Tribes of Jharkhand | Jharkhand State (JPSC) PSC: Preparation - JPSC (Jharkhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
Mal Paharia 115093 1.60 16.34
Munda 1049767 14.80 39.22
Oraon 1390459 19.60 42.74
Parhaiya 20786 0.29 9.84
Santhal 2410509 34.01 27.22
Sauria Paharia 31050 0.40 16.61
Savar 6004 0.84 14.82
Total 7051028 100.0472
THE MUNDAS
The Munda are an Adivasi ethnic group of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region
speaking the Mundari  language, which belongs to the Munda subgroup of the
Austroasiatic languages. They are found across much of Jharkhand as well as
adjacent parts of Assam. Odisha. West Bengal. Chhattisgarh. Bihar and into parts
of Bangladesh. This tribal ethnic group is one of the largest tea tribes in India. The
Munda people in Tripura are also called Mura. In Madhya Pradesh, the Munda
people are also called Mudas.
There were an estimated 9,000,000 Munda people in the late 20th century.
EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION
Since the primitive times Munda people have been wanders and hunters
occupying India tribal belt, later they became settled agriculturists cultivators.
Munda people are excellent in basket work and weaving. With the help of policy of
minority-based reservation policy of Indian Government listing Munda people in
Scheduled Tribes (Adivasi) plentiful of them have been now employed in various
government sectors especially Indian Railways.
CULTURE
Social arrangement is very basic and simple. The Indian caste system is an
alien to the Mundas. The culture of the Munda people is a blend of Sarnaism and
Christian cultures.
LANGUAGE
Mundari people speak Mundari, one of the Munda languages in the
Austroasiatic language family Customs, laws and traditions.
Although, they have preserved their pre-Christian Mundari culture and
traditions, many Christian and influences have been absorbed. They still retain
many of the practices of pre-Christian tradition. The Munda people have a rich
range of folk songs, dances and tales, as well as traditional musical instruments.
Both men and women participate in dances, which are performed at social events
and festivals, Mandar, naqareh and kartal are the main musical instruments. Unlike
Page 2


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
Mal Paharia 115093 1.60 16.34
Munda 1049767 14.80 39.22
Oraon 1390459 19.60 42.74
Parhaiya 20786 0.29 9.84
Santhal 2410509 34.01 27.22
Sauria Paharia 31050 0.40 16.61
Savar 6004 0.84 14.82
Total 7051028 100.0472
THE MUNDAS
The Munda are an Adivasi ethnic group of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region
speaking the Mundari  language, which belongs to the Munda subgroup of the
Austroasiatic languages. They are found across much of Jharkhand as well as
adjacent parts of Assam. Odisha. West Bengal. Chhattisgarh. Bihar and into parts
of Bangladesh. This tribal ethnic group is one of the largest tea tribes in India. The
Munda people in Tripura are also called Mura. In Madhya Pradesh, the Munda
people are also called Mudas.
There were an estimated 9,000,000 Munda people in the late 20th century.
EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION
Since the primitive times Munda people have been wanders and hunters
occupying India tribal belt, later they became settled agriculturists cultivators.
Munda people are excellent in basket work and weaving. With the help of policy of
minority-based reservation policy of Indian Government listing Munda people in
Scheduled Tribes (Adivasi) plentiful of them have been now employed in various
government sectors especially Indian Railways.
CULTURE
Social arrangement is very basic and simple. The Indian caste system is an
alien to the Mundas. The culture of the Munda people is a blend of Sarnaism and
Christian cultures.
LANGUAGE
Mundari people speak Mundari, one of the Munda languages in the
Austroasiatic language family Customs, laws and traditions.
Although, they have preserved their pre-Christian Mundari culture and
traditions, many Christian and influences have been absorbed. They still retain
many of the practices of pre-Christian tradition. The Munda people have a rich
range of folk songs, dances and tales, as well as traditional musical instruments.
