Tribes & Culture
Jharkhand GK · जनजातियां और संस्कृति
📋Quick Overview
Jharkhand is one of India's most tribally diverse states, with over 26.2% of its population belonging to Scheduled Tribes — making it the 3rd highest tribal percentage among Indian states (after Mizoram and Nagaland). The state has 32 recognized tribal communities, with the Santhal being the largest. Tribal identity is at the heart of Jharkhand's very existence — the state was carved specifically to give tribal communities a political voice. The Santhal Rebellion (Hul, 1855–56) was one of the most significant anti-colonial uprisings in Indian history.
Santhal Rebellion (Hul, 1855–56) was led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu — one of India's first major anti-British uprisings
Birsa Munda = 'Dharti Aaba'; Ulgulan movement (1899–1900) against British oppression and landlord exploitation of tribals
📖Major Tribal Communities
| Tribe | Area / Notes | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Santhal | Santhal Pargana, Dumka | LARGEST tribe in Jharkhand + India; own script (Ol Chiki, by Raghunath Murmu); Hul Rebellion 1855 |
| Munda | Ranchi, Khunti, Singhbhum | Birsa Munda's tribe; also Khuntkatti (communal land tenure system) |
| Ho | Singhbhum (West & East) | One of 5 Kol tribes; matrilineal clan system; own language (Ho) |
| Oraon (Kurukh) | Ranchi, Gumla, Lohardaga | Christians in majority; Sarna religion (forest worship) strong tradition; Kurukh language |
| Kharia | East Singhbhum, Ranchi | Known for weaving; diverse sub-groups (Dhelki, Dudh, Hill Kharia) |
| Birhor | Hazaribagh, Ramgarh | PVTG (Primitive/Particularly Vulnerable); nomadic; rope-making; basket-weaving; dwindling numbers |
| Asur | Gumla, Lohardaga | Ancient iron smelters; Asur king Mahishasur is linked to Durga-puja mythology |
📝Key Rebellions & PTGs
- •Santhal Hul (1855–56): Led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu (brothers) and their sisters Phulo & Jhano; against British tax system and money-lender exploitation; nearly 30,000 Santhals participated; brutally suppressed
- •Ulgulan (Great Tumult, 1899–1900): Led by Birsa Munda; combined tribal religion with political resistance; Birsa declared himself God (Dharti Aaba) to unite tribes; British brought troops to suppress
- •PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups): 8 PVTGs in Jharkhand — Birhor, Mal Pahariya, Savar, Korwa, Asur, Birjia, Pahariya (Sauria Paharia), Hill Kharia; need special government support
- •Ol Chiki script: Created by Raghunath Murmu (1925) for Santali language; included in 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution; used by Santhal community
- •Sarna religion: Indigenous tribal religion of Jharkhand; nature worship — forests, trees, rivers, hills sacred; 'Jaher' (sacred grove) concept; not classified as Hindu, Muslim, or Christian in census debate