Jharkhand, a state in eastern India, is renowned for its rich tribal heritage. The indigenous tribes of Jharkhand have been living in this region since the Paleolithic era, making their presence ancient and deeply rooted.
Historical and Cultural Background
- Tribal communities in Jharkhand are referenced in various mythological and ancient texts, underscoring their long-standing existence.
- These tribes are often referred to by several terms such as Vanvasi (forest dwellers), Adivasi (original inhabitants), Adim Jati, and Girijan.
- The term ‘Adivasi’ literally means “people who have lived since the beginning”.
- The word ‘Adivasi’ was first popularized by the Gandhian leader Thakkar Bapa.
Constitutional Recognition and Tribal Demographics
- According to Article 342 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India officially notifies the Scheduled Tribes.
- At the time of Jharkhand’s creation, the state had 30 Scheduled Tribe groups, which increased to 32 in 2003.
- The tribes Kharwar and Kol were added as the 31st and 32nd tribes of Jharkhand.
- As of 2022, 33 Scheduled Tribes reside in Jharkhand after the inclusion of the Puran tribe.
- Jharkhand’s tribal population is mainly dominated by four major tribes: Santhal, Oraon (Uraon), Munda, and Ho.
- There are 25 major tribes classified as prominent, while the remaining 8 are categorized as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs), which include:
- Birhor, Korwa, Asur, Paharia, Mal Paharia, Sauria Paharia, Birjia, and Sabara.
Recent Constitutional Amendments and Tribal Reclassifications
- The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act, 2022 was passed by the Indian Parliament.
- This amendment proposes:
- Removal of the Bhogta community from the Scheduled Caste list.
- Eight communities, including Bhogta, Deshwari, Ganjhu, Daulatbandi, Patbandi, Raut, Majhia, and Kheri, are now considered synonymous with the Kharwar (Scheduled Tribe).
- Inclusion of the Puran community as a new Scheduled Tribe in Jharkhand, which increases the number of tribal groups to 33.
- The Tamaria/Tamadia group is now considered synonymous with the Munda tribe.
Tribal Economy and Livelihood
- The economy of primitive tribal groups is primarily pre-agricultural.
- Their subsistence depends on:
- Hunting
- Gathering
- Primitive agriculture
Classification of Tribes Based on Livelihood
Jharkhand’s tribes can be broadly classified into four groups based on their means of subsistence:
| Tribal Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cultivating Tribes | Santhal, Munda, Ho, Oraon, Bhumij |
| Hunter-Gatherer Tribes | Birhor, Korwa, Kharia |
| Nomadic Cultivators | Sariya Paharia |
| Craftsmen Tribes | Karmali, Lohar, Chik Baraik, Mahli |
- It is notable that Kharia and Birhor tribes are believed to have migrated from the Kaimur hills region.
- The Munda tribe is believed to have entered the Chotanagpur plateau from the Rohwas region.
- The Munda tribe played a significant role in establishing the Nagvanshi dynasty.
- The Oraon tribe originally came from South India, with branches settling in the Rajmahal and Palamu regions.
Anthropological and Linguistic Affinities
- Jharkhand tribes share similarities with:
- The Vedda tribe of Sri Lanka
- Indigenous populations of Australia
- They are classified as part of the Proto-Australoid race.
- Linguist George Grierson categorized Jharkhand tribes into two linguistic groups:
- Austric languages
- Dravidian languages
- Most Jharkhand tribes speak languages from the Austro-Asiatic language family, which is part of the broader Austric macro-family that also includes the Austronesian languages of Southeast Asia.
- The Dravidian language family is mainly spoken in South Asia.
- Specifically:
- The Oraon tribe speaks the ‘Kuduk’ language.
- The Mal Paharia and Sauria Paharia tribes speak the ‘Malto’ language, which belongs to the Dravidian family.
- Other tribes predominantly speak languages from the Austric language group.
Demographic Data (2011 Census)
- The total tribal population in Jharkhand is 8,645,042, constituting 26.2% of the state’s total population.
- Jharkhand accounts for 8.3% of India’s total tribal population, ranking sixth among Indian states.
- Major tribal populations (with percentages from the 2011 census compared to 2001) include:
| Tribe | 2011 (%) | 2001 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Santhal | 31.86 | 34.01 |
| Oraon | 19.86 | 19.62 |
| Munda | 14.22 | 14.81 |
| Ho | 10.74 | 10.51 |
| Kharwar | 2.88 | 2.71 |
| Lohra | 2.50 | 2.61 |
- The four major tribes — Santhal, Oraon, Munda, and Ho — constitute approximately three-fourths of Jharkhand’s total tribal population.
- The eight Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) collectively number 292,359, which is 3.38% of the total tribal population and 0.88% of the state’s total population.
Important Highlights:
- Jharkhand’s tribal population is one of the most significant in India, with 33 officially recognized Scheduled Tribes as of 2022.
- The Santhal tribe is the largest tribal group in Jharkhand.
- The state’s tribal communities are linguistically and culturally diverse, primarily speaking Austro-Asiatic and Dravidian languages.
- The 2022 constitutional amendment led to important changes in tribal classifications, including the inclusion of the Puran tribe and reclassification of several groups.
