TRIBES OF BIHAR

 

Tribes of Bihar constitute about 1.3 percent of state population. Biharis home to a multitude of tribes that constitute the major chunk of social and culture map of Bihar. Most of the tribes of Bihar possibly migrated from Sub-Himalayan region. Like everywhere, the tribes in Bihar as well earn their living from agriculture, including shifting cultivation and small cottage industries. Every tribe in Bihar has their own rituals, dances, festivals and music. Different Tribes of Bihar After the segregation of Jharkhand state, most of the tribes have moved to the Jharkhand. Some of the tribes residing in Bihar are Bathudi, Binjhia, Birhor, Khond, Kisan, Pahari Korwa, Sauria Paharia, Chik Baraik, Gorait, Birjia, Parhaiya and Savar. Bathudi Tribe: Bathudi Tribe is among the most important tribes left in Bihar. They are the most colourful and artistic of all tribes in the state. Their homes which are ordinary mud thatched houses are made extraordinary with some exquisite multi-coloured flowery designs. Most of the women has floral tattoos on their forehead or arms which is a ritual of the tribe. The Bathudi people call this tattooing as ‘Khada’. Binjhia Tribe: The Binjhia tribe is known for their rich culture and heritage. This tribe mostly resides near forests and hilly areas. Binjhia tribe to be the most advanced of all. Birjia Tribe: Birjia is one of the largest tribes in Bihar today. Earlier they were mainly resident of hilly areas but because of difficulties in agriculture, they moved down to plains. Most of the Birjia people are farmers and only few of them indulged in occupations like gathering, hunting, fishing, basketry and working as daily labours. Chik Baraik Tribe: Chik Baraik tribe is mainly found in the rural parts of Bihar. Chik Baraik is famous as a tribe of artists. They are involved in making cotton threads and cotton clothes. They also work as weavers, bird trappers, farmers and daily labours. Kisan Tribe: They are classed as a Scheduled Tribe. In Bihar, they are called Nageshwar and Nagesia and they speak Sadri and use Devanagari for writing. Korwa Tribe: Korwa Tribe are one of the scheduled tribes of Bihar. They live in the hills, valleys, and forests of Bihar and in some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. They are primarily farmers and gatherers. Sauria Paharia Tribe: Sauria Paharia tribe is listed as Scheduled Tribe by the Government of West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. They are found mostly in Santhal Parganas. The Saurias are divided into three distinct cultural groups, namely the Probia, the Bare and the Chete. Festivals are also part and parcel of the cultural embellishment of these tribes of Bihar. The most important festival for the tribes of Bihar is Sarhul, which commemorates the blossoming of Sal trees.