believed that when these gods are offended they may
cause skin diseases and leprosy. So sacrifices of animals are made to please the god. Deswali is their
traditional village god and every Kol village has a shrine to him. He is held responsible for a good harvest
and receives an offering of a buffalo at their agricultural festival.

Among the Kol the dead body of a married person is cremated while that of an unmarried person is
buried. Both death and birth pollution are observed for ritually specified time periods. There is a strong
belief in evil spirits and witchcraft and usually a sokha (witch-finder or witch doctor) is employed.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

22. KORA

Origin:

It is said that the Kora originated from Nagvansh and is 32,786
concentrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West
Bengal. The tribe are also called Dhanger, Kora, Kaora, Population
Khaira and Khayra. They are a Dravidian caste of earth
0.38 %

workers and cultivators in the Chota Nagpur area and of total tribal population

western and central Bengal. They could be an offshoot

from the Munda Tribe. The main profession of Kora is digging of land or soil. The Koras of Dombandhi

came from Jharkhand and Bihar. The sub tribes of Kora are – Mudi Kora, Munda Kora, Orang Kora,

Dhangar Kora, Kurmi Kora, etc.

Language:
Their language is Sadani. They also speak Mundari, Hindi, etc.

Livelihood:
These tribes are dependent on affluent tribal and non-tribal groups for agricultural work and casual
employment.

Housing and Habitat:
Houses are made of mud, asbestos, tin and straw. But in the past, houses were made of mud and the
roof was made from leaves from forest.

The Kora villages are situated on hills, foothills and plains. The number of houses in the villages varies
from 10 to 30. The houses are rectangular in shape having a single room and a verandah from all sides.
The same room is used for cooking, storing and sleeping purposes.

Culture and Art:
These tribes are generally artistic and make beautiful articles like cot, siko, basket, tali etc. They also
prepare wat, broom, basket from grasses. On festive occasions and religious festival, they participate in
singing and dancing .They celebrate festivals like Sarhul, Sohrai, Phogu and Dashera.

Value systems:
The Kora Religion is characterized by belief in different gods, goddesses, spirits and ancestors. They
believe that trees, plants, bushes, birds, animals, mountains, hills, rivers, streams and tank roots
symbolizes their god. Sun, moon, stars, earth, etc are also considered as spirits to which they offer
worship and sacrifice in their homes.
They also offer worship and sacrifice in the name of ancestors on the occasions of birth, marriage and
death in the family. They also worship Kali Ma, Bhagwati Mai, Durga Mai, etc. They organize Sawa
Lakha Puja in the month of Baisakhi. This worship is called annual worship.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

23. KORWA

Origin:

According to popular legend, the Korwas are Kolarian, the 35,606
original inhabitants of the Surguja district in Madhya
Pradesh. Later they moved towards Palamu and the Population
descendants of the tribe settled in the hilly region of
Palamu and Latehar as the area was surrounded by thick 0.41 %

of total tribal population

forest, rich in minor forest produce, with the availability of

water bodies and fertile land. They live along with Oraons, Kisan and Asur. Apart from Jharkhand they

have settled in some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Language:
They speak the Munda language that belongs to the Austro-Asiatic language family.

Livelihood:
Traditionally the Korwa tribes were dependent on forests as hunting was the main occupation along
with gathering of food. They used to practice agriculture through traditional method resulting in low
yields.

Housing and Habitat:
The Korwa tribe build their houses from the materials gathered from the forest. They construct
rectangular shape house with mud, having one room and a verandah. There is a small space made of
wood (Bara) in the verandah for keeping their pigs. They use earthen utensils and mat for sleeping.

Culture and Art:
The tribal women have tattoos of beautiful pictures resembling nature. Dancing and singing are an
integral part of the Korwa’s culture and is performed on every occasion. The musical instruments they
use are the mandar, darkhar, paijan, etc.

