Tribes of Bihar | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Tribes of Bihar

According to the 2011 Census, tribes in Bihar make up about 1.3% of the state's population. Most tribal areas were transferred to Jharkhand in 2000 when Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs recognizes 33 tribal groups residing in Bihar.

The districts in Bihar with the largest Scheduled Tribes populations, as per the 2011 Census, are West Champaran, Katihar, Purnea, Banka, and Siwan.

1. Santhal

• The Santhal tribe, primarily found in Jharkhand, also resides in districts like Purnea, Bhagalpur, Saharsa, and Munger in Bihar. They are believed to belong to the Proto-Australoid and Dravidian racial groups.
• The Santhals predominantly speak Santhali, which is part of the Munda language family. The Ol Chiki script, created by Raghunath Murmu around 1925, is used for writing Santhali. Additionally, they speak Hindi, Oriya, and Bengali in their daily lives.

Livelihood

• The Santhal people primarily engage in hunting, fishing, gathering forest products, and agriculture for their livelihood.

Social Life

• Birth Rituals: When a baby is born, the Santhal midwife cuts the umbilical cord and buries it near the house entrance. The first son is named after the paternal grandfather, while the second son is named after a maternal relative.
• Family Structure: The Santhal community follows a nuclear family system, considering the family as the smallest social unit. When a son marries, he establishes his household in his wife’s family.
• Death Rituals: The death of an elderly person is viewed positively as a transformation of body and soul. The body may be cremated or buried. When a respected individual passes away, the community participates in the funeral.
• Post-Death Purification: After seven days, the family purifies themselves by bathing in a river. The final ritual, known as 'Bhandari,' is performed on the same day of the week the deceased was buried.

Religious Life

• Jaher and Gosade: Santhal people offer prayers in these two places, following the indigenous belief of 'Sarana,' which represents the worship of nature.
• Beliefs: They consider the Sun as the omnipotent creator and father, worshiping him as 'Singhbonga' or 'Singabonga.' The Earth is seen as their mother.
• Ancestors and Deities: They believe in ancestral gods and various deities like Marang-buru and Jaher-era, as well as ghosts and spirits such as Kalsing, Lakchera, and Bendarang.
• Animal Sacrifice: This is a common practice to appease the gods, often conducted by village priests known as 'Naiki' and 'Ujha.'

Culture and Festivals

• Bows and Arrows: These are a distinctive symbol for the Santhals, used for hunting and during rituals, festivals, and celebrations.
• Sohrai Festival: This is the biggest festival for the Santhals.
• Karam Festival: Celebrated in Ashwin (September-October) to increase wealth and ward off evil spirits.
• Other Festivals: Maghe, Sakrat, Baba Bonga, Ero, Asaria, Namah, and 'Disum Sendra' on the eve of Baisakh Purnima.
• Respect for Elders: Younger members show respect to elders, fostering peace and brotherhood within the community.
• Tobacco and Alcohol: They consume tobacco and hookah, and a special wine called 'Mahuli,' made from Handiya (rice beer) and mahua plants.

Marriage Customs and Tradition

• Types of Marriages: There are different types of exogamous marriages known as 'Bapla,' with seven variations.
• Monogamy and Polygamy: Monogamy is common, but bigamy and polygamy are also practiced.

Judicial System

• Traditional System: The Santhal people have a traditional judicial system to manage community issues, comparable to Local Self Governance.
• Manjhi-Paragana: This is their system of governance, with 'Manjhi Hadam' as the head, responsible for executive and judicial functions.
• Judicial Officers: 'Dilheri' is the highest judicial officer, followed by 'Disham Manjhi' and 'Manjhi Hadam.'
• Community Roles: Jagmanjhi (birth attendant), Gudit (death attendant), and other notable figures like priests, businessmen, rulers, judges, soldiers, and musicians.
• Councils: Santhal people have different councils like Labirbaisi (highest council), Pramatrabaist (pargana council), and Manjhibaisi (village council).