Both men and women participate in dances, which are performed at social events
and festivals, Mandar, naqareh and kartal are the main musical instruments. Unlike
Amar Ujala Publications Jharkhand : General Knowledge
various communities  across the world Munda people have enormous rituals to
celebrate birth, death, engagement, marriage etc.
l Birth of Baby boy is celebrated as an earning hand to the family.
l Birth of Baby girl is celebrated as an caretaker to the family.
l Lota-pani is the engagement ceremony for finance and fiance.
l Clan exogamy is the rule among Mundari people.
l The Bride price is generally paid before the marriage.
l Marriage is considered as one of the main rituals of life which is a week-long
festivity time for both the families.
l Ointment with scented oil and turmeric is applied to the face and body after
death so as to give a last decoration as last ritual.
l The practice of widow marriage and divorce is common.
l The family of Munda tribe is patrilineal, patrilocal and patriarchal.
MUNDARI ANCESTRAL WORSHIP  & ANCESTRAL SHRINES
Buried ancestors are memorialized as Guardian Spirits of the Khunt. or
genealogical family, symbolized by the burial stone referred to as the sasandiri (not
to be confused with sasangdiri, which means turmeric (crushing stone). These are
placed flat on the ground, but do not mark “graves” as such. Rather, bones of the
deceased, who are cremated or buried immediately after death, are placed under the
sasandiri. where previous ancestor’s bones are also present. They are usually put
in an earthen pot and kept there from the time of the cremation or burial until the time
of they jangtopa ceremony when the actual placing of bones in the sasandiri can
take place. Once every year, all members of the family are required to visit burial
stones to pay their respects. This practice is formally “forbidden” by the Church for
Christianized Munda tribals in accordance with biblical mythology, although in
reality Christians infrequently are present during the rituals. There are other stones
for ancestors as well, e.g., the memorial stones (bhodiri. headstones), which are
placed in an erect position, usually closer to the homestead. The landscape of
Chotanagpur is dotted with Cemetery having clusters of these two types of stones,
sasandiri (burial stones) and bhodiri (head-stones). Ancestors are given due respect
as during traditional Munda religious Veneration of the dead in the month of
November.
SEASONAL FESTIVALS
Munda people are involved in agriculture. For this reason Munda people
continue to show respect to the seasonal festivals of Mage, Phagu, Karam, Sarhul
and Sohraj etc. Over time some seasonal festivals have come to coincide with religious
festivals but the original meaning of the festivals has not been lost.
CUISINE
Not much of cuisines are made but during festivities and ceremonies these
foodstuffs are prepared.
Page 3


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
Mal Paharia 115093 1.60 16.34
Munda 1049767 14.80 39.22
Oraon 1390459 19.60 42.74
Parhaiya 20786 0.29 9.84
Santhal 2410509 34.01 27.22
Sauria Paharia 31050 0.40 16.61
Savar 6004 0.84 14.82
Total 7051028 100.0472
THE MUNDAS
The Munda are an Adivasi ethnic group of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region
speaking the Mundari  language, which belongs to the Munda subgroup of the
Austroasiatic languages. They are found across much of Jharkhand as well as
adjacent parts of Assam. Odisha. West Bengal. Chhattisgarh. Bihar and into parts
of Bangladesh. This tribal ethnic group is one of the largest tea tribes in India. The
Munda people in Tripura are also called Mura. In Madhya Pradesh, the Munda
people are also called Mudas.
There were an estimated 9,000,000 Munda people in the late 20th century.
EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION
Since the primitive times Munda people have been wanders and hunters
occupying India tribal belt, later they became settled agriculturists cultivators.
Munda people are excellent in basket work and weaving. With the help of policy of
minority-based reservation policy of Indian Government listing Munda people in
Scheduled Tribes (Adivasi) plentiful of them have been now employed in various
government sectors especially Indian Railways.
CULTURE
Social arrangement is very basic and simple. The Indian caste system is an
alien to the Mundas. The culture of the Munda people is a blend of Sarnaism and
Christian cultures.
LANGUAGE
Mundari people speak Mundari, one of the Munda languages in the
Austroasiatic language family Customs, laws and traditions.
Although, they have preserved their pre-Christian Mundari culture and
traditions, many Christian and influences have been absorbed. They still retain
many of the practices of pre-Christian tradition. The Munda people have a rich
range of folk songs, dances and tales, as well as traditional musical instruments.