Value systems:
The Korwas are patrilineal in nature similar to other tribes. They usually stay in nuclear families because
their house comprises of one room only. The customary law of inheritance says that male descendent
will inherit the land. Women do not inherit parental property but they play an important role in all the
economic and social activities of family.
The marriage within blood relation is strictly prohibited. Widow Remarriage is allowed where younger
brother may marry the widow. In case of the death of a wife, the husband can marry the younger sister
of the wife.
Religious practice of Korwas is based on the belief that the Holy Spirit is present in their houses and
nearby trees. They worship them so that they are not annoyed. Their main god is Singhbonga (sun) that
plays a major role in their life.
Traditional Gram Panchayat is headed by Pradhan supported by elders and settles various kinds of
disputes arising among the community. All the posts are hereditary in nature and the male heir can
become the head of the village. The establishment of Panchayat Raj System has reduced the power and
existence of traditional gram panchayat.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

24. LOHARA

Origin:

The word Lohara is derived from the word loha, meaning 2,16,226
iron, as they were traditionally blacksmiths. In 1891, Risley

stated that Lohra was a synonym for Lohar and Asur. Population

According to him, the Lohar are a large and heterogenous 2.50 %
conglomeration, where the tribal population is made up of
of total tribal population
several different tribes and castes. The Lohara occupy parts

of Jharkhand like East Singhbhum, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Ranchi and Santhal Pargana. There are also

the Loharas of the Chotanagpur plateau in Bihar. It is a discrete community and one of the early

inhabitants of this area.

Language:
The Lohara tribe communicates in Sadri and is also conversant with Hindi. They use the Devanagari

script.

Livelihood:
The Lohara tribal communities earn their livelihood by getting employed it through different
occupations. Some of them are shepherds, many of them rear cattle and have developed the expertise
of weaving exquisite baskets. Iron smelters also are found in the Lohara society. With the touch of their
skillful hands, beautiful iron products are carved out from the raw and hot iron bars. Special tools are
also used by these Lohara artisans for carving. The houses in which these Lohara tribes live in too bear
the reflection of their artistic acumen. Some of them are involved in agriculture as a main occupation.

Culture and Art
The men and women of the Lohara tribe dance wearing their regular traditional clothes and sing along
at the same time. Art work is done using conventional 'handloom weaving' tools and beautiful wall
paintings are also exhibited at the time of festivals.

Value systems:
The tribe is very religious in nature and worships several deities symbolizing nature .The community is
extremely superstitions and believes in the existence of spirits. All the religious festivals are celebrated
in commemoration of various folk deities. They worship these deities so as to appease them and seek
their blessings. They also practice several rituals and social ceremonies. Rituals of Lohara tribes mainly
center on conservation of nature which actually support their livelihood. Festive mood gets heightened
with incorporation of beautiful dance forms and joyful songs.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

25. MAHALI

Origin:

The word ‘Mahali’ comes from the tribal name for 1,52,663
‘bamboo’, since the community was mainly engaged in
bamboo work. Mahali are categorized under 5 sub- Population
communities – Basfor Mahali (engage in bamboo work),
Patar Mahali (Bamboo work and farming), Sulanki 1.77 %

of total tribal population

Mahali (farming and labour work), and Mahali Munda (farming). The Mahali are a scheduled tribe in

India, in the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal. They mostly reside in the Dumka district and certain

other regions of Jharkhand and in the areas adjoining West Bengal.

Livelihood:
Mahali people traditionally earned their livelihood by selling articles made of bamboo. Some typical
articles made by them are: Machi (a small bench), umbrellas, soop (used to remove dust from cereals),
sop and chatai (for lying down and sleeping), a special rain cap for covering the head and upper back
for protection from rains during work.

Culture and Art:
The tribe is traditionally involved in beautiful Bamboo craft. Mahali people typically have a tattoo of
their name on their hand. They celebrate Karma, Suhurai, Surji Puja, Ram Navami and Tusu as main
festivals as their culture has been significantly influenced by that of other tribes and Hinduism.

Value systems:
Mahali have a patriarchal family system and live in joint families. Women are mostly involved in
domestic activities and help in sowing and harvesting. Mahali consider ‘Surji Devta’ (Sun) as the most
important deity and worship it all round the year as it is known to influence entire life cycle of an
individual and family.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

26. MAL-PAHARIA

Origin:

The Mal Paharia, a non-Aryan tribe, are descendants of 1,35,797
Dravidians inhabiting the Santhal Parganas and parts of the
Government Estate known as the Damini-Koh (“skirts of the Population
hills”). They believe that they have originated from a cow
called “Kamdhenu”. This community is known as Mal 1.57 %

of total tribal population

Paharia because they were hill dwellers.

The Sauria Paharia claim that Mal Paharia are their kin but Mal Paharia do not relate with them because

the former tribe had the habit of eating beef.

