Chhattisgarh is a newly formed state of India. It was recognized as a separate state in November 2000. The state is known for its rich heritage and culture. The majority of the population in Chhattisgarh are tribal communities. They occupy about one third of the total population of Chhattisgarh.
In Chhattisgarh the district of Bastar has the maximum number of tribal people. About 70% of the total population of Bastar is comprised of the tribals. Among the tribal communities in Chhattisgarh, the tribals of Gond community are very popular. Some of the other communities are Korba, Muria, Maria, Dhurvaa and Halbaa.
The state has undertaken several programs for the development of the tribal people in Chhattisgarh. The tribal communities are mostly found in Kusmi, Lundra, Shankargarh, Mainpat and Udaipur of Sarjuga district. In Jashpur, they reside in the tribal villages of Patthalgaon, Manora and Bagicha. In Raigarh, the tribal settlement is found in Dharmjaigarh. The tribal dances and music are reflective of their rich culture. The different dance forms are Karma, Phag, Bhagoriya and Lota. The Gond tribe has a special system of marriage, known as Ghotuls. For entertainment, the tribal people arrange different cultural programs. Of which cock fight is a very popular recreation. The tribal people set up weekly markets known as Haat Bazaars in Chhattisgarh. The village people come to this market to buy and sell their products, mainly through the system of barter.
Tribal Villages
The Chhattisgarh tribal villages retain the tradition and culture of the state of Chhattisgarh. The ancient tradition and the orthodox practices are still found in these tribal villages. The dances, costumes and religion of the tribes of Chhattisgarh reflect the custom of the people of the state.
Haat Bazaars
The primitive lifestyle of the tribes of the state of Chhattisgarh can be best observed in the Chhattisgarh haat bazaars. The system of a weekly market is predominant in the tribal districts of the state of Chhattisgarh. The unique market is also a platform from where the tourists can gather collectible items sold by the tribal people themselves. There are as many as 200 haat bazaars in Chhattisgarh.
The haat bazaar is the business center, which is open only once a week. The tribal people gather in the market to trade their products and to buy their food supplies for the week. The primitive system of exchange of goods or the barter system is prevalent in the markets and most of the dealings are conducted in the traditional fashion. All types of goods are sold in the haat bazaar of Chhattisgarh. The goods comprise of food products, cattle, clothes and accessories. The ornament made by the tribal village women folk can also be bought from the haat bazaar. The government has done well to even place a mobile clinic in the haat bazaar for the tribal people.
Ghotuls
An important feature of the tribe of the Muria Gonds, the Ghotul is a tribal hut occupied by the tribal children. The autonomous and sovereign body of the Ghotul is an integral part of the tribal village and is operated by the children. The Ghotuls are popular in the district of Bastar in Chhattisgarh state.
Both unmarried girls and boys are members of the Ghotul. The reigning deity of the Ghotul is the Lingo who is believed to be the ancestral head of the tribe and the founder of the first Ghotul. The girls of the Ghotul are led by the Belosa. The girl members are known as the Motiaris. The boys are known as the Cheliks and has the Siredar as the head of their society. The function of the Ghotul is to impart valuable knowledge to the young members on conduct and discipline. The Ghotul encourages its members to engage in social work and providing service to the general public.
Last Updated on: 29th March 2013
