Tribes of Madhya Pradesh

Tribes of Madhya Pradesh have preserved their culture and tradition despite outside cultural influence. Their culture is distinguished by the composite remains of the Scythian and Dravidian culture. The prevalent religion of the tribes of Madhya Pradesh is Animism.

The tribes of Madhya Pradesh live in the primitive stage and far away from the main stream of the development. Mostly, they live in the forests and are fully dependent on the forest products, herbs, wood, etc. for their livelihood. The tribal population of Madhya Pradesh has carried on the practice of farming and cultivation. In order to supplement their income, some of these tribal groups become labourers in factories, industries etc.

Madhya Pradesh is dominated by the Tribal population. The differences in the tribal community, spread over in various parts of the state, is clearly seen not only on the basis of their heredity, lifestyle and cultural traditions, but also from their social, economic structure, religious beliefs and their language and speech. Due to the different linguistic, cultural and geographical environment, and its peculiar complications, the diverse tribal world of Madhya Pradesh has not only been largely cut-off from the mainstream of development.

Tribals in Madhya Pradesh

The population of Tribals in Madhya Pradesh is 122.33 lakh constituting 20.27% of the total population of Madhya Pradesh (603.85 Lakh), according to the 2001 census. There were 46 recognized Scheduled Tribes and three of them have been identified as “Special Primitive Tribal Groups” in the State. The differences in the tribal community , spread over in various parts of the state is clearly seen not only on the basis of their heredity, lifestyle and cultural traditions, but also from their social, economic structure, religious beliefs and their language and speech. Due to the different linguistic, cultural and geographical environment, and its peculiar complications, the diverse tribal world of Madhya Pradesh has not only been largely cut-off from the mainstream of development.

Features

• Tribes of Madhya Pradesh have preserved their culture and tradition despite outside cultural influence. Their culture is distinguished by the composite remains of the Scythian and Dravidian culture. • The prevalent religion of the tribes of Madhya Pradesh is • The tribes of Madhya Pradesh live in the primitive stage and far away from the main stream of the development Mostly, they live in the forests and are fully dependent on the forest products, herbs, wood, etc for their livelihood. • The tribal population of Madhya Pradesh has carried on the practice of farming and cultivation. • In order to supplement their income some of these tribal groups become laborers in factories, industries. • In according to 2011 Census and Ministry of Tribal Affairs Reports the Tribal Population of MP

List of Scheduled Tribes (Madhya Pradesh)

