Chhattisgarh is generally considered as a tribal dominated state as it has a significantly high proportion of tribal population. Tribes of Chhattisgarh account for around one third of the total population of the state. The tribal population of Chhattisgarh is known for their unique lifestyle, rituals, traditional beliefs and superstitions. Tribes of Chhattisgarh inhabit several districts of the state. In Chhattisgarh, Bastar District is considered as the largest tribal district. Bastar District has over 70 percent tribal population. Around 26.76 percent of the total tribal population of the state resides in this district.

Some of the major tribes of Chhattisgarh include Gond Tribe, Baiga Tribe, Abhuj Maria Tribe, Bison Horn Maria Tribe, Muria Tribe, Halba Tribe and Dhurvaa Tribe. The tribes of Chhattisgarh differ from each other in their customs, traditions, costume and eating habits. Each tribal group of Chhattisgarh has its own unique culture. They have their distinctive traditional living styles. Majority of the tribes of Chhattisgarh depend upon forestry, hunting, fisheries and some local cottage industries for their livelihood.

Tribal Population of Chhattisgarh
The population of Chhattisgarh is notable for the high proportion of Scheduled Tribes and for some specific sects. Of the total population of Chhattisgarh, tribals constitute at least 32.5 percent, which is a significantly high percentage. The combined population of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh is significantly higher at 44.7 percent and this is largely due to a high proportion of tribal population.

Gond Tribe of Chhattisgarh: Living mainly in dense forests of Bastar district, Gonds are primarily hunters and agriculturists. They are one of the largest and oldest tribe in the state and popular for their "Ghotul System" of marriage. The tribal women of this region adorn themselves with lots of ornaments that are made of beads, shells, mixed metals, cowries, bones, feathers, copper and bronze. These tribal communities are also known for their beautiful and distinctive arts and crafts.

Bison Horn Maria Tribe of Chhattisgarh: Mainly getting their name from their traditional head gear they wear during their rituals and dances, this tribe is settled on the south of Indrawati River in the state. The tribe worships earth as a deity and so resort to produce they can get from forests and agriculture for their survival.

Dhurvaa Tribe of Chhattisgarh: Also situated in the Bastar district, this tribe is highly caste conscious and follows social code of conduct with the communities of equal status. The women love to adorn themselves with beads and handmade jewelry. The tribe mainly relies upon agriculture and selling articles made of cane.

Muria Tribe of Chhattisgarh: The Murias are one of one of the innumerable tribes that inhabit Chhattisgarh. They are a prominent sub caste of the Gonds. The Muria tribesmen primarily reside in the dense forest zones of Narayanpur Tehsil and Kondagon Tehsil of Bastar District. The Murias are more advanced and broadminded and live in the open amidst the vast rolling plains and valleys.

Halba Tribe of Chhattisgarh: The Halba tribe is a popular tribe who have happily settled in the bucolic lands of Chhattisgarh. The Halba Tribals are widely dispersed all over Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. One of India"s predominant tribes, the Halba tribals inhabits the districts of Durg, Bastar and Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The unique individuality of the Halbas is evinced by their apparels, dialects and traditional customs.

Abhuj Maria Tribe of Chhattisgarh: This happens to be one of the oldest tribes in Chhattisgarh which still abides by its rules and traditions and is cut-off from the modernistic adaptations other tribes have witnessed over the years. Settled in Abhujmar forests, the tribe keeps no contact with the other social communities and are known for their aggressive nature. They do not like to cover themselves in anything more than the lion cloth and mainly resort to hunting for their survival.

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