According to Bal and Dalton, these two tribes are not closely related. Mal Paharias are divided into two

sub-tribes, the Mal Paharia and the Kumar or Komar-Bhag, the latter being the more Hinduised of the

two. Each sub-tribe is divided into a large number of exogamous septs of the usual totemistic character.

The Mal Paharia and Sauria Paharia have been considered as two separate primitive tribal groups.

Livelihood:
The major sources of livelihood among the Mal Paharia are hunting and shifting cultivation popularly
known as ‘’Kurwa”.

Housing and Habitat:
Mal Paharia reside on the hills of the Santhal Pargana and build their houses on the slopes of the hill. A
Paharia house is made of bamboo, grass, straws. They make their own utensils and cot with the
materials available in the nearby forests. They also make small weapons that are generally used for
hunting.

Value systems:
The Mal Paharia community is patrilineal in nature as in case of other tribes. The customary law of
inheritance says that only the male descendent will inherit the parental land. But the elder son will get
a greater portion of the father’s land along with the responsibility to fulfil the needs of his mother and
unmarried brothers and sisters. If a person does not have any children, then the land passes onto the
village.
The tribe is not divided into clans or kilis but categorized on the basis of their work such as Dehri, Girhi,
Layab, Manhji, and Pujar. Marriages are permitted between same categories but they prefer to arrange
marriages outside the category. The marriage within the family up to three generations is not permitted.
Marriage is fixed through a mediator called Sidhu having the responsibility of fixing dowry (pond-taka)
and other materials (bandit) with the groom’s family. Widow Remarriage is allowed where a younger
brother may marry the widow of his older brother. In case of a wife’s death, the husband can marry the
wife’s younger sister but not the elder sister.

The community firmly believes that spirits, both good and bad, live around them. They have a strong
opinion that death is not the end and continue to worship their descendants. They worship number of
gods and goddesses. The highest god is Bharati Mata, Gram Gossan also known as Basmati Gosau and
Rerun Gosau who lives under a tree in the form of stone.

Gram Panchayat is headed by Manhji/Pradhan/Multigrid assisted by Goriat/Armani who presides
over the panchayat for settlement of various kinds of disputes arising among the community. All the
three post are hereditary in nature and the male heir can become the head of the village. The traditional
panchayat system collapsed with the establishment of Panchayat Raj System.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

27. MUNDA

Origin:
Mundas are a tribal community, who according to historical

evidence, were chased by invasions on their lands and the 12,29,221

peaceful tribe made its way from central India towards east, and Population

14.22%finally settled in forests of Jharkhand. The Munda word

signifies as headman of the village. The tribe has been involved of total tribal population
in a long struggle with the British Empire in order to maintain
their freedom. The well-known Brisa Munda who fought and died during the struggle for freedom
belongs to this tribe. He is considered as a prophet in Jharkhand and among the tribe.

Language:
They speak Mundari, a part of the Austro-Asiatic group of languages.

Livelihood:
In ancient times Mundas used to be wood cutters, cutting trees from forests and selling wood and
fishing. But now they have been adopted settled agriculture as their main source of livelihood. Most of
the them have land in hilly terrains that is unfertile and do not own land and hence are largely
dependent on agricultural employment and wage employment.

Housing and Habitat:
The tribe have habitats in remote locations amongst forests and valleys and leave in close community.
‘Kutcha’ houses are made of mud and hay, generally made of only two large rooms with storage of grains
and deity placed in middle of the structure.

Culture and Art:
The tribe celebrates several festivals throughout the year, such as ‘Sarhul’, ‘Karma’, ‘Sohorai’, ‘Buru’,
‘Hero’, ‘Ruapuna’, ‘Tusu’, etc. which coincide with beginning of the new season and other aspects of the
agricultural cycle. Their special dance form is called Nupur that is performed by a group wearing nupur
in their ankles.

Value systems:
Christianity is the main religion followed but they also have their own religion, Sarna. The members of
the tribe undergo several rituals at every stage of their life cycle. ‘Singbonga’ or the ‘Sun God’ is the main
deity and is worshipped in a very elaborate manner. The tribe believes that the deity does not have a
specific form and a definite abode for existence, but is omnipotent. They have a strong belief that
Singbonga is creator of nature and all that is visible around us.