  • Agariya
  • Andh
  • Baiga
  • Bharia Bhumia, Bhuinhar Bhumia, Bhumiya, Bharia, paliha. pando
  • Bhil, Bhilala, Barela, Patelia
  • Bhil Mina
  • Birhul, Birhor
  • Bhaina
  • Bhattra
  • Bhunjia
  • Damor, Damaria
  • Kolam 28. Korwa, Kodaku 32. Omitted Dhangad
  • Binjhwar
  • Gadaba, Gadba
  • Gond;Arakh, Arrakh, Agaria, Asur, Badi Maria, Bada Maria, Bhatola, Bhimma, Bhuta, Koilabhuta, Koilabhuti, Bhar, Bisonhorn Maria, chota Maria, Dandami Maria, Dhuru, Dhunra, Dhoba, Dhulia, Dorla, Gaiki, Gatta, Gatti, Gaita, Gond Gowari, HillMaria, Kandra, Kalanga, Khatola, Koitar, Koya, Khirwar, Khinvara, Kucha Maria, Kuchaki Maria, Madia, Maria, Mana, Mannewar, Moghya, Mogia, Monghya, Mudla, Muria, Nagarchi, Nagwanshi, ojha, Raj, sonjhariJhareka, Thatia, Thotya, wade Maria, Vade Marii, Daroi
  • Halba, Halbi
  • Kamar
  • Karku
  • Kawar, Kanwar, Kauq cherwa, Rathia, Tanwar, chhatri
  • Khairwar, Kondar
  • Kharia
  • Biar, Biyar
  • Dhanwar
  • Kondh, Khond, Kandh
  • Kol
  • Korku, Bopchi, Mouasi, Nihal, Nahul Bondhi, Bondeya
  • Majhi
  • Munda
  • Majhwar
  • Mawasi
  • Nagesia, Nagasia
  • Oraon, Dhanka,
  • Panika in (i) Chhatarpur, Panna, Rewa, Satna, Shahdol, Umaria, Sidhi and Tikamgarh districts, and (ii) Sevda and Datia tehsils of Datia districtl
  • Pao
  • Pardhan, Pathari, Saroti
  • Pardhi, Bahelia, Bahellia, Chita Pardhi, LangoliPardhi, Phans Pardhi, Shikari, Takankar, Takia (i) Chhindwara, Mandla, Dindori and geoni districts, (ii) Baihar Tahsil of Balaghat District, (iii) Betul, Bhainsdehi and Shahpur tahsils of Betul district, (iv) patan tahsit and Sihora and Majholi of blocks of Jabalpur district, (v) Katni (Murwara) and Vijaya Raghogarh tahsils and Bahoriband and Dhemerkheda btocks of Katni district, (vi) Hoshangabad, Babai, Sohagpur, pipariya and Bankhedi tehsils and Kesla block of Hoshangabad district’ (vii) Narsingpur district &  (viii) Harsud Tahsil of Khandwa districtl
  • Parjaa
  • Sanariya,Saha,ia,Seharia,Sehria,Sosia,Sor
  • Saonta,Saunta
  • Saur
  • Sawar, Sawara
  • Sonr

Major Tribes of Madhya Pradesh

the heart of incredible india

Gonds

Gond tribe stands first in terms of population not only in the state but alsou among the other major tribes of India. They are mainly found in Vindhyan hills and Satpura mountain range. The main sub-tribes of Gond are Pardhan, Agariya, Ojha, Nagarchi, etc. Gond tribal people mostly live in the jungle and hills. The Gond inhabitants are working in agricultural fields and hunting. They collect wild fruits and herbs from the jungle for their livelihood. 

Bhil

Bhil tribe is third largest tribes in India and second one in Madhya Pradesh.u The habitat of Bhil tribes is found mostly in Dhar district, Jhabua district and West Nimar district. The sub-races of this tribe are Barela, Bhilala, Pataliya, etc. They follow Hinduism and worship Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman. At the time of Holi festival, they celebrate `Goal Gadhera` festival. Kol caste mainly inhabits Rewa division and Jabalpur district of the state. They are also called Kolerian and Mundari tribes. The sub-races of this tribe are Rohiya and Rothail. They are mainly engaged in agriculture. 

Bhils are a tribal people of Central India. They speak Bhil languages, a group of Indic languages. Bhils are a scheduled tribe in the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan in western and central India, as well as in Tripura in far-eastern India, on the border with Bangladesh. Bhils are also settled in Tharparkar district of Sindh in Pakistan. The Ghoomar dance is one well-known aspect of Bhil culture. In feudal and colonial times, many Bhils were employed by the ruling Rajputs in various capacities, e.g. as Shikaris because of their knowledge of the terrain. Many had even become warriors in armies. They were in the Mewar army of Maharana Pratap Singh and like Chhatrapati Shivaji, were experts in guerilla warfare.

Bhaira

Bhaira tribe is one of the most ancient tribe which has resided mainly in theu forest areas. These tribal groups are reckoned as scheduled tribes and are found in the Bilaspur District which is presently included in the state of Chhattisgarh. Bharia tribe is found in the Patalkot valley and its adjoining areas in this state. The people of this tribal community are known for their usage of medicinal plants to treat different kinds of diseases.

