Chapter 8: Tribal Culture and Traditions: Indigenous Communities of Jharkhand

Chapter 8: Tribal Culture and Traditions - Indigenous Communities of Jharkhand

Abstract 

The tribal communities of Jharkhand, India celebrate festivals, art, and dances that reflect their agricultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and community life. 

Festivals

• Sarhul: A spring festival that celebrates the new flowers of the Saal tree. People sing and dance, and worship the village deity. 
• Holi: A colorful fertility festival celebrated in the spring. People collect sal flower blossoms and place them on their roofs. 
• Chhatt: A tribute to the sun, usually celebrated in October or November. 

Art

• Ganju: A unique art form that depicts wild and domesticated animals, and intricate plant forms. Homes are adorned with murals featuring these animals and plants. 
• Paitkar paintings: A special type of folk painting that depicts life after death. 

Dance 

• Paika: A folk dance
• Chaw: A folk dance
• Jadur: A folk dance
• Karma: A folk dance
• Nachni: A folk dance
• Natua: A folk dance
• Agni: A folk dance
• Choukara: A folk dance

Music 

• Akhariya Domkach: A folk song
• Dohari Domkach: A folk song
• Janani Jhumar: A folk song
• Mardana Jhumar: A folk song
• Faguwa: A folk song

Let's explore the Chapter 8 in detail.

Introduction

Jharkhand, often referred to as the land of forests, is home to a rich and diverse tribal heritage. The state has over 32 recognized tribes, including the Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Ho, Kharia, and others, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and way of life. Tribal culture in Jharkhand is deeply rooted in nature, oral traditions, folklore, and community-based living. Their traditional practices, festivals, rituals, and artistic expressions offer a glimpse into a vibrant and resilient way of life that has survived through centuries.

Major Indigenous Communities of Jharkhand

1. Santhal

The Santhal tribe is one of the largest indigenous groups in Jharkhand. Known for their love for dance, music, and traditional rituals, they primarily engage in agriculture and hunting. The Santhals celebrate festivals such as Sarhul, Karma, and Sohrai, which revolve around nature and the agricultural cycle.

Meaning of Santhal

According to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI), the word Santhal is derived from two words: ‘Santha’ means calm and peaceful; ‘ala’ means man.

Santhal is mainly agricultural people and is the third largest Scheduled Tribe Community in the country after Gond and Bhil.

Presence and Literacy

 The Santhal population is mostly distributed in Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal. Their literacy rate is very high compared to other tribal groups in those states.

Language:

Santhali is the language spoken by Santhals and has its own script called Ol Chiki is included in the Eighth Schedule to the constitution. Ol-Chiki is the medium of instruction in many schools across the State.

2. Munda

The Munda tribe has a strong historical significance, with Birsa Munda being a prominent freedom fighter against British rule. They practice shifting agriculture and have a distinct social structure based on their clan system. The Mundas follow Sarnaism or Christianity, a nature-worshiping religion, and celebrate festivals like Mage Parab and Phagu

Key points about the Munda community:

• Origin and Language:
  The Mundas are an Austroasiatic ethnic group, speaking the Mundari language as their native tongue. 
• Region:
  Primarily concentrated in the Chhotanagpur Plateau region of Jharkhand, with populations also found in neighboring states like Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. 
• Historical Significance:
  The Munda Rebellion, led by Birsa Munda, was a major tribal uprising against British rule in the late 19th century, fighting for land rights and cultural autonomy. 
• Social Structure :  Traditionally, the Munda community had a strong village-based structure with a headman playing a crucial role. 

3. Oraon

The Oraons are known for their traditional dance forms, folklore, and religious practices. They follow Sarnaism or Christianity and actively participate in festivals like Sarhul and Karam. The community relies on agriculture, handicrafts, and forest produce for sustenance.

Key points about the Oraon community:

• Identity:

  They call themselves "Kurukh" and are considered an indigenous people of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. 
• Language:

  They speak a Dravidian language, similar to Gondi, which is also called Kurukh. 
• Traditional livelihood:

  Historically, they relied on a combination of forest produce and farming, but many have now become settled agriculturists. 
• Social structure:

  The Oraon community is divided into various exogamous clans (Bargas) with totemic associations to animals, plants, and objects. 
• Religion:

  They practice a form of animism, worshipping natural elements and spirits, with significant rituals tied to agriculture. 
• Notable festivals:

  Important festivals include Sarhul, Karma, and Dhanboni, which celebrate agricultural cycles. 
• Migration:

  Some Oraon communities have migrated to areas like the tea gardens of Assam and West Bengal in search of work. 

4. Ho

The Ho tribe is closely related to the Munda tribe in linguistic and cultural aspects. They practice traditional agrarian methods and have a rich tradition of folk dances and music. The Manda festival and Sohrai are among their major celebrations.