Both men and women participate in dances, which are performed at social events
and festivals, Mandar, naqareh and kartal are the main musical instruments. Unlike
Amar Ujala Publications Jharkhand : General Knowledge
various communities  across the world Munda people have enormous rituals to
celebrate birth, death, engagement, marriage etc.
l Birth of Baby boy is celebrated as an earning hand to the family.
l Birth of Baby girl is celebrated as an caretaker to the family.
l Lota-pani is the engagement ceremony for finance and fiance.
l Clan exogamy is the rule among Mundari people.
l The Bride price is generally paid before the marriage.
l Marriage is considered as one of the main rituals of life which is a week-long
festivity time for both the families.
l Ointment with scented oil and turmeric is applied to the face and body after
death so as to give a last decoration as last ritual.
l The practice of widow marriage and divorce is common.
l The family of Munda tribe is patrilineal, patrilocal and patriarchal.
MUNDARI ANCESTRAL WORSHIP  & ANCESTRAL SHRINES
Buried ancestors are memorialized as Guardian Spirits of the Khunt. or
genealogical family, symbolized by the burial stone referred to as the sasandiri (not
to be confused with sasangdiri, which means turmeric (crushing stone). These are
placed flat on the ground, but do not mark “graves” as such. Rather, bones of the
deceased, who are cremated or buried immediately after death, are placed under the
sasandiri. where previous ancestor’s bones are also present. They are usually put
in an earthen pot and kept there from the time of the cremation or burial until the time
of they jangtopa ceremony when the actual placing of bones in the sasandiri can
take place. Once every year, all members of the family are required to visit burial
stones to pay their respects. This practice is formally “forbidden” by the Church for
Christianized Munda tribals in accordance with biblical mythology, although in
reality Christians infrequently are present during the rituals. There are other stones
for ancestors as well, e.g., the memorial stones (bhodiri. headstones), which are
placed in an erect position, usually closer to the homestead. The landscape of
Chotanagpur is dotted with Cemetery having clusters of these two types of stones,
sasandiri (burial stones) and bhodiri (head-stones). Ancestors are given due respect
as during traditional Munda religious Veneration of the dead in the month of
November.
SEASONAL FESTIVALS
Munda people are involved in agriculture. For this reason Munda people
continue to show respect to the seasonal festivals of Mage, Phagu, Karam, Sarhul
and Sohraj etc. Over time some seasonal festivals have come to coincide with religious
festivals but the original meaning of the festivals has not been lost.
CUISINE
Not much of cuisines are made but during festivities and ceremonies these
foodstuffs are prepared.
l Arisa rotis which is made with the grounded powdered rice and sugar or
jaggery.
l Chilka roti is one of the main dish made with the grounded powdered rice,
l During festival or any occasion of celebration they consume an alcoholic
drink called “handiya”. Handiya is basically a rice wine made from fermented
rice Handiya is distributed among every man and woman of the village in a
“bowl of leaves” which is called “Dona”. Bodoy and Handia is a local rice
beer made up of rice
ART & PAINTINGS
Munda wall paintings are similar to wall paintings of tribal mud paintings are
part of Munda tribal art.
RELIGION AND IDENTITY OF THE TRIBES
Munda people follow the their own indigenous Indian religion referred to as
Sarnaism. Sarnaism reveals the belief in a God called Singbonga. Singbonga
(flaxcksaxk), the God of Mundas. is neither the sun nor a God that would dwell in the
sun. though he is in the Heaven of Sarnaism. In primordial times, the creator was
called Haram (gM+e) and the same Haram is also known as Singbonga (flaxcksaxk)]
who is the God of the Mundas. He is eternal omnipresent omniscient and omnipotent.
In sacrifices, he is commonly praised as the one who separated land and sea, set the
course of sun and moon, and created man. Haram (gM+e) is referred to as God. who
provides all good, while Singbonga (flaxcksaxk) is often related to worship.
However, with the arrival of British colonialism to Jharkhand came Christian
missionaries to proselytize the “tribals” beginning in 1845. The missionaries were
attempting to convert so-called “upper” caste Hindus as well, albeit with different
means. One-fourth of the Mundas were converted to Christianity through coercion.
Among the Mundari Christians, there are Roman Catholic Mundas and Protestant
Mundas, the latter having several denominations.
But still, the majority of Mundas saved their religion from annihilation. Today,
because of their own efforts and strength from their beliefs, the majority of Mundas
adhere to the indigenous religion of their ancestors.
The surname of a Munda defines their identity. Many surnames are common
among other tribes with minute variations. Surnames are based on natural elements,
trees, animals birds or any nature-related object which are often found in
Chotanagpur region.