Bharia is one of interesting tribes of Madhya Pradesh in India.The Bharias live in Patalkot,which is completely isolated valley some 400 metres below Tamia in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh.This valley is the source of Dudhi River. Patalkot is totally inaccessible by road and one enters along a foot-path only. There are hundreds of medicinal plant species in the Patalkot valley. The Bharias have a deep knowledge of the herbs and medicinal plants growing within their valley and the herbal healers from Bharia community are known as Bhagats. According to Dr Deepak Acharya, Bhumkas can treat various human disorders.

Binjhwar

Binjhwar tribe, another tribal group of the state of Madhya Pradesh hasu mainly settled down in numerous districts of the state, including Bastar district, maintaining a very good rapport with all the tribes of Madhya Pradesh. The costumes of this tribal community deserve appraisal and the people of this group are adept in making jewellery from cane, grass or beads. Sometimes the tribes also use silver as a metal. 

Gond

Gond tribe stands first in terms of population not only in the state but alsou among the other major tribes of India. They are mainly found in Vindhyan hills and Satpura mountain range. The main sub-tribes of Gond are Pardhan, Agariya, Ojha, Nagarchi, etc. Gond tribal people mostly live in the jungle and hills. The Gond inhabitants are working in agricultural fields and hunting. They collect wild fruits and herbs from the jungle for their livelihood. 

Gondi

Gondi tribe are a predominant tribe in central India. The Gondi, or Gond people are spread over the states of Madhya Pradesh, eastern Maharashtra (Vidarbha), Chhattisgarh, northern Andhra Pradesh, and western Orissa. With over four million people, they are the largest tribe in Central India. The Gondi language is related to Telugu and other Dravidian languages. About half of Gonds speak Gondi languages, while the rest speak Indo-Aryan languages including Hindi. The Gonds are traditionally agriculturalists; some practice shifting cultivation, while others raise cereals or herd cattle. Gond society is highly stratified and does not conform to the usual image of egalitarianism among tribals. The Gonds belong to a category of very large tribes (also including Santals and Bhils) that have traditionally dominated the regions in which they have lived. However, like other Adivasis, the Gonds have suffered from increasing landlessness since the 1960s.

Traditional Gond religion involves a distinct pantheon of gods and spirits, which many Gonds practice along with Hinduism. Gondwana or “land of the Gonds”, is a loosely-defined area of southeastern Madhya Pradesh, eastern Maharashtra, and parts of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and northern Andhra Pradesh. The region was home to several Gond kingdoms from the 15th century to the mid-18th century, when the Marathas expanded into the region from the west.

Languages Gondi, Hindi

Religion Hinduism, traditional beliefs

Related ethnic groups Dravidian people · Brahui people · Kannadigas · Khonds · Kodava · Malayalis · Tamils · Telugus · Tuluvas

Bhil

Bhil tribe is third largest tribes in India and second one in Madhya Pradesh.u The habitat of Bhil tribes is found mostly in Dhar district, Jhabua district and West Nimar district. The sub-races of this tribe are Barela, Bhilala, Pataliya, etc. They follow Hinduism and worship Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman. At the time of Holi festival, they celebrate `Goal Gadhera` festival. Kol caste mainly inhabits Rewa division and Jabalpur district of the state. They are also called Kolerian and Mundari tribes. The sub-races of this tribe are Rohiya and Rothail. They are mainly engaged in agriculture. 

Bhils are a tribal people of Central India. They speak Bhil languages, a group of Indic languages. Bhils are a scheduled tribe in the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan in western and central India, as well as in Tripura in far-eastern India, on the border with Bangladesh. Bhils are also settled in Tharparkar district of Sindh in Pakistan. The Ghoomar dance is one well-known aspect of Bhil culture. In feudal and colonial times, many Bhils were employed by the ruling Rajputs in various capacities, e.g. as Shikaris because of their knowledge of the terrain. Many had even become warriors in armies. They were in the Mewar army of Maharana Pratap Singh and like Chhatrapati Shivaji, were experts in guerilla warfare.