Oraon Tribe

The Oraon tribal group is primarily found in the districts of Rohtas, Buxar, Darbhanga, Kaimur (Bhabua), West Champaran, and Bhagalpur in Bihar. Many members of the Oraon tribe have migrated from the Chota Nagpur region of Jharkhand.

Language and Ethnicity

• The Oraon people mainly speak the Kurukh language, which is related to the Dravidian language family.
• They belong to the Proto-Australoid and Dravidian racial groups. 

Traditional Livelihood

• Traditionally, the Oraons relied on forests and farms for their livelihood, but in recent times, some have transitioned to settled agriculture.
• They are deeply connected to nature and create household items from forest produce, including mats, wooden stools, baskets, cups, plates, cushions, ropes, mortars, pestles, and oil presses.
• They also craft hunting tools such as bows, arrows, slings, swords, spears, and fishing traps from forest materials.
• Their fishing nets are made from twine, umbrellas from landle and bamboo ribs covered with gungu leaves, and hooded waterproof coats from gungu leaves.

Social and Religious Life

• The social life of the Oraon tribe is a mix of different religious beliefs, including Naturalism, Hinduism, and Christianity.
• They are primarily attached to the Sama religion and do not worship nature as some other tribes do. Their religious practices are influenced by the Manda and Kharia religious systems.
• The Oraon people consider the Sun, known as 'Biri Belas,' a symbol of God's power and brightness, rather than a deity.
• They also have sacred sites such as groves, mountains, hills, rivers, wells, tanks, fire, directions, and stones, which are believed to be the residences of spirits and are focal points for ritual worship.

Customs and Traditions

Family and Marriage

• The family is considered the smallest social unit among the Oraon tribes.
• Marriage holds great significance in their customs and traditions and is closely linked to the environment.
• Before a marriage, it is customary for men to fetch firewood from the forest and for women to collect sal leaves to prepare cup-plates, marriage mats, and baskets of various sizes.
• During the marriage ceremony, setting up a ‘marwa’ is of utmost importance. This involves planting nine sal saplings with leaves on top in three rows in the courtyard, along with branches of bamboo, bhelwa, mango, mahua, and siddh trees.
• Each tree branch has a specific symbol: Bamboo - Progeny Bhelwa - Protection from the evil eye Mango - Perpetuity of descendants Mahua - Love between the couple Siddh - Fidelity of husband and wife

Funeral Practices

• During funerals, the dead body is either buried or cremated. If crops are standing in the field, the body is buried. When burying a body, the grave is covered with branches arranged in different shapes, both lengthwise and crosswise.

Festivals and Dance

Music and Dance

• The Oraon people have a strong fondness for music and dance. Some of the famous dance forms in this tribal group include Karma, Jadur, Dassai, and Kagha Parva.

Socio-religious Gatherings and Festivals

• The Oraon people gather at socio-religious events and festivals such as Jatras, Sarhul, Phaggu, and Karam.
• Sarhul is a spring festival celebrated when sal trees are in full bloom. During this festival, the tribal people perform a symbolic marriage of the sky with the Earth to ensure the fertility of the land.
• During Sarhul, people also offer sacrifices to the old lady, believed to be the village goddess residing in the village grove.
• The Phagga festival is celebrated at the end of February or the beginning of March.
• Karam is an agricultural festival linked to the socio-religious aspects of the Oraon community, emphasizing productivity and fecundity.

Pahari

• Pahari is a tribe that lives in the hilly areas of Bihar, particularly in districts like Rohtas, Kaimur, and Nawada. They are known for their traditional way of life and agricultural practices.
• Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the Pahari people. They grow various crops, including rice, maize, barley, and pulses. These crops are well-suited to the hilly terrain and climate of the region.
• In addition to farming, the Pahari tribe is also involved in animal husbandry. They rear animals such as goats, cows, and buffaloes, which provide them with essential resources like milk, meat, and labor for farming.

Culture and Traditions

• The Pahari people have a rich cultural heritage, with unique traditions and customs that are passed down through generations.
• They are known for their vibrant folk art and handicrafts, which reflect their connection to the land and their artistic skills.
• Festivals and celebrations play a significant role in their community life, where they come together to celebrate harvests, religious occasions, and cultural events.

