Regarding Gonds, which of the given statements is correct? 1. Garhs w...
- Each Garh was controlled by a particular Gond clan. This was further divided into units of 84 villages called Chaurasi.
- The chaurasia was subdivided into barhots which were made up of 12 villages each. The emergence of large states changed the nature of Gond society.
- Their equal society gradually got divided into unequal social classes. Brahmanas received land grants from the Gond rajas and became more influential.
- The Gond chiefs now wished to be recognised as Rajputs. Above statement shows that they later adapted in the caste system.
Regarding Gonds, which of the given statements is correct? 1. Garhs w...
Gonds are an indigenous tribe in central India, primarily inhabiting the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. They have a rich cultural heritage and a unique social structure.
1. Garhs were divided into 84 villages called barhots:
- This statement is incorrect. Garhs are the traditional tribal units of the Gonds, which can be compared to a village or a cluster of villages. Each Garh consists of several villages, and there is no specific number of villages associated with a Garh. The number of villages within a Garh can vary depending on factors such as population and geographical area.
2. They rejected both the caste system and orthodox Hinduism:
- This statement is incorrect. The Gonds have traditionally followed their own indigenous religious practices, which have elements of animism and ancestor worship. However, over time, there has been a significant influence of Hinduism on their religious beliefs and practices. Many Gonds have embraced Hinduism and incorporated Hindu deities and rituals into their religious framework. While some Gonds may reject the caste system and orthodox Hinduism, it is not applicable to the entire Gond community.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - None of the above.
The Gonds have a complex social structure and are organized into clans or lineages. They have their own language, Gondi, which belongs to the Dravidian language family. In terms of occupation, the Gonds are primarily engaged in agriculture, forest-based activities, and crafts such as pottery and weaving.
The Gonds have a rich cultural heritage, including vibrant folk dances, music, and art forms. Their traditional art, known as Gond art, is characterized by intricate designs and patterns depicting nature, animals, and tribal life. Gond art has gained recognition and popularity both within India and internationally.
In recent years, the Gonds have faced various challenges such as land dispossession, displacement, and marginalization. Efforts have been made to promote and preserve Gond culture and empower the community through initiatives such as education, skill development, and awareness campaigns.
In conclusion, the Gonds are an indigenous tribe with a unique social structure, cultural heritage, and language. While they have their own religious practices, the influence of Hinduism cannot be overlooked. The statement about the division of Garhs into 84 villages called barhots is incorrect.