Tribes of Chhattisgarh, List, Culture, PVTGs, Government Schemes

Chhattisgarh is one of India’s most tribal-dominated states, with 42 recognized Scheduled Tribes (STs) constituting nearly 30.6% of the state’s population (Census 2011). The tribal communities are primarily concentrated in the Bastar division in southern Chhattisgarh and the Surguja division in the north. These indigenous groups have preserved their unique languages, customs, traditional governance systems, and forest-based lifestyles for centuries.

Major Tribes of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is home to several indigenous tribal communities, each with its own language, customs, traditions, and livelihood practices. These tribes have played a significant role in preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and traditional knowledge systems.

1. Gond Tribe

The Gond is the largest and most populous tribal community in Chhattisgarh and one of the largest tribal groups in India. They are primarily concentrated in Bastar, Kanker, Rajnandgaon, Kabirdham, Kondagaon, and Dantewada districts.

• Largest Scheduled Tribe in Chhattisgarh, accounting for a significant share of the state’s tribal population.
• Speak the Gondi language along with Chhattisgarhi and Hindi.
• Traditionally engaged in settled agriculture, animal husbandry, and collection of forest produce.
• Worship Bada Dev (Persa Pen) and several village deities associated with nature.
• Famous for Gond paintings, wood carving, traditional folklore, and rich oral mythology.
• Practice clan-based social organization with well-defined customary laws.
• Celebrate festivals such as Madai, Nawakhani, and local harvest festivals.
• Their traditional houses are built using mud, bamboo, and thatched roofs.
• Known for their deep understanding of forests, wildlife, and medicinal plants.

2. Abhuj Maria Tribe

The Abhuj Maria are a primitive sub-group of the Gond tribe living mainly in the remote Abujhmad forests of Narayanpur district. Due to their geographical isolation, they have preserved many traditional customs and indigenous practices.

• Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Inhabit the dense forests and hilly terrain of the Abujhmad region.
• Practice Penda (shifting cultivation) and depend heavily on forest resources.
• Continue to follow traditional community governance systems.
• Live in small, scattered settlements with minimal outside influence.
• Collect honey, fruits, medicinal herbs, bamboo, and other forest products.
• Follow animistic beliefs and worship natural forces and ancestral spirits.
• Traditional lifestyle remains largely self-sufficient and nature-oriented.
• Government initiatives focus on healthcare, education, and livelihood development while preserving their cultural identity.

3. Bison Horn Maria Tribe

The Bison Horn Maria are another important sub-group of the Gond tribe, mainly found in Bastar and Dantewada. They are internationally known for their colourful festivals and unique cultural performances.

• Named after the ceremonial headgear made from wild bison horns worn during dances.
• Best known for performing the famous Gaur Dance, symbolizing bravery and unity.
• Depend on agriculture, fishing, and collection of minor forest produce.
• Skilled in making traditional musical instruments and bamboo crafts.
• Community festivals are accompanied by drums, flutes, and folk songs.
• Follow traditional village councils for resolving disputes.
• Worship local deities and sacred groves.
• Their colourful attire and ornaments are an important feature of Bastar’s tribal culture.

4. Baiga Tribe

The Baiga are among India’s oldest tribal communities and are revered for their exceptional knowledge of forests, biodiversity, and herbal medicine. They are mainly found in Kabirdham, Bilaspur, and surrounding forest regions.

• Recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Traditionally avoided plough cultivation, considering the earth sacred.
• Depend on forest produce, medicinal plants, and subsistence farming.
• Renowned for their expertise in traditional herbal healing practices.
• Women are known for distinctive tattoo art (Godna), considered culturally significant.
• Worship forests, hills, rivers, and ancestral spirits.
• Practice sustainable use of natural resources without disturbing ecological balance.
• Continue to preserve traditional songs, dances, and rituals despite modernization.
• Government welfare programmes aim to improve health, nutrition, and education.

5. Halba Tribe

The Halba (Halbi) tribe is one of the relatively advanced tribal communities in Chhattisgarh, with greater participation in agriculture, education, and trade. They are mainly concentrated in Bastar, Kanker, Durg, and Raipur districts.

• Primarily engaged in settled agriculture and cultivation of paddy and other crops.
• Speak the Halbi language, widely used in the Bastar region.
• Considered economically better off than many other tribal communities.
• Actively participate in local markets and commercial farming.
• Celebrate traditional festivals along with regional Hindu festivals.
• Skilled in weaving, bamboo work, and traditional handicrafts.
• Maintain strong community institutions and social customs.
• Increasing participation in higher education and government employment.

6. Korva Tribe

The Korva tribe mainly inhabits the northern districts of Surguja, Balrampur, and Jashpur. They have traditionally depended on forests for their livelihood.

• Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Traditionally practiced hunting, gathering, and collection of forest produce.
• Gradually shifting towards settled agriculture through government assistance.
• Collect tendu leaves, mahua flowers, lac, and medicinal herbs.
• Live in small villages surrounded by forests.
• Follow indigenous religious beliefs and ancestral worship.
• Face socio-economic challenges due to geographical isolation.
• Government schemes focus on housing, education, healthcare, and livelihood support.

7. Kamar Tribe

The Kamar tribe is a small tribal community mainly found in Gariaband, Dhamtari, and adjoining forest areas. They have traditionally lived close to forests and relied on natural resources.

• Recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Historically depended on hunting, fishing, and gathering forest produce.
• Skilled in bamboo weaving, basket making, and wooden handicrafts.
• Practice small-scale agriculture alongside forest-based occupations.
• Worship nature, village deities, and ancestral spirits.
• Maintain unique folk traditions, songs, and dances.
• Government programmes aim to improve literacy, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.
• Efforts are being made to preserve their language and cultural heritage.

8. Oraon Tribe

The Oraon tribe is mainly found in northern Chhattisgarh, especially in Jashpur and Surguja districts. They are known for their agricultural skills and vibrant cultural traditions.

• Primarily engaged in agriculture and livestock rearing.
• Speak Kurukh along with Hindi and regional languages.
• Celebrate festivals such as Karma and Sarhul with traditional dances.
• Known for strong community institutions and social organization.
• Worship nature and ancestral deities.
• Preserve rich traditions of folk music, dance, and handicrafts.
• Increasing literacy has improved their participation in education and public services.

9. Kanwar Tribe

The Kanwar tribe is widely distributed across central and northern Chhattisgarh and is primarily dependent on agriculture.

• One of the major agricultural tribal communities in the state.
• Cultivate paddy, maize, pulses, and vegetables.
• Collect forest produce to supplement household income.
• Celebrate harvest festivals with traditional music and dance.
• Follow customary village administration systems.
• Maintain rich oral traditions and folklore.
• Benefit from government schemes for irrigation, education, and rural development.

Culture and Traditions of Chhattisgarh Tribes

The tribal communities of Chhattisgarh possess a rich cultural heritage rooted in nature, community living, and centuries-old customs that continue to shape their identity and way of life.

• Nature Worship: Most tribes worship forests, rivers, hills, trees, and ancestral spirits, considering nature sacred and central to their spiritual beliefs.
• Traditional Attire: Men and women wear colourful traditional clothing adorned with bead necklaces, silver ornaments, bangles, and distinctive headgear during festivals.
• Folk Music and Dance: Dances such as Gaur, Karma, Saila, and Raut Nacha, accompanied by traditional instruments like the mandhar and dhol, are integral to celebrations.
• Festivals: Tribal festivals such as Madai, Bastar Dussehra, Hareli, Goncha, and Nawakhani celebrate harvests, local deities, and community unity.
• Traditional Art and Crafts: Tribes are renowned for Dhokra metal casting, bamboo crafts, wood carving, terracotta work, and Gond paintings, reflecting their close relationship with nature.
• Language and Oral Traditions: Languages such as Gondi, Halbi, and Kurukh are widely spoken, while folk tales, legends, songs, and myths are passed down through generations.
• Community Life: Tribal societies follow collective decision-making through village councils and emphasize cooperation, mutual support, and social harmony.
• Marriage and Social Customs: Marriages are conducted according to customary tribal traditions, with elaborate rituals, music, dancing, and community participation.
• Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous knowledge of herbal medicine, forest conservation, sustainable farming, and biodiversity has been preserved for generations.

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Government Schemes for Tribal Welfare in Chhattisgarh

The Central and Chhattisgarh Governments have introduced several welfare schemes to promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities through improved education, healthcare, livelihoods, infrastructure, and protection of tribal rights.

• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): Focuses on the holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by providing housing, roads, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity.
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA): Aims to improve infrastructure and essential services in tribal villages through better schools, healthcare facilities, roads, sanitation, drinking water, and livelihood opportunities.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Provides free, quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe students from Class VI to XII in tribal-dominated areas.
• Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Recognizes the individual and community rights of Scheduled Tribes over forest land and minor forest produce while promoting sustainable forest management.
• Van Dhan Vikas Yojana: Encourages tribal self-help groups to process, add value to, and market Minor Forest Produce (MFP), thereby increasing household incomes.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce: Ensures remunerative prices for forest products such as tendu leaves, mahua flowers, sal seeds, tamarind, and lac collected by tribal communities.
• Pradhan Mantri Aadi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY): Supports integrated development of villages with a significant Scheduled Tribe population by improving basic infrastructure and public services.
• Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): Earmarks dedicated financial resources for tribal welfare in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, irrigation, skill development, and infrastructure.
• National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC): Offers concessional loans, entrepreneurship support, and skill development programmes to promote self-employment among tribal communities.
• Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs): Implements area-specific development programmes in tribal regions focusing on agriculture, irrigation, healthcare, education, housing, and livelihood enhancement.