Tharu

• The Tharu tribe is primarily found in the Terai region of West Champaran district in Bihar. 
• They are the largest and oldest ethnic group in this region. The Tharu people belong to the Mongoloid racial group and speak various languages, including dialects of Urdu, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, and Maithili.

Livelihood

• The Tharu tribe is mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihood.
• They cultivate crops such as wheat, maize, barley, and rice.
• Animal husbandry is also crucial, with ducks, goats, chickens, and pigs being important for their sustenance.
• Fishing is an additional source of income and food.

Culture and Beliefs

• Tharu women are known for their vibrant wall paintings done on the walls and verandahs of their houses, which are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
• The Tharu people practice Hinduism but also incorporate Islamic, animist, and Buddhist beliefs into their culture.
• Each village has a specific duty known as ‘Bhuinyar’, which is unique to that village.
• Their marriage system is distinctive; for instance, when two women give birth to opposite-sex children, those children are arranged to marry each other when they grow up.
• Elopement has become common in their society due to significant age differences between husbands and wives.

Healing Practices

• Guruba and shamans act as healers in the Tharu community, using Buddhist medicines to treat illnesses.
• They believe that sickness is caused by the displeasure of gods or mischief by demons.
• Healing rituals often involve incantations, sacrifices, and drumming to appease the deities.

Gond

The Gond tribal group is primarily located in the districts of West Champaran, Saran, Siwan, and Rohtas in Bihar. They predominantly speak the Mundari language along with the local dialect.

Occupation

• The Gond people are mainly engaged in agriculture. Some are landowners, while others work as landless laborers.

Art and Craft

• Art holds significant importance in the Gond community. They are skilled in pottery, basket making, body tattooing, and floor painting.
• The walls of their houses are often adorned with red and black paintings.

Religion and Beliefs

• A unique aspect of Gond religion is the ‘Persa Pen,’ which is believed to protect clan members. The supreme God is known as Baradeo or Bhagavan.
• Each clan has its own Persa Pen, which is considered powerful but can be controlled by the pardhan (village head) playing the fiddle.
• During festivals, villages honor their guardian and mother figures, along with family and household gods, cattle gods, and field gods.
• Animal sacrifices are a part of their religious practices. For example, every nine or twelve years, they perform a pig sacrifice to the God Mauryan Deo in a ceremony called ‘Laru Kaj’ (Pig’s Wedding).
• The Gond people believe that most diseases and misfortunes are caused by evil spirits or the displeasure of gods.

Marriage Customs

• The Gond tribe practices cross-cousin marriage, where one marries their mother’s brother’s daughter.
• Widows are allowed to remarry the father of their deceased husband.
• The practice of bride price is also observed. After marriage, couples typically live with the groom’s family until they establish their own household.

Chero Tribe

• The Chero tribe, also known as 'Cheru' and 'Cheruwas', is a significant tribal group in Jharkhand, with some members residing in the districts of Rohtas, Bhojpur, and Gaya in Bihar.
• Members of this tribe identify themselves as Kshatriya and Rajputs of the Chauhan Clan, and they also refer to themselves as 'Chandravanshi', indicating a lineage from the moon.
• The primary occupation of the Chero tribe is agriculture, and they also engage in animal husbandry. Some individuals within the tribe work as labourers.
• Their religious beliefs are similar to Hinduism, and they worship various tribal deities, including 'Sairi Maa', 'Ganwar Bhabhani', and 'Dulha Deo'.
• The Chero tribe is divided into two sub-groups: Barahazari and Terahazari. Marriages between these two groups are strictly prohibited, and unions must occur within the same group.

Kora Tribe

• The Kora tribe is primarily found in Jharkhand and Bihar, with populations in the districts of Munger, Jamui, and Katihar in Bihar.
• Members of the Kora tribe speak languages such as Mundari, Sadani, and Hindi. Their settlements are situated on hilltops and in plain regions.
• The economic activities of the Kora tribe are closely linked to agriculture, forest produce, and labour.
• Religious practices among the Kora people align with Hinduism, but they also hold beliefs in the spirits of the dead, animism, and the worship of traditional deities associated with hills and the Earth.
• The Kora tribe celebrates various festivals, including Sarhul Parab and Bonga Buru in the month of Chaitra, and Karan in the month of Bhadra.

