Over the years the state of Madhya Pradesh houses quite a number of tribal communities who have settled here in every hook and corner of it. After carrying on surveys on their lives, these anthropologists have thrown some light on their characteristics, society, culture and tradition. The anthropologists also call these Dhanwar tribes in different name. It is Dhanuwar, which signifies bows and arrows.

As far as the occupations of these Dhanwar tribes are concerned, they have adapted to diverse occupations. Taking reference to the name, it can be said, these Dhanwar tribes have adept to professions like hunting. Also due to their stay in the forest fringes, quite a handful of these Dhanwar tribes also have taken up profession of gathering forest products like fruits, root vegetables etc. In the earlier times, these Dhanwar tribes are cattle rearers and lead lives of that of typical nomads. However, these days these Dhanwar tribes like to live a more settled life. Maximum of these Dhanwar tribes reside in small `hamlets`. Each hamlet constitutes of several tiny huts with mud walls and also roofs are being thatched.

As per a recent survey , near about 3,822 Dhanwar tribes are cultivators , some agricultural labors constitutes a population of 3,677. Also 1,787 people have developed their own indigenous industries. The chief products of their cotton industries include bamboo mats and large baskets.