The community is headed by a tribal leader called ‘Hatu Munda’, and is head of the panchayat formed
by old and respected members in the community. The disputes and other issues are resolved in the
panchayat itself. It also functions as a community-level judicious system. For smaller offences such as
theft, a fine is charged while for more serious offences such as violence leading to the loss of life and
property, the accused is disowned and not allowed to return.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

28. ORAON

Origin:

According to the history of Oraon, who are usually called as

Kurukh, they lived in the Indus valley civilization in around 17,16,618

2500 BC. The ancestors of this tribe lived in the west coast of Population

19.86%Karnataka region for over 500 years. Thereafter, they moved

towards the Son River and settled on the banks of the river and of total tribal population
started settled agriculture. They made various forts in this
region and one of the biggest forts was in Rohtasgarh. It was considered as the golden period of Oraon
but they were forced to shift towards the Koyal River as result of Mughal invasion. They were divided
in two groups in Rohtasgarh – one moved to the Chotanagpur plateau and the other moved to the
Rajmahal series in Santhal Pargana.

As the Oraons were an exceedingly prolific tribe and soon become the preponderant element, the
Mundas, being conservative and averse to living among strangers, migrated towards another jungle, in
the course of time, the Munda community had to be squeezed in only a limited area of Chotanagpur.
Thereafter, the Oraon tribe established small villages and started settled farming that turned into
Parhas (group of many villages equivalent to one district).

Language:
They speak languages such as Kurukh, Sadri and Hindi which are from the Dravidian family of
languages. They write using the Devanagari script.

Livelihood:
The primary source of occupation for this tribe is agriculture and unlike other tribes they have more
knowledge and skills in farming. But as they follow mono-cropping in most of the places of Jharkhand,
they migrate to Assam, Kolkata and other industrial towns.

Culture and Art:
Dance and song are performed in groups in Akhara in the middle of the village. Besides this, they
perform various dance forms in different festivals – Ghuria in Sarhul, Tharia in the month of Jeth,
Panari for welcoming monsoon, Shari in the month of June and Karam in the Karma festival

Value systems:
The society is classified into 20 different Gotras on the basis of Totem and persons belonging to the
same Gotra are considered as siblings irrespective of their location. The name of the Gotra is based on
Totem symbolizing name and sign of living or non-living bird, animals and plants. The community
believes that the totem will safeguard them from evils and worship it.

Marriage takes place outside the gotra, thus establishing strong relation with outsider. Within the gotra,
marriage is not permitted for up to three generations. The Oraon tribe have educational centres for
youths termed as Jonkh Arpa for educating the youth on social and moral values that exist within the
tribe from historical period. The Oraon community believes that Pat raja would safeguard the people
from all diseases and disasters and hence they are worshipped as God.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

29. PARHAIYA 25,585
Origin:
Parhaiya, a PVTG, were originally a Ghumakkar community Population
and collected food from the forest. The community came in
contact with Hinduism in 1872 and were influenced by it so 0.30%
much that they adopted the tradition of Hindus. They follow
Hindu rituals in all their festivals, marriage and death of total tribal population
ceremony. Parhaiya is not to be confused with the Mal
Paharia or Sauria Paharia, but are a separate tribe.

Livelihood:
The economy of the tribe is forest-based – hunters and gatherers of forest products. The community
practiced shift cultivation that is called “Viyoda” in the local language but with the coming of Forest
rules and policies into place, there has been a ban on shifting cultivation and hunting. This has had an
adverse effect on the lives of the Parhaiya who have turned to agriculture as labourers.

Housing and Habitat:
They have settled in places near forests for easy availability of forest produce which is their source of
food. They build their houses with the materials available locally. They use earthen pots for cooking and
storage which they buy from nearby markets.

Value systems:
The Parhaiya have no knowledge about their Gotra so blood relation plays a major role in their society.
Marriage within blood relations is strictly prohibited. The bride’s family takes dowry from the groom’s
family before the marriage takes place. The marriage is solemnized as per Hindu rituals. Widow
remarriage is allowed where a younger brother may marry the widow of his older brother. In case of a
wife’s death, the husband can marry the wife’s younger sister but not the elder sister. The tribe usually
buries the dead but recently they are also following the practice of cremation as per the Hindu custom.
The community believes that social and economic activities are controlled by the power of god. They
worship Sinbonga, who considered as the main god along with other gods and goddesses such as
Chandi, Duarpar, and Baghota.

