Tribes in Jharkhand: A Rich Cultural Heritage

Tribal Classification in Jharkhand

Hunter-Gatherer Tribes

The hunter-gatherer tribes in Jharkhand live in close association with nature, relying on the forest for sustenance. Among the prominent groups in this category are the Birhor, Korwa, and Hill Kharia. These tribes have traditionally practiced foraging and hunting, a way of life that has allowed them to maintain an intimate connection with their environment.

The Birhor people, for instance, are known for their skills in rope-making, using vines and bark from local trees. They live in small, mobile settlements, and their lifestyle reflects a deep knowledge of the forest ecosystem.

The Korwa tribe, inhabiting the plateau regions of Jharkhand, follows similar patterns of subsistence, hunting small animals and gathering edible plants.

Shifting Agriculture Tribes

Tribes that practice shifting agriculture or slash-and-burn farming have a different relationship with the land. The Sauria Paharia tribe is the most prominent group in this category. They clear patches of forest land to cultivate crops like millet and maize for a few years before moving to a new location.

Shifting agriculture, though sustainable for centuries, faces modern challenges such as shrinking forest areas and changes in agricultural policies. Despite these hurdles, the Sauria Paharia continue to follow their ancestral farming methods, maintaining a delicate balance with nature.

Simple Artisan Tribes

The tribes classified as simple artisans in Jharkhand have traditionally engaged in crafting and artisanal work. The Mahli, Lohra, Karmali, and Chik Baraik tribes are well-known for their craftsmanship. These tribes produce goods that have cultural and economic importance, such as tools, baskets, and other handmade products.

• The Mahli specialize in basket weaving and have traditionally provided essential household items like storage baskets, mats, and even tools used in agriculture.
• The Lohra tribe is known for blacksmithing, crafting tools like plows, sickles, and knives.
• The Karmali and Chik Baraik have carved out their livelihoods through various forms of craftsmanship, particularly related to metal and textile work.

Settled Agriculturists

Some of Jharkhand’s tribes have long settled in one place and rely on agriculture as their primary source of sustenance. These include larger tribal groups like the Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, and Bhumij. These tribes are among the most populous in the state and have deep agricultural traditions, growing staple crops like rice, maize, and pulses.

The Santhal tribe, in particular, is one of the most prominent in Jharkhand, known for their involvement in agriculture as well as their rich folklore and music traditions. Similarly, the Munda and Oraon tribes have made significant contributions to Jharkhand’s agricultural economy, while also preserving their own distinct cultural identities through festivals, music, and dance.

Demographic Distribution of Jharkhand Tribes

According to the 2001 census, the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of Jharkhand was 7,087,068, accounting for 26.3% of the state’s total population. These tribes are predominantly rural, with 91.7% residing in villages. The distribution of tribal populations varies across different districts of Jharkhand.

• Gumla district has the highest concentration of Scheduled Tribes, with 68.4% of the population belonging to tribal communities.
• Lohardaga and Pashchimi Singhbhum districts also have significant tribal populations, with more than half of their residents identifying as part of a tribal group.
• Ranchi, the state capital, and Pakaur have moderate tribal populations, ranging between 41.8% and 44.6%.
• On the other hand, districts like Kodarma (0.8%) and Chatra (3.8%) have the lowest proportion of tribal residents.

Tribal Groups of Jharkhand

Jharkhand is home to a rich diversity of tribal groups, each with its own unique culture, language, and traditions. Some of the major tribes include:

• Munda: Known for their deep connection to nature and traditional governance systems known as the “Munda-manki” system.
• Santhal: One of the largest tribes, celebrated for their vibrant music and dance, as well as their involvement in agricultural activities.
• Oraon: An agriculturally-oriented tribe with a strong presence in Jharkhand’s cultural and political landscape.
• Ho: Predominantly farmers, the Ho tribe is also known for their resistance to British colonial rule.
• Bhumij: Primarily engaged in settled agriculture, the Bhumij tribe has a significant historical presence in the region.
• Kharia: Known for their distinct language and cultural practices.
• Gond: A large tribal group spread across several Indian states, including Jharkhand, known for their traditional art and agriculture.

Other tribes in Jharkhand include the Korwa, Lohra, Birhor, Savar, Bedia, Chick-Baraik, and Mahli, each contributing to the diverse tribal mosaic of the state.

Cultural Significance and Preservation of Tribal Identity

The tribes of Jharkhand have rich traditions in music, dance, and festivals that are integral to their cultural identity. Festivals such as Sarhul, Karma, and Sohrai are celebrated with great enthusiasm, involving music, dance, and rituals that honor nature and the agricultural cycle. These festivals serve as a reminder of the deep connection these tribes have with their environment.

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve tribal languages, traditions, and crafts in the face of modernization. Government programs and non-governmental organizations have worked towards improving the socio-economic conditions of these tribes while ensuring the preservation of their cultural heritage.