tRIBAL hISTORY OF mAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra is an anthropologically rich state, filled with various kinds of people – from the urban Mumbaikar to the many tribes who live a nature-centric life.

Nomadic tribes account for around 74 lakh people in the state, and they prefer to live in hilly areas. Living in groups, many of them wander in caravans just like their ancestors, in search of better pastures for their animals and work to supplement their income. While the word ‘nomad’ sounds romantic, it poses a challenge to their survival in the present society, which places greater value on systematic education for better employment. They simply cannot fit in and many of them have had to change their ancient ways in order to survive today.