Key points about the Ho community:

• Origin and Language:

  The Ho people are considered a Munda tribe, speaking the Ho language which is part of the Austroasiatic language family. 
• Geographical Distribution:

  Primarily concentrated in the Kolhan region of Jharkhand, with significant populations also found in parts of Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar. 
• Social Structure:

  The Ho community is divided into various exogamous clans called 'Killi' with strict rules regarding village exogamy. 
• Religion and Beliefs:

  Their primary deity is 'Sing Bonga' (the Sun God), and they practice a traditional animistic religion with rituals and festivals tied to agricultural cycles. 
• Traditional Practices:

  • Marriage customs: Preferring cross-cousin marriage, with practices like 'andi' (negotiated marriage) and 'dikundi' (a variation of arranged marriage). 
  • Funeral practices: Typically cremating the dead, with burial reserved for unnatural deaths. 
  • Tattooing: Common practice among Ho women. 
  • Festivals: Celebrated throughout the year, often linked to agricultural seasons, including 'Maghi Parab', 'Baha Parab', and 'Raja Parab'. 

5. Kharia

The Kharia tribe is known for its close connection to nature and forests. They rely on forest produce, hunting, and shifting cultivation. Their cultural life includes rich oral traditions, folktales, and animistic beliefs.

Key points about the Kharia community:

• Origin and Language:

  The Kharia people speak the Kharia language, which belongs to the Austroasiatic language family. 
• Subdivisions:

  The community is divided into three primary groups: Hill Kharia (considered the most traditional), Delki Kharia, and Dudh Kharia. 
• Traditional Occupation:

  Historically, the Hill Kharia practiced a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, while other groups engaged in agriculture. 
• Geographical Distribution:

  Primarily located in the states of Jharkhand and Odisha, with significant populations in the areas of Similipal Hills. 
• Social Structure:

  The Kharia community has a strong village council system, with elders playing a significant role in decision making. 
• Religion and Beliefs:

  They worship various deities including the Earth Goddess (Thakurani) and Dharni Devta. 
• Challenges Faced:

  The Kharia community often faces socio-economic disadvantages including poverty, lack of education, and marginalization. 

Tribal Festivals and Celebrations

Festivals among Jharkhand’s tribal communities are deeply intertwined with nature, agriculture, and social bonds. Some significant festivals include:

• Sarhul: Celebrated by Munda, Oraon, and Ho tribes, this festival marks the worship of Sal trees and nature deities.
• Karma: A festival of the Santhals and Oraons, dedicated to the Karma tree, signifying prosperity and well-being.
• Sohrai: A harvest festival celebrated by several tribes, involving cattle worship, feasting, and traditional art.
• Mage Parab: A Munda festival to honor ancestors and agricultural prosperity.

Traditional Art, Music, and Dance

Tribal art in Jharkhand is an expression of their cultural identity. Paitkar paintings, Sohrai art, and Kohbar art are prominent forms of artistic expression. Music and dance play a crucial role in community bonding, with instruments like the Madal, Nagara, and flute accompanying traditional performances.

Prominent Dance Forms:

• Santhal Dance: Performed during harvest festivals and weddings.
• Chhau Dance: A martial dance form blending folk and classical elements.
• Paika Dance: A war dance traditionally performed by the Munda community.

Tribal Economy and Livelihood

Tribes in Jharkhand primarily depend on agriculture, forest produce, and traditional handicrafts. Many communities engage in:

• Shifting cultivation and farming
• Handicrafts and basket weaving
• Hunting and gathering
• Blacksmithing and pottery

Government initiatives and NGOs have been working towards empowering tribal communities through skill development programs, cooperative farming, and sustainable forest management.

Challenges Faced by Tribal Communities

Despite their rich cultural heritage, indigenous communities in Jharkhand face numerous challenges, including:

• Land alienation and displacement due to industrialization and urbanization.
• Loss of traditional knowledge due to modernization.
• Limited access to education and healthcare.
• Threats to indigenous languages as younger generations adopt mainstream languages.

Preservation of Tribal Culture

Efforts to preserve tribal heritage include:

• Government recognition of tribal languages like Santali, Ho, and Mundari in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Only Santhali language of Santhali Tribes is a scheduled language of India. It is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 
• Promotion of tribal arts and crafts through fairs and exhibitions.
• Educational programs incorporating indigenous knowledge systems.
• Tribal tourism initiatives showcasing their way of life to a wider audience.

Conclusion

The tribal culture and traditions of Jharkhand form an integral part of India's indigenous heritage. These communities, with their deep respect for nature, strong social ties, and vibrant artistic traditions, contribute immensely to the state’s cultural landscape. Preserving and promoting their traditions while ensuring socio-economic development remains crucial for maintaining the unique identity of Jharkhand’s indigenous people.

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