Pahaan Munda
This is the status of a priestly class among Munda people. Pahaan Munda is
one of the learned man among the tribal who has knowledge to overcome social
troubles and cure various disease. He is believed to have spiritual powers which he
utilizes for the welfare of his people.
Page 4


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
Mal Paharia 115093 1.60 16.34
Munda 1049767 14.80 39.22
Oraon 1390459 19.60 42.74
Parhaiya 20786 0.29 9.84
Santhal 2410509 34.01 27.22
Sauria Paharia 31050 0.40 16.61
Savar 6004 0.84 14.82
Total 7051028 100.0472
THE MUNDAS
The Munda are an Adivasi ethnic group of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region
speaking the Mundari  language, which belongs to the Munda subgroup of the
Austroasiatic languages. They are found across much of Jharkhand as well as
adjacent parts of Assam. Odisha. West Bengal. Chhattisgarh. Bihar and into parts
of Bangladesh. This tribal ethnic group is one of the largest tea tribes in India. The
Munda people in Tripura are also called Mura. In Madhya Pradesh, the Munda
people are also called Mudas.
There were an estimated 9,000,000 Munda people in the late 20th century.
EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION
Since the primitive times Munda people have been wanders and hunters
occupying India tribal belt, later they became settled agriculturists cultivators.
Munda people are excellent in basket work and weaving. With the help of policy of
minority-based reservation policy of Indian Government listing Munda people in
Scheduled Tribes (Adivasi) plentiful of them have been now employed in various
government sectors especially Indian Railways.
CULTURE
Social arrangement is very basic and simple. The Indian caste system is an
alien to the Mundas. The culture of the Munda people is a blend of Sarnaism and
Christian cultures.
LANGUAGE
Mundari people speak Mundari, one of the Munda languages in the
Austroasiatic language family Customs, laws and traditions.
Although, they have preserved their pre-Christian Mundari culture and
traditions, many Christian and influences have been absorbed. They still retain
many of the practices of pre-Christian tradition. The Munda people have a rich
range of folk songs, dances and tales, as well as traditional musical instruments.
Both men and women participate in dances, which are performed at social events
and festivals, Mandar, naqareh and kartal are the main musical instruments. Unlike
Amar Ujala Publications Jharkhand : General Knowledge
various communities  across the world Munda people have enormous rituals to
celebrate birth, death, engagement, marriage etc.
l Birth of Baby boy is celebrated as an earning hand to the family.
l Birth of Baby girl is celebrated as an caretaker to the family.
l Lota-pani is the engagement ceremony for finance and fiance.
l Clan exogamy is the rule among Mundari people.
l The Bride price is generally paid before the marriage.
l Marriage is considered as one of the main rituals of life which is a week-long
festivity time for both the families.
l Ointment with scented oil and turmeric is applied to the face and body after
death so as to give a last decoration as last ritual.
l The practice of widow marriage and divorce is common.
l The family of Munda tribe is patrilineal, patrilocal and patriarchal.
MUNDARI ANCESTRAL WORSHIP  & ANCESTRAL SHRINES
Buried ancestors are memorialized as Guardian Spirits of the Khunt. or
genealogical family, symbolized by the burial stone referred to as the sasandiri (not
to be confused with sasangdiri, which means turmeric (crushing stone). These are
placed flat on the ground, but do not mark “graves” as such. Rather, bones of the
deceased, who are cremated or buried immediately after death, are placed under the
sasandiri. where previous ancestor’s bones are also present. They are usually put
in an earthen pot and kept there from the time of the cremation or burial until the time
of they jangtopa ceremony when the actual placing of bones in the sasandiri can
take place. Once every year, all members of the family are required to visit burial
stones to pay their respects. This practice is formally “forbidden” by the Church for
Christianized Munda tribals in accordance with biblical mythology, although in
reality Christians infrequently are present during the rituals. There are other stones
for ancestors as well, e.g., the memorial stones (bhodiri. headstones), which are
placed in an erect position, usually closer to the homestead. The landscape of
Chotanagpur is dotted with Cemetery having clusters of these two types of stones,
sasandiri (burial stones) and bhodiri (head-stones). Ancestors are given due respect
as during traditional Munda religious Veneration of the dead in the month of
November.