Boneya

Boneya tribe and they are also identified in different names like Bondeya,u Korki, Kurku, Bopchi, Ramekhera, Kuri, Kurku-Ruma and form a major part of Madhya Pradesh.

Damaria

Damaria tribes, has got an enriched heritage of cultural embellishment asu highlighted in wedding rites, dwellings, clothes, etc. This tribal group shares a close affinity with the Rajputs and exhibit brilliance in art and craft. In Madhya Pradesh, the Dhanwar tribe has taken up several occupations namely hunting, food collectors and also workers. They lead nomadic lives and rear cattle. This tribal group has developed its own cotton industry its own betterment. 

Kawar

Kawar tribe and they are thought to have descended from the family line ofu the Kaurava rulers. Another tribal group of this state is the Kharwar tribe. As per some scholars, they fall into the Dravidian family group, there are famous myths regarding their growth and origin. Some hold that this tribal group has a kinship with Suryavanshi Rajputs. A multitude of Kolam tribe, also identified as Kolamboli, Kulme and Kolmi, has settled down in every corner of the state of Madhya Pradesh. As per their past history, these Kolam tribes even worked as priests in the 12th Century. They are engaged in food collection, farming, etc. in order to meet their regular need. 

Majhi

Majhi tribe makes boat in order to sustain their livelihood. They have gotu identifiable Mongoloid features and are the practitioners of Tantrik religion. The Majhwar tribe celebrates various colourful festivals throughout the year in the state of Madhya Pradesh. They also celebrate different festivals which enrich the whole of the state. Another is the Mina tribe which has settled down in various places of the region and also has got an inheritance of festivals, fairs, dancing and also singing. Their earlier history portray that they were the descendants of the Matsya incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Apart from these there are some other tribal communities who dwell in the region 11 namely the Pao tribe and Saharia tribe. This tribe inhabits in Shivpuri district and Morena district. Saharia tribes mainly worship of Goddess Durga. A majority of these Pao tribes are thought to have originated from a goodwilled dragon that also safeguards these tribes at times of need. Mouthwatering dishes, multihued festivals as well as variety of religious exercises are what enable the ritual and culture of these Saharia tribes. The society of this tribe is divided in several sub groups.

Halbi, Halba

Halbi, Halba,is a tribal caste community of India. This community mostly found in Madhyapradesh, Chhattisgarh & Maharashtra. It is claimed the Halbi descend from the intermarriage of Maratha militiamen, who were the military force in Bastar state, and tribal women, particularly Gonds.

Baiga

Baiga is a tribe found in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand states of India. The largest number of Baigas is found in Baiga-chuk in Mandla district and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. They have sub-castes – Bijhwar, Narotia, Bharotiya, Nahar, Rai Bhaina, and Kadh Bhaina. Their population as of Census 1981 was 248,949. The Baiga tribe in Madhya Pradesh is known for its unique culture.

They do not interact even with other tribals like the Gonds, believe in a hand-to-mouth existence, and do not try to access education, eat outside their community, or associate with others. After a death in the family, the Baigas just leave the house and build another. They are totally dependent on the jungle, they do not engage in tendu patta collection, which is a major livelihood provider in Madhya Pradesh. The Baigas live for the present, and do not think of the future. Their love for the country liquor called mahua daru is absolute, and they spend their week’s earnings on liquor on Fridays and Saturdays. The baiga takes coarse food and shows no extravagance in this aspect. They eat coarse grain, kodo, and kutki, drink pej, eat little flour and are normally content with what little that they get. One of the prime foods is pej that can be made from grounding macca or from the water left from boiling rice. One of the tribes for whom tattooing is an integral part of their lifestyle is the Baiga tribe. This tribe inhibits the dense hilly forests in the eastern part of the Satpuras, in Shahdol, Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Mandla, and Balaghat districts. The Biagas are of Dravidian stock and are one of the eight extremely backward and primitive tribes of M.P. In Hindu Mythology, popular Bhil figures are Shabari, who offered Rama and Laxmana half-eaten Ber (berries) fruit when they were searching for Sita Devi in the forest. Maharishi Matanga was another Hindu Bhil sage who became a Brahmana. It is noteworthy that Lord Rama appears in a Bhil myth where there has been a flood that wiped out humanity and Rama suggests how it can be repopulated.