The tribe does not have their own traditional panchayat but they strictly follow their tradition. In case
of any dispute, it is settled in the presence of elders of the panchayat.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

30. SANTHAL

Origin: 27,54,723
Santhals are the major tribe in Jharkhand and are located
mostly in the Santhal Pargana. They are also found in parts Population
of Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and
Assam. It is believed that the ancestors of the Santhal tribe 31.26%
lived in the Sawot area of Midnapore district in West
Bengal for a long period and so they were also called as of total tribal population
Sawontar.

Language:
They speak Santhali language that belongs to the Astro-Asiad language family. Ol-Chiki, the script of
the Santhali language, was invented by Pdt. Raghunath Murmu in 1925.

Livelihood:
The main occupation of the Santhals is agriculture – they cultivate paddy in the low lands and maize,
marua, kurathi, surguja, til and tisi in the uplands. They use their Bari land for growing vegetables
during the rainy season. They have adopted several modern agricultural techniques as well and use
irrigation facilities that support them in growing potatoes, tomatoes, urinals and other vegetables as
cash crops.

Housing and Habitat:
The community mostly resides in the Santhal Pargana and the place is gets it’s after the tribe. The
villages usually comprise of 10 to 50 Santhal families of different gotras. The houses are constructed in
a single line and made of mud, straws or tiles. They have platforms on all the sides of the house. A
separate room adjoining the house is used for keeping pigs. The houses are kept very clean and the walls
are painted with beautiful pictures. They have a Manjhidhan in the centre of the house where Manhji
performs pujas. ManjhiDhan is the residence of Manjhi Haram Bonga. Jaher Than is a place situated
outside the village near Mahua and Sakua trees which is considered the residing place of Jaher Era and
other gods and goddesses revered by Santhals.

Culture and Art:
Santhals worship “’Marang Buru’ and ‘Jaaher aayo’. They also worship nature and love the nature.
They mainly celebrate four festivals in a year – Saakraat, Sohrai, Baha and Gomha (Rojo Sankranti).
Sohari is an important festival of the Santhals that is celebrated for 5 days in the month of November
and Baha is celebrated in February which is the festival of flowers.

Value systems:

The society is patriarchal in nature where a son inherits the property and daughters do not have any say
in parental property. The Daughters are considered eligible for inheriting parental property only if she
lives with her husband in her parental house.

The community is divided into Gotras and subdivided into Sib having particular totems depicting birds,
animals and plants. Santhals follow Varn system similar to Hinduism and have four Varns called Hud-
Kisku, Hud-Murmu, Hud-Soren and Marudi Hud.

Marriage within the same gotra is strictly prohibited. The Santhals practice monogamy but bigamy is
accepted on special conditions. Widow Remarriage and divorce is allowed in the community.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

After the death of a person, the door of the house is opened so that the spirit moves out and goes to
Manhji Than.
Most of the Santhal follow Sarna religion and Singh Bonga is the principal deity. Morong Buru is the
god of mountain, Jaher-era is the village deity. As per their beliefs, the spirits operate at the village,
household, ancestor and sub-clan level, along with evil spirits that cause disease and can inhabit village
boundaries, mountains, water and the forest. A characteristic feature of the Santhal village is a sacred
grove (known as the Jaher or "Santhal Sthal") on the edge of the settlement where many spirits are
believed to live and where a series of annual festivals take place.
There is a traditional panchayat in every Santhal village headed by Manjhi and a religious head is called
Nayake. Manjhi have been given administrative and legal power to settle the dispute within the
community and collect rent from the raiyat assisted by the Jog Manjhi. In absence of the Manjhi, the
duties are performed by Pramanik. The messenger of the village is Gorait. A group of 15-20 villages are
called Parha which is headed by a Pargainat.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

31. SAURIA PAHARIA

Origin:

Sauria Paharia, also known as Maler, is a PVTG that is 46222
believed to have descended from a Karnataka-based tribe
that moved to Rohtasgarh in Bihar. After the invasion of Population
Mughals they were forced to move towards the Pathar area
0.53%

and hilly areas near river Ganges in Chotanagpur. The of total tribal population

group that settled down in Pathar are called Oraons and group that settled in the hills of Rajmahal are

called as SauriaPaharia. The Mughal kept them under the control of Mansbadars but they revolted after

the death of their leader. After a series of revolt against the British empire, they came under British rule

in the year 1824.

