Knowing about the tribes of Jharkhand

Tribal face mask art credit: visitindia.org.in/tribalartofjharkhand

Tribes have inhabited the state of Jharkhand since time immemorial. They have played a vital role in historic events and movements, including the freedom struggle of India. According to the 2011 census data, there are 86,45,042 tribals in the state. These tribals constitute the 32 tribes present in the region. The tribes in Jharkhand were originally classified based on their cultural types by the Indian anthropologist, Lalita Prasad Vidyarthi. They have been classified into the following categories:

The Hunter-gatherers- This category of tribes included the Birhor, Korwa, Hill Kharia.

Hill Kharia tribe credits: unbumf.com/sabertooth/kharia

Shifting agriculture - Sauria Paharia

Sauria Paharia tribe credits: naidunia.com-Vinod Srivastava, Ranchi

Simple artisans - Mahli, Lohra, Karmali, Chik Baraik.

Mahli tribe credit: mahlisociety.blogpost.com

Settled agriculturists - Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, Bhumij, and so on.

Oraon tribe credit: Shrikrishna Paranjpe- ephotocorp.com

Out of the 32 tribes, the Santhals have the largest tribe of Jharkhand, while the Banjara tribe has the smallest population of just a few hundred. All the tribes of Jharkhand have their own unique cultures. Some customs might be common in most tribes but overall they have a diversity that differentiates them in identity and cultural norms from the others. While the tribes have been divided into categories, they are believed to be great farmers in the plains and equally well hunters in the forests.

Jharkhand is home to the following tribes:

Santhals, Oraons, Mundas, Hos, Bhumij, Kharia, Kharwar, Sauria Paharia, Mahli, Lohra, Mal Pahariya, Bedia, Chikbaraik, Gonds, Chero, Kora, Korwa, Karmali, Parahiya, Gorait, Binjhia, Asurs, Birhors, Birjia, Savar, Bathudi, Kisan, Banjara, and so on.

Tribals living in India are commonly referred to as Adivasis, meaning, someone who is native to the region he/she is settled at. These tribes together account for nearly a third of the total population of the state. While tribals may account for only a third of the total population of the state, they play a vital role in the politics, social issues, and reforms in the state.