Tribes & Culture
MP GK · जनजातियां और संस्कृति · 18 facts
Gond tribe: Largest tribal group in Central India and MP; predominantly in Mandla, Balaghat, Chhindwara, Seoni
Gond art (Jangarh Kalam): Intricate dot-and-line paintings of trees, animals, deities; globally recognised folk art
Bhil tribe: Found in western MP (Alirajpur, Jhabua, Dhar); known for archery and Pithora paintings
Baiga tribe (Mandla, Balaghat): One of India's 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' (PVTGs); practise slash-and-burn (bewar) farming
Korku tribe: Found in Satpura hills (Betul, Hoshangabad); speak Austroasiatic Korku language
Sahariya tribe (Sheopur, Guna): Classified as PVTG — one of the most economically backward tribes of MP
Maria Gond tribe (Bastar border areas): Known for unique customs — wear buffalo-horn headdress in festivals
Bhilala tribe: Hybrid community of Bhil and Rajput origin, found in Dhar and Jhabua; practice unique rites
Pithora painting: Sacred Bhil tribal art depicting creation myth, gods and daily life; performed as ritual thanks
MP has 46 tribal communities; tribal population is 20% of total population — 3rd highest tribal state in India
Karma festival: Harvest festival of Gond and Baiga tribes worshipping Karma tree (Nauclea parvifolia) for prosperity
Gondi language: Dravidian language spoken by Gond tribe; efforts underway to include in 8th Schedule of Constitution
Eklavya Schools: MP government runs over 300 Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal children's education
Scheduled Areas (5th Schedule areas): Entire Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dindori, Mandla under 5th Schedule protection
Tribal dance Genda: Performed by Gond tribes during festivals; men and women dance holding flower sticks
Mandla Mela: Largest tribal fair of MP held at Mandla on Makar Sankranti; thousands gather on Narmada banks
Gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam from Patangarh (Mandla) pioneered Gond art on paper and canvas internationally
Van Dhan Vikas Kendras: Tribal cooperative societies in MP linking tribes to market for forest produce (MFP)