Home > Society > Tribes of India > Paharia Tribe
Paharia Tribe
Paharia tribes were nomadic people and they exhibit rich heritage of culture and tradition.

Share this Article:

Paharia tribes ennoble the tribal community culture of West Bengal state as a whole. The word Paharia has an etymological significance. It is an Indo-Aryan word which stands for the people residing in hilly or mountainous region. There are different tribal groups having the tradition of living in hills, mountains and forests. This tribal community is also found in some parts of Bankura district, Purulia district and Jharkhand and Burdwan. A major part of Ayoddha Hill is occupied by the Paharia tribes.

The histories of these Paharia tribes are quite significant. According to the anthropologists if India, in the ancient period, the Paharia tribes were famous as bandits and dacoits who were thought to carry on with their plundering fetes in the adjoining region comprising of Gangetic plains. They also attacked the cargo boats full with trading items and utensils. All the inhabitants of these plains and also the East India Company officers used to identify them as "those hill men".

The Paharia tribes practice cultivation. Some of them even have developed expertise as gathers and collectors. Also some of them have adopted , especially in the earlier days , have adapt to other professions like hunting, fishing ,worked as laborers etc. They are also adept in basketry. Though in the earlier times, the Paharia tribes were nomadic people, but later plundering and settled down in various places. They have also mastered the art of making clothes and fibres.

Many anthropologists claim that since the Paharia language is not found in written form. Especially the people of Paharia tribal community speak Bengali language. Some of these Paharia tribes have practiced Christianity. Especially during Christian weddings, singing Christian religious hymns are in vogue.

Culture of Paharia tribes is greatly ennobled by dance and songs. Young males mainly perform the Paharia dance. Their dance resembles like "twist" dance. In the older forms of dancing, however, when the people had ate up a substantial amount of rice beer, young ladies used to dance together with increasing zest. Now the Paharia tribes have become little stiffer.

What is remarkable about this Paharia tribal society is that there is no clan division among them. Majority of the Paharia tribes regarded themselves to be only Paharia tribes. Paharia tribes have no dietary restrictions.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Tribes of India


Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh
Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh form the major part of demography of the state. It is inhabited by almost 20 tribal groups. Some of the dominant tribes of the state are Adis, Apatanis, Aka, Miji, Singphos, Mishmis, Monpas, Nyishi and others.
Tribes of Uttar Pradesh
Tribes of Uttar Pradesh form an integral part and live with a distinct culture of their own.
Tribes of Manipur
Tribes of Manipur, who have largely migrated from nearby areas of Assam and Meghalaya, exhibit a unique socio-political complexion of the region.
Tribes of Mizoram
Tribes of Mizoram inhabit the major part of Mizoram. Tribes of Mizoram with their diverse festivity and heritage echo the true color of Mizoram.
Tribes of West Bengal
Tribes of West Bengal, with their unique culture, religion, costumes and tradition have enriched the culture and tradition of the state of West Bengal.
Tribes of Bihar
Though a large part of tribal population has come under the state of Jharkhand, Bihar still boosts of most socially advanced and culturally rich tribes.
Tribes of Odisha
Tribes of Odisha form a major portion of the total population of the state. Their unique culture and lifestyle have greatly contributed in the vibrancy and diversity of the state’s cultural heritage.
Tribes of Kerala
Tribes of Kerala inhabits in the forests and hilly regions of the state. There are more than 30 tribal communities in Kerala.
Tribes of Madhya Pradesh
Tribes of Madhya Pradesh represent the culture of their state. The Jhabua district has the highest density of tribal population.
Tribes of Himachal Pradesh
Tribes of Himachal Pradesh make their identity with their culture, costumes and tradition and religion they follow.
Tribes of Tripura
Tribes of Tripura are largely located in the mountainous areas of Tripura who represent themselves through their culture and traditions. These tribes vary from region to region.
Tribes of Rajasthan
Tribes of Rajasthan are said to be the original inhabitants of Rajasthan. They comprises of about 12 percent of the total population of the state.
Tribes of Meghalaya
Tribes of Meghalaya mainly include the tribal groups of Garo, Khasi and Jaintias as well as certain other small tribal groups.
Tribes of Maharashtra
Various kinds of tribal groups of Maharashtra with their culture, costume, tradition echoes the colour of the state.
Tribes of Andhra Pradesh
Tribes of Andhra Pradesh have enriched the ethnicity of the state with their typical tribal culture and tradition.
Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir
Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir have established themselves with the outstanding level of masterwork and diversification.
Tribes of Karnataka
Tribes of Karnataka flaunt ample exquisite clothes, festivals, festivities, dance and theatres in their lives.