Kharwar Tribe

• The Kharwar tribe is primarily located in the districts of Rohtas and Kaimur in Bihar.
• According to Kharwar tradition, their ancestors worshipped 'Khair', a type of grass, which led to their name. They believe that their ancestors once ruled the Rohtas district, with notable rulers such as Uday Dhawal, Vikram Dhawal, Dev Vijay, Sahas Dhawal, and Uday Chand.
• The Kharwar people engage in various economic activities, including agriculture, livestock rearing, fishing, collecting forest produce, and hunting and trapping.
• They are known for their artistic skills in basketry, tattoo making, and wall art.
• The Kharwar tribe has a mixed religious practice, combining elements of Hinduism and tribal beliefs. They worship deities such as Goddess Lakshmi, Durga, Bhagwati, Hanuman, and Dihwar Bonga.
• Important festivals celebrated by the Kharwar tribe include Sarhul, Diwali, Durga Puja, Mawakhani, Jitia, Ram Navami, Sohrai, and Phagh.
• Within the Kharwar tribe, consanguineous marriages are accepted, and bride price is a common practice.

Korwa Tribe

• The Korwa tribe is one of the Scheduled Tribes in India, albeit with a very small population. They are primarily found in the districts of Rohtas, Bhojpur, Purnea, Munger, and Katihar in Bihar.
• Korwa people are believed to belong to the Proto-Austroloid racial group. They have a nuclear family system, and marriages typically occur within the same caste.
• A traditional alcoholic beverage called 'Illi' or 'Handiyaa', made from rice, is commonly consumed by the Korwa community. Important musical instruments in this tribe include 'Paijan', 'Yandar', and 'Darkhar'.
• The economic activities of the Korwa tribe revolve around hunting, shifting cultivation, and gathering forest produce. However, they are considered a socially backward group with limited access to healthcare and education services. Efforts are being made by the government to integrate this tribe into the mainstream development process.
• Approximately one-third of the Korwa population practices Islam, while the remainder follows Hinduism. Their primary tribal deity is 'Dulha Deo', and they also worship 'Khuri Rani', a goddess who requires animal sacrifices. Ancestor worship is also a common practice among the Korwa people.

Sauria Paharia

• The Sauria Paharia tribal community resides in the hilly and forested regions of various districts in Bihar. They are a subgroup of the Paharia tribes.
• This community speaks the 'Malto' language, which belongs to the Dravidian language family.
• Their primary economic activity is 'shifting cultivation.' Settlements are typically found on hilltops and within forested areas. During the summer, they also engage in fishing.
• The Sauria Paharia people practice animism and Hinduism. They hold common beliefs in witchcraft and evil spirits. To appease these spirits, they perform sacrifices of fowls and animals.
• Important festivals for the Sauria Paharia include Ghaghra Puja and Bandana.

Chik Baraik

• The Chik Baraik tribe is primarily located in the rural regions of Bihar and Jharkhand.
• People from this tribe are mainly part of the Proto-Australoid racial group.
• They communicate in Mundari, Sadhni, and Hindi languages.
• The Chik Baraik tribe is known for its artisan work, particularly in weaving and bird trapping, which are their main sources of livelihood.
• Predominantly, this tribe practices Hinduism. Their chief deity is Singbonga, and they also revere 'Devi Mai.' Additionally, they worship various other deities, including Gram Deo, Dhiwar Deo, Pitar Deo, Mag Deo, Bagh Deo, and Burheia Deo.
• Significant festivals celebrated by the Chik Baraik include Sarhul, Sohrai, Karma, Nawakhami, Durga Devi Puja, Phagu, and Ramnavami, among others.