Language:
They speak the language commonly known as Malto which originated from Dravidian languages.

Livelihood:
The community is heavily dependent on the forest as their main occupation was hunting. But with
increase in deforestation and stringent forest and wildlife conservation policies, they are transforming
to agrarian lifestyle. The tribe practice shift cultivation, settled farming and growing of sabe grass that
is used in making paper.

Housing and Habitat:
Sauria Paharia tribes reside on the hills of Rajmahal and build their houses on the hillslopes. The
houses, usually termed as Adda, are built in tangent with other houses. A Paharia house is made of
bamboo, simal, grass and mud having two doors – one facing north and the other, south. In between
the two doors, there are a number of wooden poles .The houses are single-roomed without a window
and used for cooking, sleeping and keeping their animals. The use earthen pots for cooking and storing
purposes.

Value systems:
The social and political organization of the tribal society is intimately interweaved with their religious
belief, custom and practices. The Sauria Paharia, similar to other tribes, is made of separate clans called
kilis or gotra. These kilis generally bear the name of an animal or plant having a religious origin.
Marriage is strictly prohibited within the same clan for up to three generations.

The Sauria Paharia community is patrilineal in nature as in case of most other tribes. As per the
customary law of inheritance, only male descendants will inherit the land. Unmarried girls have
usufructory right over the land till her marriage and widows are also given usufructory right till their
remarriage or death. In the absence of a son, a daughter can get married under the gharjamai system,
wherein the husband foregoes his land claims and moves to the wife’s home and inherits land. If a
person does not have any children, the land passes to the village and the Pradan (headman of the village)
is vested with the right to give the land to a landless or poor family.

They worship a number of gods, goddesses and holy spirits in the form of stone and trees – Rajai Gosai,
Chal, Po-Gosai, Duara Gosai, Kal Gosai and Ootanga.

The Gram Panchayat is headed by the Manjhi assisted by a Goriat who presides over the panchayat for

settlement of various kinds of disputes arising among the community. Sarda is the head of group of

villages. All three posts are hereditary in nature and passes on to the male heir.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

32. SAVAR

Origin:

There is not much information about the origin of the

9,688Savar tribes but based on popular account, the tribe are

said to have settled down in the state of Jharkhand after Population

migrating from within the subcontinent of India. 0.11%

of total tribal population

Livelihood:

A majority of this tribe are landless or have small land holdings in which they occasionally grow maize,

bajra and rice. Hunting is a subsidiary source of livelihood to fulfil their needs.

Housing and Habitat:
The Savar tribes have built their villages at the foothills near the water bodies of the state. The houses
in the Savar villages are built in a linear style with walls made of mud and set using various materials
like bamboo, wood etc. The houses usually comprise of one single room with no window that is used as
both a kitchen and for sleeping. They use earthen pots for cooking and metal plates for eating. They use
Tar leaves for making mats and rely on forest produce for their needs.

Culture and Art:
Dance and song are an integral part of the Savar culture. They celebrate birth, marriage and other
festivals through their dances and song. The common dance forms are Domkach and Pantasalya

Value systems:
Similar to other tribal communities, the Savar family is patriarchal and follows the nuclear family
structure. Marriage is an important institution, which is celebrated in accompaniment of several rituals
and customs. In the Savar community, monogamy is practiced and widow remarriage is permitted.

The Savar tribe do not practice a gotra system but the tribes of Dhalbhum do not marry within same
gotra upto three generations. Child marriage is prevalent among the community but the girl comes back
to father’s house after the wedding. The husband is not allowed to contact the wife until she becomes an
adult at which point, another marriage ceremony is arranged.

The tribe cremates and buries their dead but leave the body in the forest/jungle if the person has died
from any type of infectious diseases like cholera or small pox.

Dharamdevata, also popular as Dharmesh, is the principal deity of the Savar tribe. The people follow
Hinduism and worship the deities of Manasa and goddess Kali.

They are placed at the lowest strata in Hinduism behind Kiras and Lohra. With time, the community
has merged with the mainstream Hindu society leaving behind their own customs and rituals.

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Tribes of Jharkhand

REFERENCES
Census, 2001
Census, 2011
Individual publications on tribes of Jhrakhand published by Dr. Ramdayal Munda Tribal Research
Institute, Ranchi, 1990 to 2008

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