Chhattisgarh: Schedule Tribes | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Introduction

• The term "tribal" in India is used to refer to indigenous inhabitants, classified by British ethnographers as "animists." In the National Census, they are referred to as "aboriginals" and listed according to their tribe. The Hindi word for tribal is "adivasi," meaning "ancient inhabitants."
• Chhattisgarh, known as the "rice bowl" of India, is famed for its natural beauty, cultural richness, mineral wealth, and industrial significance. The population of Chhattisgarh is predominantly tribal, with the Gond tribe being the oldest and most populous.

Main Tribes in Chhattisgarh

• Bastar Region:
  • Gond
  • Abujmaria
  • Bisonhorn Maria
  • Muria
  • Halba
  • Bhatra
  • Parja
  • Dhurvaa
• Dantewara Region:
  • Muriya
  • Dandami Mariya (Gond)
  • Dorla
  • Halba
• Koriya Region:
  • Kol
  • Gond
  • Bhunjia
• Korba Region:
  • Korwa
  • Gond
  • Rajgond
  • Kawar
  • Bhaiyana
  • Binjwar
  • Dhanwar
• Bilaspur and Raipur Regions:
  • Parghi
  • Savra
  • Manji
  • Bhayna
• Gariabandh, Mainpur, Dhura, Dhamtari Regions:
  • Kamar
• Surguja and Jashpur Regions:
  • Munda

Main Tribes of Chhattisgarh

Gond

• The term "Gond" is derived from the Telugu word "Kond," meaning hill.
• The Gond tribe in Bastar is one of India's most renowned tribes, famous for their unique Ghotul marriage system. 
• They primarily follow traditional Hindu customs and prefer marrying within the family to maintain the traditional completion of marital vows. 
• Gond society has a somewhat matriarchal structure, where the groom is required to pay a significant dowry to the bride's family as a mark of respect. 
• The Gonds, also known as Kyotorias, are widely distributed across Chhattisgarh.

Abuj Maria

• The Abuj Maria tribe is highly feared by others due to their primitive and ferocious nature. 
• These tribesmen, who are part of the larger Gond tribal group, live in remote areas of Narayanpur, Bastar. 
• Known for their hostility towards strangers, they sometimes shoot outsiders with their arrows. 
• Their hygiene practices are minimal, often drinking water directly from ponds like animals. Material wealth and possessions do not appeal to them.

Bison Horn Maria

• This well-known tribal group, predominantly found in the Bastar region, is a chief sub-caste of the Gond ethnic community. 
• The Bison Horn Maria are named after their distinctive headdress, resembling wild bison horns, worn during marriage dances and other ceremonies. 
• They speak the Dandami Maria language and practice a mix of Hinduism and animistic beliefs, worshiping various gods. 
• Men in this tribe are known for their long ponytails and carrying tobacco boxes and special combs attached to their loincloths. 
• The women typically wear white skirts and adorn themselves with various jewelry. 
• Due to the scarcity of bison horns, their headdresses are now made from cattle horns.

Muria

• The Murias, a well-known sub-caste of the Gonds, are more advanced and open-minded, living in expansive plains and valleys. 
• Their economy is mainly agricultural, with rice being a significant crop. Some also rely on collecting forest products. 
• In times of illness, they turn to the Mahua plant for its healing properties. 
• The Muria people, who inhabit the dense forests of Kondagon and Narayanpur tehsils in Bastar, are deeply superstitious and worship various cult gods and goddesses. 
• Their society lacks a caste system, and they are known to practice magic and dark arts.

Halba

• The Halbas of Bastar have a lifestyle similar to their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh's Warangal District.
• The name "Halba" is derived from the local term "Hal," meaning plowing or farming. 
• The tribe is widespread in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra, particularly in the Bastar, Raipur, and Durg regions. 
• They hold a high social status and are revered in tribal society. 
• The Halbas are distinguished by their unique clothing, dialects, and traditional customs.

Dhurvaa

• The Dhurvaa tribe, a prominent indigenous group in the Bastar region, is ranked just below the elite Bhatra tribe in the social hierarchy. 
• Their society is progressive, and polygamy is common and accepted. 
• Women, who manage all domestic matters, are highly respected, while the men tend to be less involved in household affairs. 
• The Dhurvas rely on agriculture for their livelihood and are also skilled craftsmen, known for their exquisite cane and forest product handicrafts. 
• They are deeply religious, worshiping several local gods and goddesses. 
• Celebrations are marked by joy and animal sacrifices, with coconuts offered to appease the deities.

Other Important Tribes

• Kol: Found in several states, including Chhattisgarh, they are part of the Munda and Oraon communities.
• Korba: A well-known tribe living in forests and hilly areas.
• Kawar: Widely spread in regions like Raipur, Bilaspur, and Sarguja.
• Binjwar: Concentrated in Chhattisgarh, with two main divisions: Sonvaha Bijwar and Binjwar proper.

Tribal Dances

Saila Dance

• This group dance involves only men, who participate during public events, national festivals, political gatherings, and in January after the harvest. 
• The dancers hold two sturdy bamboo sticks and strike them against their neighbor's sticks in a synchronized manner.

Suwa Dance

• This dance is a way for a young girl to show her interest in a young boy. 
• If the boy hears the song and sees the girl dancing, he may send a marriage proposal to her parents. 
• It is also performed to honor the goddess of wealth.

Karma Dance

• The "Karam" tree, which is revered by the locals, is central to this dance. 
• According to legend, during an ancient war, a young couple survived by hiding inside the hollow of this tree, making it sacred. 
• The dance is performed by various castes but holds the same meaning for all. 
• Male and female dancers form a circle, passing a branch of the Karam tree among them as they sing and dance in its praise. 
• The branch must not touch the ground. 
• At the end of the dance, the branch is washed with milk and rice beer and planted in the center of the dancing area. Another interesting performance is the stilt dance.