Ho

• The Ho tribal community is found across Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. They belong to the Austro-Asiatic ethnic group and primarily speak the Ho and Munda languages.
• Their economy is largely based on hunting, primitive shifting cultivation, and mining activities.
• In terms of marriage practices, the Ho people typically marry outside their paternal clan. However, marrying a cousin on the maternal side is also a common practice. Both bride price and dowry are observed in their marriage customs.
• The Ho community worships spirits and practices witchcraft. They celebrate a mix of traditional and adopted festivals. Important traditional festivals include Maghe, Baha Parab, Rajasala or Raja Parab, Hero Parab, Jamnawa Parab, Kakwontanri, Kalam Parab, and Shorai.
• Adopted festivals celebrated by the Ho people include Durga Puja, Biswakarma Puja, Ganesh Puja, and Rath Yatra. In some cases, they may prioritize adopted festivals over traditional ones.

Binjhia

• The Binjhia tribe is considered the most advanced among various tribal groups, as reflected in the quality of their homes, which are made of tiles, wood, and bamboo, and are spaciously and aesthetically designed.
• They predominantly live near forests and hilly areas and primarily practice farming for their livelihood.
• Following Hinduism, the Binjhia people worship Bindya Basini as their supreme deity, represented by a stone shaped like a woman. Ancestor worship is also a common practice.
• They celebrate numerous festivals, including Sohrai, Karma, Sarhul, Kartik Purnima, Jittia, Dussehra, and Diwali.
• The Binjhia tribe observes marriage ages between 18 to 25 years for both brides and grooms, in accordance with Indian law. Inter-tribal marriages are not permitted, but marriages within the same clan are allowed. Monogamy is the norm, and widow remarriage is accepted. Bride price is also a customary practice in this community.

Tribal Art and Culture

Tribal art and culture in Bihar is unique and includes tribal songs, art, and literature.

Tribal Songs

• Most tribal songs in Bihar are linked to dances and describe natural scenes.
• These songs are sung in different seasons and during various occasions.
• Important tribal songsinclude:
  • Jadur : Sung in spring.
  • Karma : Associated with a specific festival.
  • Maghe : Related to the Maghe festival.
  • Adandi : Sung during weddings.
  • Hero : Sung during paddy planting.
• Musical instruments used include: Mridang, dafli, damru, and others.

Tribal Art

• Tribal art is evident in wall paintings of flowers and plants found in the homes of tribal people.
• They also create intricate designs on pottery, with women often leading in painting and home decor.
• Unmarried girls typically do most of the home decor work.
• Tribal women craft beautiful necklaces from cowries and sepias.

Tribal Literature

• Tribal literature is rich in folklores and proverbs that reflect various aspects of human life.
• It includes themes of reverence for God, important figures in sacred stories, and descriptions of mysteries.
• The riddles found in this literature are of particular interest for research.

Government Initiatives for the Development of Scheduled Tribes

• Special Central Assistance for Scheduled Tribes: The Central Government provides funds for the development of Scheduled Tribes living Below Poverty Line (BPL).
• Section 275 (1) of the Indian Constitution: This section allocates funds from the Central Government for infrastructure development in tribal areas.
• Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana: Launched by the Government of India, this scheme aims to create an enabling environment for holistic development of tribal people based on their needs and outcomes.
• Tharu Scheduled Tribal Development: After the inclusion of Tharu castes in the Scheduled Tribes list in Bihar in 2003, a committee was formed for their development. The government approved the establishment of residential high schools for Tharu tribes in West Champaran district.
• Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan: This plan focuses on enhancing the skills and efficiency of Scheduled Tribe families to increase their income and help them rise above the poverty line.
• Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme: Started in 2008-09, this scheme awards scholarships to SC/ST students based on their academic performance in matriculation and higher secondary examinations.
• Residential Schools: The State Government runs 15 residential schools for scheduled tribes and plans to upgrade these schools to model standards.
• Construction of New Residential Schools: In 2016-17, the State Government approved the construction of new residential schools for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, including new tribal schools.

Bhimrao Ambedkar Welfare Hostel Scheme

• The Bhimrao Ambedkar Welfare Hostel Scheme aims to provide accommodation for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. Under this scheme, there is a plan to construct four hostels, each with a capacity of 100 beds, specifically for ST students. 
• This initiative was proposed for the year 2017-18.