Page 6 - GK Class 08

2 Adivasis

Adivasis in India possess extraordinary wealth of forest wisdom, community, culture
and knowledge. They are one of the most inseparable elements adding colour to the
diversity of our country.

Let us know about some tribes of India.

The Santhal tribes are the major tribes of West Bengal and are
mostly seen in the districts of Bankura and Purulia. They are also
widely seen in parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam. The
journey to the abode of Santhals heads from the cultural capital of
India, Kolkata route the terracotta temples of Bishnupur and
Bolpur. The Santhals are largely dependent on agriculture and
livestock; further, they are well versed in the art of hunting. The
Santhali dance and music is one of the major attractions.
Moreover, festivals like Karam, Maghe, Baba Bonga, Sahrai, Ero,
Asaria, Disum Sendra and Namah often fascinate travellers.

The Warli or Varli tribes of
Maharashtra and Gujarat Bhils live in Madhya Pradesh and the adjoining areas of
display a unique form of art Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The panchayat
and painting that reflects the consisting of elders is the governing body of their village.
mural paintings of 500-1000 BC The Bhils work as agricultural labourer to supplement their
carved in the Rock shelters of income. The Bhil women wear very colourful dress and
Bhimbetka in Madhya adorn themselves with silver jewellery. Dance and music
Pradesh. are given importance by the Bhils.

The Toda is a small tribe of South India living in the Nilgiris in
Tamil Nadu. They rear animals and sell their milk and milk
products to earn their livelihoods. The dead are cremated along
with a buffalo to accompany in the next world. Nowadays
marriages are being arranged by parents. Toda women wear
white cotton dress intricately embroidered in red and black.

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