Sahariya Tribe

Sahariya Tribe Latest News

A remarkable genetic study conducted by researchers revealed a possible genetic link associated with the unusually high rate of tuberculosis (TB) in the Sahariya tribe of central India.

About Sahariya Tribe

• It is one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) and is among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable population groups in the country. 
• The six-lakh population (Census 2011) is spread across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh and sprinkled in a few other states.
• The Sahariya community is also called by the names Seher, Sair, Savar, Saonar, Sahra, etc.
• Residing in communities with non-Sahariya members, the Sahariyas mostly live in a separate area in the village, which is called ‘Seharana’. It is generally a cluster of houses.
• The houses are made of some stone boulders, and the roofing is also made of stone slabs – locally called Patore. In some villages, mud structures are also constructed. 
• In villages, ties to the caste system are very strong, and people belonging to the same caste live in close proximity. 
• They live in small joint families. 
• Language: While the Sahariyas have lost their original language, they speak the local dialects of the regions they inhabit.
• Religion: 
  • The Sahariya practice their traditional ethnic religions. 
  • However, they are also aware of Hindu values and use them in defining their own identity. 
• They are known for their dance, the Saharia Swang, which is performed during the month of Holi.
  • The dance is performed to the beats of the dhol, nagari, and matki.
  • It features a male dressed in female attire who dances around the male performers.
• Livelihood:
  • Predominantly forest dwellers, they live in remote locations and make their living from forest produce, additionally cultivating small plots of land and work as landless labourers. 
  • They are particularly skilled in making catechu from khair trees.
  • To supplement their meagre income, seasonal migration is very common in the tribe.

Source: TOI

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