Kharia Tribes have occupied a major portion of the rugged slopes of Ranchi, Lohardaga and the furrowed incline of west and east Singhbhum and Hazaribagh of the Jharkhand. Although the Kharia tribes have mainly concentrated in Jharkhand, yet they can also be found in Odisha and West Bengal in little number.
Origin of Kharia Tribe
As per the ancient history of the Kharias, they are the descendants of Nagvanshi Raja, Munda. Being a part of the `Proto-Austroloid` family group, the language of the Kharia tribes are known as Kharia language. These Kharia tribes also speak languages like Sadani, Hindi language and few other dialects that have originated locally.
Society of Kharia Tribe
The Kharia tribal society is segregated in to three broad segments namely the Dudh, Dhelki and Hill Kharia. The Hill Kharia is most ancient community. Amongst them also, there is wide prevalence of clan system. Popular clans of Kharia are Badya, Gulgu, Bhuiya, Jaru, Tesa and Hembrom etc.
Family is the core of social set up in the society of Kharia tribal communities. Most of the families of this tribe are nuclear. The Kharia tribes adapt to partlineal, patrilocal and patriarchal family.
Marriage is an important institution. Although the Kharia society is monogamous polygamy is widely prevalent. The religious head of the Dhelki Kharias and Dudh are called Pahan and the Hill Kharias call their religious head Dihuri. This is a post which one holds on a hereditary basis.
Occupation of Kharia Tribe
The major source of livelihood for the Kharia tribe is agriculture. Some of them also depend on small forest products like roots, seeds, flowers, edible herbs, leaves, fruits, wax, honey, etc. Fishing, hunting as well as animal husbandry is exercised as supplementary occupations. They cultivate crops like maize, vegetables and bean etc. Apart from these the Kharia people also grow brinjal, lady`s finger, tomato, bean, potato, peas, etc. in their lands.
Religion of Kharia Tribe
The religion of Kharia Tribe is a blend of the beliefs and rituals of Hinduism, tribalism and Christianity. They worship the deities of Nag Deo, Jal Deo, Gram Deo, Dharati Mai, Burn Deo, Thakur Deo, Fire God, Burha-Burhi Deo etc. and the spirits. Burha Burhi or Marsi Masan is the progenitor of Kharia tribes whom also these Kharia tribes worship and also are respected. Sometimes they offer sacrifice to their deities to appease them.
Festivals of Kharia Tribe
A lot of local festivals and occasions are also celebrated by the people of the Kharia tribal community. Just like other tribes of Jharkhand, these Kharia tribes celebrate festivals like Karma, Sohrai, Sarhul, Nawakhani, Ramnavami, Dussehra, Diwali etc. Dance and music are an important part of their festivals and occasions. They use Kartal, Dhol, Nagara, flute, etc during their musical performances. During their tribal dance whistling and clapping also serve as rhythmic tune.
