Tribes of Madhya Pradesh have preserved their culture and tradition despite outside cultural influence. Their culture is distinguished by the composite remains of the Scythian and Dravidian culture. The prevalent religion of the tribes of Madhya Pradesh is Animism.
The tribes of Madhya Pradesh live in the primitive stage and far away from the main stream of the development. Mostly, they live in the forests and are fully dependent on the forest products, herbs, wood, etc. for their livelihood. The tribal population of Madhya Pradesh has carried on the practice of farming and cultivation. In order to supplement their income, some of these tribal groups become labourers in factories, industries etc.
Major Tribes of Madhya Pradesh
The south and the south-eastern parts of the state of Madhya Pradesh have the largest concentration of the tribal population. It further stretches out to the western part of the state including Jhabua district, Dhar district, Barwani district and Khargone district. The major tribes of Madhya Pradesh are as follows:
Bharia Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: Bharia tribe is one of the most ancient tribe which has resided mainly in the forest areas. These tribal groups are reckoned as scheduled tribes. The people of this tribal community are known for their usage of medicinal plants to treat different kinds of diseases.
Binjhwar Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: Binjhwar tribe is another tribal group of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The people of this group are adept in making jewellery from cane, grass or beads.
Gond Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: Gond tribe stands first in terms of population not only in the state but also among the other major tribes of India. They are mainly found in Vindhya hills and Satpura mountain range. Gond tribal people mostly live in the jungle and hills. The Gond inhabitants are working in agricultural fields and hunting. They collect wild fruits and herbs from the jungle for their livelihood.
Bhil Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: Bhil tribe is third largest tribes in India and second one in Madhya Pradesh. The habitat of Bhil tribes is found mostly in Dhar district, Jhabua district and West Nimar district.
Boneya Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: Another tribe of Madhya Pradesh is the Boneya tribe and they are also identified in different names like Bondeya, Korki, Korku, Bopchi, Ramekhera, Kuri, Kurku-Ruma and form a major part of Madhya Pradesh.
Damaria Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: Damaria tribes, has got an enriched heritage of cultural embellishment as highlighted in wedding rites, dwellings, clothes, etc. This tribal group shares a close affinity with the Rajputs and exhibit brilliance in art and craft.
Kawar Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: One of the known tribes in this state is the Kawar tribe and they are thought to have descended from the family line of the Kaurava rulers.
Kolam Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: A multitude of Kolam tribe, also identified as Kolamboli, Kulme and Kolmi, has settled down in every corner of the state of Madhya Pradesh. As per their past history, these Kolam tribes even worked as priests in the 12th Century. They are engaged in food collection, farming, etc. in order to meet their regular need.
Majhi Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: Majhi tribe makes boat in order to sustain their livelihood. They have got identifiable Mongoloid features and are the practitioners of Tantrik religion.
Saharia Tribes of Madhya Pradesh: This tribe inhabits in Shivpuri district and Morena district. Saharia tribes mainly worships of Goddess Durga. Mouth-watering dishes, multihued festivals as well as variety of religious exercises are what enable the ritual and culture of these Saharia tribes. The society of this tribe is divided in several sub groups.
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