SEASONAL FESTIVALS
Munda people are involved in agriculture. For this reason Munda people
continue to show respect to the seasonal festivals of Mage, Phagu, Karam, Sarhul
and Sohraj etc. Over time some seasonal festivals have come to coincide with religious
festivals but the original meaning of the festivals has not been lost.
CUISINE
Not much of cuisines are made but during festivities and ceremonies these
foodstuffs are prepared.
l Arisa rotis which is made with the grounded powdered rice and sugar or
jaggery.
l Chilka roti is one of the main dish made with the grounded powdered rice,
l During festival or any occasion of celebration they consume an alcoholic
drink called “handiya”. Handiya is basically a rice wine made from fermented
rice Handiya is distributed among every man and woman of the village in a
“bowl of leaves” which is called “Dona”. Bodoy and Handia is a local rice
beer made up of rice
ART & PAINTINGS
Munda wall paintings are similar to wall paintings of tribal mud paintings are
part of Munda tribal art.
RELIGION AND IDENTITY OF THE TRIBES
Munda people follow the their own indigenous Indian religion referred to as
Sarnaism. Sarnaism reveals the belief in a God called Singbonga. Singbonga
(flaxcksaxk), the God of Mundas. is neither the sun nor a God that would dwell in the
sun. though he is in the Heaven of Sarnaism. In primordial times, the creator was
called Haram (gM+e) and the same Haram is also known as Singbonga (flaxcksaxk)]
who is the God of the Mundas. He is eternal omnipresent omniscient and omnipotent.
In sacrifices, he is commonly praised as the one who separated land and sea, set the
course of sun and moon, and created man. Haram (gM+e) is referred to as God. who
provides all good, while Singbonga (flaxcksaxk) is often related to worship.
However, with the arrival of British colonialism to Jharkhand came Christian
missionaries to proselytize the “tribals” beginning in 1845. The missionaries were
attempting to convert so-called “upper” caste Hindus as well, albeit with different
means. One-fourth of the Mundas were converted to Christianity through coercion.
Among the Mundari Christians, there are Roman Catholic Mundas and Protestant
Mundas, the latter having several denominations.
But still, the majority of Mundas saved their religion from annihilation. Today,
because of their own efforts and strength from their beliefs, the majority of Mundas
adhere to the indigenous religion of their ancestors.
The surname of a Munda defines their identity. Many surnames are common
among other tribes with minute variations. Surnames are based on natural elements,
trees, animals birds or any nature-related object which are often found in
Chotanagpur region.
Pahaan Munda
This is the status of a priestly class among Munda people. Pahaan Munda is
one of the learned man among the tribal who has knowledge to overcome social
troubles and cure various disease. He is believed to have spiritual powers which he
utilizes for the welfare of his people.
FAMILY : The family is based on belief and cooperation of family members.
The relation between husband and wife is very cordial. Both have full faith in one
another. Both cooperate each other in maintaining the family They perform their
own work or go to earn wages. Thus, they struggle hard to maintain the family. The
husband-wife relationship get bitter on development of extra marital sex relation,
negligence of duty and cruel behaviour. In this situation. divorce is sought with the
permission of the Panchayat. The Panchayat tries to settle the dispute, but when
dispute is not settled, the divorce is allowed. On divorce, the children go in the
share of father. The women are allowed to marry again. The husband can also
arrange remarriage. Divorce is rare but it is allowed.
The relation of a Munda family with the families of agnates or the lineage
group is also generally good. The lineage exists and corporeal kin enjoys and
sorrows. Therefore, they also have the feeling of invitation, visit, service, loan,
hospitality etc. On the occasion of ceremonies and festivals. The relations become
bitter on break of incest taboo.
Social structure : The society of Munda is patiarchal and system is nuclear
type. The joint family system is not unknown to them.
MARRIAGE : Marriage is essential for the continuity of family name and
race. The marriage provides the social sanction of sexual unions between the
couple. It also bestows upon the couple the responsibility to reproduce children
so that the family name and the race may continue generation after generation. The
Mundas follow the rule of monogamy. But in exceptional situation like barrenness,
widow-hood, widowerhood etc., bigamy and polygamy are allowed. The Mundas
follow the rule of endogamy and clan exogamy at the time of marriage. According
to endogamy rule, a Munda boy is allowed to marry only with a Munda girl and
vice-versa. But for the purpose of a marriage the Mundas are divided in a number
of exogamous clans. The marriage between a Munda boy and a Munda girl
belonging to the same clan is not allowed. Sagotm (intra-clan) inter-tribe or caste
marriages are strictly tabooed.
