Santhal Tribes

The Santhal tribe is one of the largest and most important tribes in India. They are primarily concentrated in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha. The Santhal tribe has a unique culture and economy that is distinct from the rest of the tribe men.

Geographical Distribution

The Santhal tribes are primarily concentrated in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar. They are also found in parts of Assam and Bangladesh. The majority of the Santhal population is concentrated in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau region, which covers the southern part of Jharkhand, the northern part of Odisha and the western part of West Bengal.

Society

The Santhal society is patriarchal in nature. The head of the family is usually the oldest male member who is responsible for making important decisions of the family.

The family is the most important unit of the Santhal society and the entire community is built around it. The Santhal tribe is divided into several clans or ‘khunt’ which have their own unique traditions and practices. Each clan has its own clan head who is responsible for maintaining peace and harmony within the clan.

Culture

The Santhal tribe has a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down to them from generation to generation. The tribe has its own unique language, music, dance and festivals. The Santhal language is called ‘Santhali’. It is recognized as one of the official languages of India. The Santhal music and dance are a reflection of their daily lives and are often performed during festivals and ceremonies.

One of the most important festivals of the Santhal tribe is the ‘Baha’ festival which is celebrated in the month of February. During this festival, the Santhal people worship their ancestors and offer sacrifices to them. Another important festival is the ‘Sohrai’ festival which is celebrated during the winter months. This festival is a celebration of the harvest season and is marked by the lighting of lamps and the exchange of gifts.

Economy

The Santhal economy is primarily based on agriculture and forest resources. The Santhal people are known for their traditional agricultural practices which involved shifting cultivation or ‘jhum’. In this practice they used to clear a patch of forest, burn the vegetation and then plant crops. After a few years, the land is left fallow and the process is repeated in a different area. Now the practice of shifting cultivation has faded down.

Apart from agriculture, the Santhal people also rely on forest resources for their livelihood. They collect various forest products such as honey, timber and bamboo which are then sold in the local markets. The Santhal people are also skilled in handicrafts and produce various items such as baskets, mats, and pottery which are sold in the markets.

The Santhal tribe is also known for their traditional medicine system which is based on the use of herbs and natural remedies. They have a deep understanding of the medicinal properties of various plants and herbs and have been using them for centuries to treat various ailments.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, the Santhal tribe of India has a unique society, culture and economy that is distinct from the rest of the country. Their rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life are a testament to their resilience and adaptability in the face of modernization and globalization. The Santhal people have managed to maintain their identity and way of life despite the pressures of modernization and continue to be an important part of India's cultural heritage.