Tribes of Jharkhand are scattered in all parts of the state. In some of the districts of Jharkhand, the tribal population is predominant. The total tribal population of this state is nearly 28 percent of the total population of the state. Majority of the tribes of Jharkhand reside in village areas and in mud houses.
Various Tribes of Jharkhand
Tribes of Jharkhand include near about 32 tribal groups that inhabit the state. Prominent among them are Baiga tribe, Asur tribe, Banjara tribe, Bedia tribe, Bathudi tribe, Binjhia tribe, Bhumij tribe, Birjia tribe, Birhor tribe, Chik Baraik tribe, Chero tribe, Gorait tribe, Gond tribe, Karmali tribe, Ho tribe, Kharwar tribe, Khond tribe, Kisan tribe, Kharia tribe, Korba tribe, Kol tribe, Kanwar tribe, Kora tribe, Mahli tribe, Lohar tribe, Munda tribe, Parhaiya tribe, Mal Pahariya tribe, Oraon tribe, Sauria Paharia tribe, Santhal tribe and Savar tribe.
•Birhor Tribe: The Birhors are a nomadic community. In Jharkhand they are distributed in districts of Ranchi, Gumla and Hazaribagh in Chotanagpur plateau. They are also found engaged in rope-making.
•Baiga Tribe: In present day Baigas are lived in Ranchi, Palamou, Hazaribagh and Singhbhum. Their profession is farming and labouring.
•Mal Pahariya Tribe: Basically they lived in area of Narmada valley. Their descendants are of Sakra races. Their main profession is agriculture. There are many sub-casts like Manjhi, Birhi, Pajhore etc.
•Sauria Pahariya Tribe: In present day they live in mountains of Rajmahal and Santhal Pargana. Due to residence on mountain they are called as "Pahariya". They are economically based on farming.
Ancient Tribes of Jharkhand
The ancient tribes of Jharkhand consist of Birhor tribe, Asur tribe, Birajia tribe, Hill Kharia tribe, Parahiya tribe, Mal Paharia tribe, Sauriya Paharia tribe, and Korba tribe.
Classification of Tribal Groups of Jharkhand
Interestingly, the tribes of Jharkhand were initially classified based upon their diverse cultures. According to the classification, Birhor, Korwa and Hill Kharia tribes are mostly hunters and gatherer. Sauria Paharia tribes are basically engaged in shifting cultivation. Mahli, Lohra, Karmali and Chik Baraik are artisans and Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, Bhumij tribes, etc. are settled agriculturalists. Specific tribal communities of Jharkhand such as Lohar, Malhar and Thentri tribes have proficiency in metal works.
Culture of Tribes of Jharkhand
The tribal people of Jharkhand have their indigenous way of living, customs and religious beliefs. The tribes of Jharkhand are known for their diverse and indigenous cultures.
Sarhul, Karam, Bhagta Parab, Rohini, Tusu Parab or Makar, Hal Punhya, Bandna are some of the popular tribal festivals of Jharkhand. The tribal artwork of Jharkhand is extremely popular that mainly includes woodwork, bamboo artwork, pottery, traditional tribal jewelleries, weapons and metalwork. However, the metal works are mostly used for agricultural and hunting purposes.
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