FESTIVALS : Important festivals of the Mundas are Mage Parab, Phagu
Parab, Karam Parab, Sarhul Parab, Aouba Parab. and Sohrai Parab. ‘Mage
Parab is celebrated in the full moon day of Paush (tenth month of Hindu calendar)
month. ‘Phagu Parab’ is celebrated in the month of February or March to
correspond with Holi. They sprinkle colour on others. ‘Karam Parab is celebrated
in the month of August- September for he prosperity of the village. ‘Sarhur is
celebrated in the month of March-April. The Sal flowers are brought to the Sarna
and the Pahan propitiates all gods of the Mundas. ‘Aouba Parab is held in April-
May before sowing the first crop and all the household gods are worshipped on
the occasion. ‘Sohrai Parab’ is celebrated in the month of October-November.
The Munda owners of cattle fast for the whole day. In the night, lamps are lighted.
On the following morning, the cattle shed is washed and sprinkled with rice beer.
The Mundas are fond of musical instruments. They generally keep a small
drum (dholak) of goatskin, a big drum (nagara) of buffalo or ox-skin, brass symbol
Page 5


Jharkhand : General Knowledge Amar Ujala Publications
Mal Paharia 115093 1.60 16.34
Munda 1049767 14.80 39.22
Oraon 1390459 19.60 42.74
Parhaiya 20786 0.29 9.84
Santhal 2410509 34.01 27.22
Sauria Paharia 31050 0.40 16.61
Savar 6004 0.84 14.82
Total 7051028 100.0472
THE MUNDAS
The Munda are an Adivasi ethnic group of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region
speaking the Mundari  language, which belongs to the Munda subgroup of the
Austroasiatic languages. They are found across much of Jharkhand as well as
adjacent parts of Assam. Odisha. West Bengal. Chhattisgarh. Bihar and into parts
of Bangladesh. This tribal ethnic group is one of the largest tea tribes in India. The
Munda people in Tripura are also called Mura. In Madhya Pradesh, the Munda
people are also called Mudas.
There were an estimated 9,000,000 Munda people in the late 20th century.
EMPLOYMENT AND OCCUPATION
Since the primitive times Munda people have been wanders and hunters
occupying India tribal belt, later they became settled agriculturists cultivators.
Munda people are excellent in basket work and weaving. With the help of policy of
minority-based reservation policy of Indian Government listing Munda people in
Scheduled Tribes (Adivasi) plentiful of them have been now employed in various
government sectors especially Indian Railways.
CULTURE
Social arrangement is very basic and simple. The Indian caste system is an
alien to the Mundas. The culture of the Munda people is a blend of Sarnaism and
Christian cultures.
LANGUAGE
Mundari people speak Mundari, one of the Munda languages in the
Austroasiatic language family Customs, laws and traditions.
Although, they have preserved their pre-Christian Mundari culture and
traditions, many Christian and influences have been absorbed. They still retain
many of the practices of pre-Christian tradition. The Munda people have a rich
range of folk songs, dances and tales, as well as traditional musical instruments.
Both men and women participate in dances, which are performed at social events
and festivals, Mandar, naqareh and kartal are the main musical instruments. Unlike
Amar Ujala Publications Jharkhand : General Knowledge
various communities  across the world Munda people have enormous rituals to
celebrate birth, death, engagement, marriage etc.
l Birth of Baby boy is celebrated as an earning hand to the family.
l Birth of Baby girl is celebrated as an caretaker to the family.
l Lota-pani is the engagement ceremony for finance and fiance.
l Clan exogamy is the rule among Mundari people.
l The Bride price is generally paid before the marriage.
l Marriage is considered as one of the main rituals of life which is a week-long
festivity time for both the families.
l Ointment with scented oil and turmeric is applied to the face and body after
death so as to give a last decoration as last ritual.
l The practice of widow marriage and divorce is common.
l The family of Munda tribe is patrilineal, patrilocal and patriarchal.
