Encyclopaedia on India

The Chero tribe of Jharkhand is one of the prominent indigenous communities whose traditions reflect a fascinating blend of ancient practices and evolving social norms. Their marriage system is not merely a union of two individuals but a cultural institution deeply rooted in values, social organization, and historical continuity. Endogamy and Exogamy The Cheros Follow a Unique Marital Structure that combines endogamy at the community level with exogamy at the clan level. This means that while marriages must occur within the tribe to preserve cultural identity, individuals are prohibited from marrying within their own clan. This dual practice ensures both social cohesion and genetic diversity, strengthening the tribe’s collective identity. Evolution of Marriage Practices In earlier times, the Cheros practised early marriage of girls, a custom that has now almost disappeared due to education, legal reforms, and growing social awareness. Presently, marriages take place at a more ...

Introduction The Bunts are today classified as Sudras, though historically they played the role of Kshatriyas in early centuries of the Christian era. Alongside the Nadavas, they served as military chieftains in the coastal belt of Karnataka, particularly in the region known as Tulu Nadu. Their lands were often granted by rulers as rewards for services rendered in wars, which gradually transformed them into agriculturists. By the time the Vijayanagar dynasty rose to prominence in South Kanara around 1336 AD, several Bunt and Jain feudatory chieftains were already firmly established. Origins and Historical Role The Word Bunt in Tulu means “powerful man” or “warrior,” reflecting their martial heritage. Traditionally, Bunts were a warrior-class community with agrarian roots, forming the landed gentry of Tulu Nadu. Their homeland, stretching from the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea, included present-day Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and parts of Kasargod. The...

Festivals are an inseparable part of the Banjara tribal community, reflecting their vibrant culture, deep-rooted traditions, and spiritual devotion. The Banjara, also known as Lambadi or Gor, are a nomadic tribe spread across several states of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Their Festivals are not merely occasions of joy but also serve as a medium to preserve their heritage, strengthen social bonds, and honor their deities. Popular Indian Festivals Among the Banjara Like many other communities in India, the Banjaras enthusiastically celebrate mainstream festivals such as Holi, Dussehra, and Diwali. Holi, the festival of colors, is marked by singing, dancing, and smearing colors on one another, symbolizing unity and joy. Dussehra is celebrated with devotion, often involving rituals to honor deities and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali, the festival of lights, illuminates their homes and hearts, signifying prosperity and ...

Introduction Ramrekha Dham, located nearly sixteen miles north-west of Simdega in Jharkhand, stands as the most revered pilgrimage centre of the Kharia tribe. This sacred site is deeply intertwined with the epic narrative of the Ramayana. According to local legend, Lord Rama, accompanied by his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana, spent part of their fourteen years of exile here. Their footprints are believed to be preserved at the site, while a cave on the hill is associated with their sojourn. The shrine enshrines idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Krishna, Radha, Jagannath, and a Shivalinga. A water-pit named Ramganga, said to have been excavated by Rama with his arrow, adds to the sanctity of the place. Mahabiri Jhanda Among the Kharias, the Mahabiri Jhanda serves as a sacred symbol of devotion. It is planted in community spaces and worshipped during Ramnavami, celebrated in the month of Chait Nawami. This ritual reinforces the tribe’s spiritual connection with Lord Rama and thei...

Introduction Goddess Kali occupies a central place in Tantrism, particularly in the tantric traditions of Kashmir and Bengal. Revered as one of the most powerful manifestations of Shakti, Kali is not merely a deity of destruction but the embodiment of cosmic energy, transformation, and ultimate reality. Her presence in tantric texts highlights her role as both the terrifying and liberating force that governs the dynamics of consciousness and existence. Kali in Kashmiri Tantrism In Kashmir, the great philosopher and tantric master Abhinavagupta gave prominence to Kali in his seminal work Tantraloka. Here, Kali is Described as Shakti Cakra , the wheel of energy symbolizing the evolution and dynamics of consciousness. She is portrayed as the pulsating force behind creation, preservation, and dissolution. Abhinavagupta’s vision places Kali at the heart of tantric philosophy, where she represents the inseparable union of energy and awareness. Kali in Bengal’s Tantric Traditions Ea...

Introduction Among the many agrarian communities that have shaped the cultural and social fabric of South Asia, the Kurmi caste stands out as one of the most influential. Rooted in the fertile Indo‑Gangetic plains, Kurmis have historically been recognized as a Hindu farming caste, deeply tied to cultivation, land stewardship, and agricultural traditions. Their presence stretches from Punjab in the west to Bengal in the east, and into central regions such as Chhattisgarh, reflecting their widespread importance. More than cultivators, Kurmis symbolize resilience, adaptability, and the enduring centrality of farming in Indian civilization. Origins and Etymology The term Kurmi is believed to derive from the Sanskrit words Krishi (agriculture) or Karma (work). Both interpretations emphasize their primary occupation as cultivators and their identity as hardworking people bound to the land. Scholars often describe Kurmis as tillers of soil and providers of sustenance, embodying values o...

Introduction The provinces of British India formed the backbone of colonial administration from the early 17th century until independence in 1947. What began as modest trading posts established by the British East India Company along India’s coasts gradually evolved into powerful presidencies Bombay, Madras, and Bengal. These presidencies became the pillars of governance, commerce, and military control, shaping the colonial state in profound ways. Over time, the system expanded into a complex network of provinces, each reflecting the immense political, economic, and cultural diversity of the subcontinent. The Revolt of 1857 marked a decisive turning point in this trajectory. With the suppression of the uprising, the British Crown assumed direct authority, ending Company rule. India’s governance was reorganized, and provinces were placed under Governors, Lieutenant Governors, or Chief Commissioners depending on their size and strategic importance. By the late 19th century, eight maj...

Introduction Nestled within the lush Khasi and Jaintia hill districts of Meghalaya, the Khasi tribes represent one of the most distinctive indigenous communities of Northeast India. Meghalaya itself is celebrated for its emerald-green landscapes, misty valleys, and remarkable cultural diversity, and the Khasi people embody much of this richness. Their homeland stretches northward into the Brahmaputra valley and southward into the Surma valley of Bangladesh, situating them at a fascinating crossroads of geography and culture. The term Khasi is not confined to a single group but broadly encompasses several sub-groups such as the Jaintia, Pnar, Lyngam, Bhoi, and Khynriam. Collectively, they call themselves Rilum, meaning “people of the hills.” Today, the Khasi constitute nearly half of Meghalaya’s population and have also spread into neighboring states like Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and across the border into Bangladesh. This makes them a community with both deep ancestral roots and a ...