Korku

Korku is a little-known tribe of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in India. The largest number of the Korkus is found in Betul and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh and in chandrapur district of Maharashtra. They share the love of the forests with the Gonds, they are also excellent agriculturists and in Bhainsdehi tahsil of Betul district have pioneered the cultivation of potatoes and coffee. Their Korku language belongs to the Kolarian or Munda family, isolated in the midst of a Dravidian (Gondi) population. The Korkus are also closely associated with the Kalto or Nihali people, many of whom have traditionally lived in special quarters of Korku villages. Korku is spoken by a total of approximately 478,000 people, mainly in four districts of southern Madhya Pradesh (Khandwa, Harda, Betul, Hoshangabad) and three districts of northern Maharashtra(Rajura and Korpana tahsils of chandrapur districts) Manikgarh pahad area near Gadchandur in Chandrapur district) (Amravati, Buldana, Akola). The nouns may have either one of the three genders: masculine, feminine or neutral. The adjectives are placed before the nouns they qualify. Korku is spoken in a reducing number of villages and is gradually being replaced by Hindi. This tribe lives in small group of huts made by grass,and wood. They socially consume liquor made by Mahua flowers which is prepared in almost all the houses.

Kaul

Kaul is also a tribal community dwelling in Rewa division and Jabalpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. These people are also known as Kolerian and Mundari tribes. Rohia and Rothail are their sub-castes.. Kaul tribes have adopted Hindu system of living. They believe in Hindu religion and deities. Their deities are Dulha Dev, Bairam Dev and Bada Dev. They believe in existence of ghosts. They also have faith in Jādu-tonā. Kaul people are dependent on agriculture for livelihood. Their main occupation is agriculture and animal husbandry. They have their own Panchayats known as Gohia. They are more politically conscious than other tribes in Madhya Pradesh. Kaul is a surname found in India and is commonly believed to have originated amongst the people of the Kashmir Valley. People with Kaul surname is now found in various parts of India. Kaul surname are also found in parts of Europe. The name Kaul is also German.

Saharia

Saharia is a little-known tribe in India. The Saharias are found mainly in Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Datia, Shivpuri and Guna districts of Madhya Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan. They live in the Khair, Kardhai and Babool forests of the valleys of the Kuno, Parbati, Sindh, and Kali Sindh rivers. Their agricultural income is marginal but they get substantial additional income from working in the forests and collecting minor forest produce such as honey, edible gums, manufacture of kattha, collection of chironji, tapping Salai trees etc. They also find employment in large grass reserves of the Kuno valley. The Saharias are good huntsmen. The leader, called the Keshav of the tribe, uses primitive hand languages and signs to communicate with the hunters of the tribe during a hunt. The hunting tactics used by the Saharias are similar to those used by Native Americans.

Scheduled Tribes of Madhya Pradesh

In the Heart of Incredible India

  • Based on2011 Censustotal population of India is 121.08 Crore out of which ST population is 10.45 Crore (8.6%).
  • The tribal communities in India are enormously diverse and heterogeneous. There are wide ranging diversities among them in respect of languages spoken, size of population and mode of livelihood.
  • The number of communities that find their place in the list of the Schedule of the Indian constitution is reflective of this diversity. The Government of India, in its Draft National Tribal Policy, 2006 records 698 Scheduled Tribes in India.
  • As per the Census of India 2011, the number of individual groups notifited as Scheduled Tribes is 705.

“All that tread, the globe are but a handful to the tribes, that slumber in its bosom.” – William C. Bryant

Planning a Tribal Tour to India ?
Request a free consultation and quote
Contact Us

www.tribaltoursinindia.com © All Rights Reserved, 2021