MUNDARI ANCESTRAL WORSHIP  & ANCESTRAL SHRINES
Buried ancestors are memorialized as Guardian Spirits of the Khunt. or
genealogical family, symbolized by the burial stone referred to as the sasandiri (not
to be confused with sasangdiri, which means turmeric (crushing stone). These are
placed flat on the ground, but do not mark “graves” as such. Rather, bones of the
deceased, who are cremated or buried immediately after death, are placed under the
sasandiri. where previous ancestor’s bones are also present. They are usually put
in an earthen pot and kept there from the time of the cremation or burial until the time
of they jangtopa ceremony when the actual placing of bones in the sasandiri can
take place. Once every year, all members of the family are required to visit burial
stones to pay their respects. This practice is formally “forbidden” by the Church for
Christianized Munda tribals in accordance with biblical mythology, although in
reality Christians infrequently are present during the rituals. There are other stones
for ancestors as well, e.g., the memorial stones (bhodiri. headstones), which are
placed in an erect position, usually closer to the homestead. The landscape of
Chotanagpur is dotted with Cemetery having clusters of these two types of stones,
sasandiri (burial stones) and bhodiri (head-stones). Ancestors are given due respect
as during traditional Munda religious Veneration of the dead in the month of
November.
SEASONAL FESTIVALS
Munda people are involved in agriculture. For this reason Munda people
continue to show respect to the seasonal festivals of Mage, Phagu, Karam, Sarhul
and Sohraj etc. Over time some seasonal festivals have come to coincide with religious
festivals but the original meaning of the festivals has not been lost.
CUISINE
Not much of cuisines are made but during festivities and ceremonies these
foodstuffs are prepared.
l Arisa rotis which is made with the grounded powdered rice and sugar or
jaggery.
l Chilka roti is one of the main dish made with the grounded powdered rice,
l During festival or any occasion of celebration they consume an alcoholic
drink called “handiya”. Handiya is basically a rice wine made from fermented
rice Handiya is distributed among every man and woman of the village in a
“bowl of leaves” which is called “Dona”. Bodoy and Handia is a local rice
beer made up of rice
ART & PAINTINGS
Munda wall paintings are similar to wall paintings of tribal mud paintings are
part of Munda tribal art.
RELIGION AND IDENTITY OF THE TRIBES
Munda people follow the their own indigenous Indian religion referred to as
Sarnaism. Sarnaism reveals the belief in a God called Singbonga. Singbonga
(flaxcksaxk), the God of Mundas. is neither the sun nor a God that would dwell in the
sun. though he is in the Heaven of Sarnaism. In primordial times, the creator was
called Haram (gM+e) and the same Haram is also known as Singbonga (flaxcksaxk)]
who is the God of the Mundas. He is eternal omnipresent omniscient and omnipotent.
In sacrifices, he is commonly praised as the one who separated land and sea, set the
course of sun and moon, and created man. Haram (gM+e) is referred to as God. who
provides all good, while Singbonga (flaxcksaxk) is often related to worship.
However, with the arrival of British colonialism to Jharkhand came Christian
missionaries to proselytize the “tribals” beginning in 1845. The missionaries were
attempting to convert so-called “upper” caste Hindus as well, albeit with different
means. One-fourth of the Mundas were converted to Christianity through coercion.
Among the Mundari Christians, there are Roman Catholic Mundas and Protestant
Mundas, the latter having several denominations.
But still, the majority of Mundas saved their religion from annihilation. Today,
because of their own efforts and strength from their beliefs, the majority of Mundas
adhere to the indigenous religion of their ancestors.
The surname of a Munda defines their identity. Many surnames are common
among other tribes with minute variations. Surnames are based on natural elements,
trees, animals birds or any nature-related object which are often found in
Chotanagpur region.
Pahaan Munda
This is the status of a priestly class among Munda people. Pahaan Munda is
one of the learned man among the tribal who has knowledge to overcome social
troubles and cure various disease. He is believed to have spiritual powers which he
utilizes for the welfare of his people.
FAMILY : The family is based on belief and cooperation of family members.
The relation between husband and wife is very cordial. Both have full faith in one
another. Both cooperate each other in maintaining the family They perform their
own work or go to earn wages. Thus, they struggle hard to maintain the family. The
husband-wife relationship get bitter on development of extra marital sex relation,
negligence of duty and cruel behaviour. In this situation. divorce is sought with the
permission of the Panchayat. The Panchayat tries to settle the dispute, but when
dispute is not settled, the divorce is allowed. On divorce, the children go in the
share of father. The women are allowed to marry again. The husband can also
arrange remarriage. Divorce is rare but it is allowed.