- Jharkhand’s tribal economy is traditionally based on primitive agriculture, hunting, and gathering, reflecting a deep connection with nature.
An In-depth Overview of Major Primitive Tribes and Social Customs in Jharkhand
Jharkhand is home to a diverse range of tribal communities, each with unique cultural, social, and economic characteristics. This blog explores the population, social structure, marriage customs, religious beliefs, and livelihoods of the primitive tribes in Jharkhand, highlighting significant aspects for a comprehensive understanding.
Population of Major Primitive Tribes in Jharkhand
- Jharkhand’s primitive tribes (also called Adim Janjati) have distinct population percentages:
- Mal Pahadiya: 46%
- Siriya Pahadiya: 16%
- Korwa: 12%
- Parhiya: 9%
- Asur: 8%
- Birhor: 4%
- Sabar: 3%
- Birjia: 2%
- Important: Approximately 91% of Jharkhand’s tribal population lives in rural areas, with only 9% residing in urban locations.
Social Structure of Jharkhand’s Tribal Society
- Jharkhand’s tribal society is predominantly patriarchal.
- Typically, nuclear families are common.
- Gender discrimination is not permitted in tribal communities, promoting a more egalitarian social atmosphere.
- Tribes have various clans (gotras) known locally as kili, kunda, pari, etc.
- Each clan has a totem (gotrachinha), which is usually an animal, tree, or object that members avoid harming or using, as per social rules.
- Each clan traces its descent from a specific ancestor.
- The Parhiya tribe is an exception, as they do not follow a clan system.
- Marriage within the same clan (exogamy) is strictly prohibited.
Marriage Customs Among Tribes
- Engagement before marriage is practiced only in the Banjara tribe.
- Across tribes, applying sindoor (vermilion) is a common marriage custom.
- The Khond tribe uniquely practices garlanding (jaymal) during marriage ceremonies.
- Marriage rituals are typically conducted by tribal priests called Pahan, Deuri, or Naye. In some tribes, Brahmins perform these rites.
- Child marriage is generally absent among Jharkhand tribes.
Major Types of Tribal Marriages
- Bride Price Marriage (Kreya Vivah)
- Groom’s family gives money or gifts to bride’s parents.
- Practiced by tribes like Santhal, Oraon, Ho, Kharia, Birhor, Kharwar.
- Known by different local names such as Sadai Bapla (Santhal), Asli Vivah (Kharia), Sadar Bapla (Birhor).
- Exchange Marriage (Vinimay Vivah)
- Exchange of bride price called Kari Gonong among Munda tribe.
- Reciprocal marriage arrangement where a boy and girl from one family marry a girl and boy from another.
- Called Golat Bapla in Santhal, Golhat Bapla in Birhor.
- Widely prevalent across Jharkhand tribes.
- Service Marriage (Seva Vivah)
- Groom serves bride’s parents before marriage.
- Practiced by Santhal, Munda, Birhor, Bhumi, Kharwar tribes.
- Known as Jawai Bapla (Santhal), Kiring Jawai Bapla (Birhor).
- Forced Marriage (Hath Vivah)
- Bride is compelled to live with the groom.
- Practiced by Santhal, Munda, Ho, Birhor tribes.
- Called Anadar Vivah (Ho), Bolo Bapla (Birhor), Nirbolak Bapla (Santhal).
- Abduction Marriage (Haran Vivah)
- Groom abducts a girl and marries her.
- Practiced by Oraon, Munda, Ho, Kharia, Birhor, Sauria Pahadiya, Bhumi.
- Common in Sauria Pahadiya tribe.
- Runaway Marriage (Sah-Palayan Vivah)
- Boy and girl marry without parental consent by eloping.
- Practiced among Munda, Kharia, Birhor tribes.
- Widow Marriage (Vidhwa Vivah)
- Marriage of a widow.
- Practiced among Santhal, Oraon, Munda, Banjara, Birhor tribes.
Important Tribal Institutions and Religious Beliefs
- Some key tribal institutions include:
- Akhra: Village council or dance ground.
- Sarna: Place of worship dedicated to nature.
- Yuvagriha: Training and educational centers.
- Except for groups like Tana Bhagat and Safahod (followers of Singbonga), most tribes are non-vegetarian.
- The ancient tribal religion is Sarna, involving nature worship.
- Tribal festivals are mainly connected with agriculture and nature.
- The sun is a principal deity, worshipped under different names by various tribes.
- Post-death rituals include both cremation and burial, though Christian Oraons strictly follow burial.
Economic Activities of Tribes
- The primary economic activity is agriculture.
- Livelihoods also include:
- Animal husbandry
- Hunting
- Forest produce collection
- Craftsmanship
- Wage labor
- Haat (local markets) play a vital role in trade of goods and services among tribes.
- The Turi tribe is traditionally nomadic, moving between villages, especially visiting homes where births or deaths have recently occurred.
- The Turi use their fingers to paint the soft, wet mud walls of their houses, decorating them with motifs inspired by plants and animals.
Jharkhand’s tribal communities maintain rich cultural traditions, diverse marriage customs, and deep-rooted religious beliefs closely linked to nature and agriculture. Understanding their social structure, rituals, and economic practices provides valuable insight into their way of life, highlighting the importance of preserving tribal heritage while promoting social inclusion and development.