Tribes & Culture
Jharkhand GK · जनजातियां और संस्कृति · 18 facts
Jharkhand has 32 officially recognized Scheduled Tribe groups; the tribal population constitutes about 26–28% of the state's total population.
Santhal is the largest tribal community in Jharkhand (and India); they are primarily agriculturalists residing in the Santhal Parganas region.
Munda tribe inhabits the Chota Nagpur Plateau; they have a rich oral tradition, their own Mundari language, and a strong community governance system called 'Munda Manki'.
Ho tribe, closely related to the Mundas, inhabits the Kolhan region (West Singhbhum); they speak the Ho language and are known for their warrior tradition.
Oraon (Kurukh) tribe is one of the largest tribal groups in Jharkhand, primarily in Ranchi and Hazaribagh regions; they speak the Kurukh (Dravidian) language.
Birhor tribe is a primitive nomadic group in Jharkhand; they are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) and traditionally made rope from forest materials.
Sarna religion is the traditional nature-based faith of Jharkhand's tribal communities; Sarna followers worship nature — trees, forests, the sun, and ancestors.
The 2011 Census recognized 'Others' (which includes Sarna/tribal religion followers) as a separate religious category; Jharkhand has strongly demanded a separate Sarna code.
Santali language uses the Ol Chiki (Alchiki) script, invented by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925; Santali is one of India's 22 Scheduled languages.
Seraikella Chhau is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage dance drama from Jharkhand; it combines martial arts, acrobatics, and storytelling with elaborate masks.
Jhumar dance is a folk dance performed by women in Jharkhand during harvest festivals; it is circular in nature and accompanied by traditional songs.
Karma festival is the most important tribal festival in Jharkhand; it involves the worship of the Karma tree (Nauclea parvifolia) and prayers for prosperity and wellbeing.
Sarhul is a spring festival of Jharkhand's tribal communities, celebrating the flowering of Sal (Shorea robusta) trees, which are considered sacred by the Mundas and Oraons.
Tusu Puja is a harvest festival celebrated during Makar Sankranti by the tribal communities of Jharkhand; young women worship Tusu (a symbolic figure) with songs.
Domkach and Paika are martial folk dances of Jharkhand; the Paika dance mimics combat movements and was historically performed to prepare warriors for battle.
Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) tree holds great cultural and economic significance for Jharkhand's tribal communities; its flowers are fermented to make traditional Mahua liquor.
The Paharia tribe in Rajmahal Hills, Jharkhand, are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) known for their shifting cultivation (jhum/podu) practices.
Asur tribe in Jharkhand is one of the most ancient tribal groups, associated with iron smelting; they are classified as a PVTG and have a unique language and mythology.