The relation of a Munda family with the families of agnates or the lineage
group is also generally good. The lineage exists and corporeal kin enjoys and
sorrows. Therefore, they also have the feeling of invitation, visit, service, loan,
hospitality etc. On the occasion of ceremonies and festivals. The relations become
bitter on break of incest taboo.
Social structure : The society of Munda is patiarchal and system is nuclear
type. The joint family system is not unknown to them.
MARRIAGE : Marriage is essential for the continuity of family name and
race. The marriage provides the social sanction of sexual unions between the
couple. It also bestows upon the couple the responsibility to reproduce children
so that the family name and the race may continue generation after generation. The
Mundas follow the rule of monogamy. But in exceptional situation like barrenness,
widow-hood, widowerhood etc., bigamy and polygamy are allowed. The Mundas
follow the rule of endogamy and clan exogamy at the time of marriage. According
to endogamy rule, a Munda boy is allowed to marry only with a Munda girl and
vice-versa. But for the purpose of a marriage the Mundas are divided in a number
of exogamous clans. The marriage between a Munda boy and a Munda girl
belonging to the same clan is not allowed. Sagotm (intra-clan) inter-tribe or caste
marriages are strictly tabooed.
FESTIVALS : Important festivals of the Mundas are Mage Parab, Phagu
Parab, Karam Parab, Sarhul Parab, Aouba Parab. and Sohrai Parab. ‘Mage
Parab is celebrated in the full moon day of Paush (tenth month of Hindu calendar)
month. ‘Phagu Parab’ is celebrated in the month of February or March to
correspond with Holi. They sprinkle colour on others. ‘Karam Parab is celebrated
in the month of August- September for he prosperity of the village. ‘Sarhur is
celebrated in the month of March-April. The Sal flowers are brought to the Sarna
and the Pahan propitiates all gods of the Mundas. ‘Aouba Parab is held in April-
May before sowing the first crop and all the household gods are worshipped on
the occasion. ‘Sohrai Parab’ is celebrated in the month of October-November.
The Munda owners of cattle fast for the whole day. In the night, lamps are lighted.
On the following morning, the cattle shed is washed and sprinkled with rice beer.
The Mundas are fond of musical instruments. They generally keep a small
drum (dholak) of goatskin, a big drum (nagara) of buffalo or ox-skin, brass symbol
and different kinds of flutes. The well-off Mundas own radio. gramophone,
harmonium, etc.
Death : After death Mundas cremate their dead but the children, leper, pregnant
women and persons dying of diseases are not cremated, so they are buried. After
cremation, bone pieces and ash are brought is the graveyard and a stone slab is
raced over it to commemorate the dead.
MUNDARI FOLK LEGENDS
Mundari folk legends refers to the beliefs and practices strictly indigenous to
the Munda people, including ancestral worship, worship of indigenous gods, and
local festivals. Most of Munda
Kilis
There are twenty one Kili found in Munda people.
l SUTIA MUNDA—Barla
l DUKA MUNDA—Horo
l KURA MUNDA—Kerketta
l BELO MUNDA—Kongari/Kauwa
l GANGU MUNDA—Dhechuwa
l LAKHO MUNDA—Baba/Dhan/Dhanwar
l LEMBO MUNDA—Dungdung/Aind
l JITRAY MUNDA—Jojowar
l BIRSA MUNDA—Baru/Kandulna .
l CHAMPA MUNDA—Sanga
l KARMA MUNDA—Tiru
l GOMYA MUNDA—Lugun
l SOMRA MUNDA—Bud
l LENDA MUNDA—Herenj
l LUDAY MUNDA—Nag
l MANGTA MUNDA—Ore kandir
l RAIYA MUNDA—Tuti
l SAMU MUNDA—Bagh/Surin
l PODHA MUNDA—Hemrom
l SANI KA MUNDA—Dahanga
l DUKMU MUNDA—Topno Haa
THE SANTHALS
The Santhal or Satar in Nepal (also spelled as Santal, and formerly also spelt
as Sontal or Sonthal are a scheduled tribe of indigenous to Terai of Nepal and India,
who live mainly in Nepal and the Indian States of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar,
Odisha, and Assam.