Tribes of Maharashtra
The most important tribes of Maharashtra are the Bhil, Gond-Madia, Katkari, Koli, Oraon and Warli. Most of them are not really nomadic anymore. Here’s a little note on some of the important tribes:
Bhil : The Archers
The third largest and one of the most widely distributed tribal groups in India, the Bhil inhabit remote and, often inaccessible areas. They are divided into the Central or ‘pure’ Bhil and the Eastern or part-Rajput Bhil.
Their name is a derivative of the word ‘billee’, which stands for ‘bow’, their most important weapon. Even now remote Bhil men carry bow and arrows. As you’d expect, they are good archers. Most of them have been forced to work as small farmers and labourers, as depending on the forest alone has become tough today.
In order to better their lot, the state government could train the younger Bhils in the art of modern archery and groom them to make an impact as international athletes. In fact, Bhils have fought bigger forces like the Mughals, Marathas and the British using guerilla tactics.
The Bhil tongue is of Indo-Aryan origin and they marry within their own classes. In the case of a marriage with somebody from another class or a Bhil of the lower class, conversion is essential and enforced strictly.
They are culturally rich. Dance, drama, festivals, and music make them vibrant. They love their drink and in such festivals the fervour is heightened by prodigious consumption of liquor. Their songs and dances deal with a variety of topics, ranging from sexual discovery to the afterlife.
Gond : A creative historical force
This tribe from central India has a strong creative streak. They have spread to Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh today. In the 18th century, there was even a powerful Gond kingdom. Their language has Dravidian roots and they are Hindus. Locally, they speak Madia and Gondi. Organised into little villages, this tribe is primitive. A chief heads the tribe and a group of elders governs the village. The chief serves as the judge during disputes, while the elders have legal authority over their villages. Gond descendence is traced patrilineally.
In the 1500s, several Gond dynasties were annexed by Gond Rajas and they ruled like Hindu princes till they were overthrown by the Mughal army in 1592. In the 1700s, the Marathas forced them to retreat to the hills. They still depend on the forest to survive.
They do not marry within their own clans and cross-cousin marriages are preferred, as are multiple spouses.
Most importantly, Gond art is unique. Apart from paper painting, they are experts at wall and floor paintings. Paintings serve ritualistic purposes and also bring about a sense of harmony in the villages.
Koli : Valmiki’s family tree
This is the most ancient tribe of India. Historians say that Koli tribe, a ruling ‘Kshatriya’ caste, was spread all over India. They were a heroic people and were learned as well. This generated great awe and respect among other people in ancient India. The most legendary Koli is Valmiki, the author of Ramayana.
Oraon : Friends of the Forest
Considered to be the chief representative of the Dravidian races, their relationship with the forest is intimate and their livelihood depends on it. Some of the Oraon tribes have migrated to Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. It is, however, at Rupingatta in Dhanora Taluka, most of the Oraons reside. Most of them are illiterate and poor.
The Oraons are short, have narrow heads and broad noses. The women have sharper features and they beautify themselves with flowers and hairclips that are unique to them. The women are the backbone of the Oraons. They work harder and support their lazier menfolk. Usually Oraon girls are married very early.
Oraon villages have a headman who is called Mahato and he is supported by a spiritual head called Pahan. The ‘posts’ are hereditary. The Oraons believe in Shakti and witchcraft, a practice that has put them on the ethnographic world map.
Warli : The insular ‘ZEN’ artists
Interestingly though the Warlis live in Thane district, in close proximity to Mumbai, they are an insular tribe. They shun urbanisation and live frugally, without any truck with modern technology. They are almost Zen-like in their approach to life. They never do anything that is not significant according to them and will not speak unless necessary.