International Day of Indigenous People: Tribal culture has stayed intact in this part of Rajasthan
Time has not affected tribal traditions and practices in Rajasthan’s Banswara district. The region, abundant in natural resources and beautiful landscapes, lies at the junction of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh states.
The rhythm of tribal life in the region is isolated from the developing urban world and one can see forms of cultural practices dating several hundred years.
August 9 is celebrated as International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
The region’s semi-arid and mixed-miscellaneous forests are home to a large population of tribals from the Bhil and Damor communities. Trees like Anogeissus pendula (Dhok), Terminalia arjuna (Arjun), Albizia lebbeck (Saras), Dalbergia paniculata (Palash), etc make up the forests in the region.
The hamlets, farms and the simple life of these communities are clearly visible while walking around the deciduous forests. The villagers and nature live side-by-side in this region, mutually exchanging the secrets of the environment to sustain life and grow.
The primary source of living is agriculture. On small land holdings, the villagers grow maize, wheat and vegetables like okra, ridged gourd, bottle gourd, tomato, etc.
The smallholding nature of farms allows them to use mechanical agricultural equipment easily. The women in the region play a key role in promoting a sustainable, integrated farming system.
Soil conservation practices like farm bunding and crop rotation are followed, which have helped in soil conservation and promoted the diversification of crops. Even during the lockdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, tribal communities faced no shortage of food owing to their age-old grain storage practices.
When it comes to food and dietary habits, the communities most commonly consume foodgrains like kodra (Paspalum scrobiculatum), bati (foxtail millet), kang, (barnyard millet), cheena (proso millet), hama, hamli and gujro (little millet), along with local vegetables. The minor millets are rich in fibre and iron and improves their immunity.
The immense amount of knowledge these communities have regarding food gathering and cultivation sets an example, especially for those on the path of industrial farming.
A look inside the huts of these communities is a delight. There are special devices to protect valuables during festivals and store grains in case of crop failures. Grains are stored in a special container called Kothi, which has a hidden space for keeping valuables like money, jewellery, etc.
The kitchen tools, cookware and utensils used by the tribal women are made of environment-friendly materials. The chullah (stove) is typically made of clay. Some tribal homes also feature double chullahs, where one side is used for making chapattis and the other side for cooking rice or vegetables.
The homes also have a traditional ghatti, which is used for grinding grains, minor millets and pulses. A masaladani (spice box) and anajdani (Grain box) are also present in all kitchens.
The utensils are made of black clay or grey soil. Special ones are used during the festivals or to welcome guests. Even bamboo articles can be seen in their huts, also sold at the local haat (market).
The communities worship Sherabavs Khankhaliya Dev and Shira Bavasi 14 days after Diwali. The communities also pray to Shira Bavasi after the first crop of the year — the kharif crop — is ready and ancestors are offered bhog.
Happy occasions are celebrated with the entire family and the whole village is invited. The women wear traditional dresses and jewellery, especially during moments of celebration.
The costumes and the dresses of the communities are vibrant and colourful. Hinduri, laund, mond, nangar, dhoti, tonda, pagri, pawdia, tangli, gamcha and jewellery like baaliya, morphul, jhanjharana, etc are commonly worn by the bride and groom during weddings.
Musical instruments like dhol, kundi, thali, shehnai, tansa, haathgai, whahli, manjri, ghughri, leja, etc are played on occasions like marriage, festivals, childbirth and so on.
The Gobind Guru Tribal University, Banswara, has set up a special museum to preserve the rich tribal wealth. Antique agricultural equipment, dresses, weapons and daily items are kept for conservation in the museum.
“There are many facets of the tribal culture in the region that are displayed in the museum,” said Vice Chancellor of the university, professor IV Trivedi.
There is ample scope for skill development in the region as tribes possess unique skills in pottery, archery, etc, said Trivedi, adding that government focus can greatly enhance these skills.
Views expressed are the authors’ own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth