Mal Pahariya tribes are one of the sub groups of Paharias. Most of the tribal communities are located in adjacent areas of Rajmahal Hills and Santhal Parganas. It is said that they are closely related to the Birhor tribe in terms of culture, race and linguistic aspects. Their customs are quite similar to the customs of other hilly tribes. Mal Pahariya tribal people basically have short figure and dark complexions. The Mal Pahariya tribes are located in various districts including Bankura, Bardhaman, and Murshidabad. These tribes converse in Mal Pahariya language belonging to Indo- Aryan language family group. Some of the Mal Pahariya tribes also identify them as Malto, Malti, Maltu, Maler, Mar Paharia, Mal, Manlati, Mar, Maw, Mawdo, Mawer, Mawer Nondi, Mad, Mader, Dehri, Paharia, Parsi.

Some other tribal groups take the Mal Paharias as thieves and their social codes draw them closer to the Aryans. People of this tribal community do not prefer to consume flesh of dead animals. Their God of hunting is called as Autga and on every occasion they offer their thanksgiving. They use poisoned arrows for hunting. Hunting is one of their main pastimes and also their major occupation. They need to follow certain rules of their society while going for hunting. If a man seeks the help pf other members in order to find out the animal he has killed, he has give one-half portion of the animal to them. The headman of the village is known as Manjhi and he is entitled to get share of all the animals killed in hunting.

They have some religious traditions regarding marriage ceremonies. Like for instance, on the day of the marriage he bridegroom proceeds towards the house of the bride with his parents and relatives. The bride`s parents make them seated on cots. After that the bride`s father places his daughter`s hand over the hand of the groom and urges him to be faithful, loving and loyal to the bride. Then the groom puts vermillion on the forehead of the bride with his right hand`s little finger. Again linking his little finger with the little finger of bride`s right hand he leads her towards his home. The people engaged themselves in dancing and other recreations during every occasion.