Quite a number of tribal communities have settled down in large numbers in every hook and corner of the state of Gujarat . Bhaina tribes are quite significant and have been gained acclamation of the anthropologists of the Indian subcontinent and also those living abroad. A
ccording to the observations of these anthropologists, these Bhaina tribes are one of the ancient most tribal communities who have taken shelter in the country as a whole. Recently these Bhaina tribes have gained the status of being one of the scheduled tribes of the country. In the state of Gujarat , these Bhaina tribes are found in the Bilashpur District. Huge number of the Bhaina tribes also are found in the dense forestry region of the state, mainly stretching between the areas of the Satpura Ranges and southern region of the ChotaNagpur Plateau.
What is interesting is to note that many of those Bhaina settled in other areas of the country or beyond, infiltrated in large number and settled down here in the year 1911.
To throw more light on the origination of these Bhaina tribes , some anthropologists claim that these Bhaina tribes have descended from the family of other tribes of Indian territory .These are Khawars and also Baigas. So much so , the Bhaina tribes in Mandla can be sub divided in to Rai or Raj Bhaina and Kath or catechu-making Baina , theerby establishing the connection with Baigas. The name Bhaina therefore would seem to have taken from the Baiga tribe.
As far as the occupation of these Bhaina tribes is concerned, it is only natural that the main occupation of them is food gathering as well as hunting. Even amongst the Baigs tribes also , Bhaina tribes have been employed in the office of village priest and also sorcerer.
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