It is said that “India lives in several centuries at the same time.” Some of our Indian tribes and their rituals have proven this line time and again. Despite technological inventions, many Indian tribes are still able to carry forward their traditions. This is what makes our Indian culture inclusive and diversified.
However, some of these traditions can far beyond what our modern mindset can fathom. So, brace yourself before we dive into the crazy world of tribal rituals.
Indian tribes: Voluntary isolation and backwardness
The Sentinelese tribe, living on the North Sentinel Island, is the least interested tribal group towards modern society. Most of the efforts made to contact them by the modern world have ended in bloodshed.
The Sentinelese is one of the most primitive tribes. Their livelihood depends on hunting and gathering. They are often described as a ‘Stone age’ group due to the backward nature of their lifestyle.
Indian tribes: Strange marriage practices
It may take ages to talk about every marriage ritual practised by Indian tribes. Some of these practices can be very shocking.
Marriage by abduction/elopement: The Bhils and Gonds tribes of central India hold an annual fair on the eve of Holi. The fair is popularly known as Bhagoriya Haat (elopement fair) where people run away with their chosen partner.
Primitive live-in marriages: If you think the modern live-in practice is a Western import, then you are wrong. Among Ho tribes of Bihar, Raazi Khushi is a popular marriage practice. Both bride and groom live in the same household before their marriage to test their compatibility.
Forced marriage proposal: Among the Oraon and Munda, girls often forcefully enter into the house of a boy. There she tolerates abuse, torture and humiliation. However, she stays there until she gets accepted by the family.
Indian tribes: Tattoo culture
Tattoos are often considered a Western concept. People who are interested in tattooing often face judgement by the society. However, for the Indian tribes, tattoos are a medium of art, expression and socio-cultural symbolism.
- The Baiga tribe of Madhya Pradesh associate tattoos with the beauty of a woman. They also believe that tattoos are carried with them in their afterlife. They often engrave nature-inspired tattoos on their body, especially on the breasts and back of Baiga women.
- On the other hand, Dhanuk women from Bihar cover their bodies with tattoos to protect themselves from the lustful male gaze. A similar practice is noticed among the Apatani women of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Among the Mer tribe of Gujarat, both men and women associate tattoos with social status. A rich person should always have tattoos on his/her body.
- The Konyak Naga, also known as head-hunters have to earn a tattoo by taking the head of an enemy from a rival village. Similarly, the Santhal tribe of Bengal and Jharkhand consider tattoos as a symbol of life and strength.
Indian tribes: Enriched ornaments
The ornaments of Indian tribes deserve to be placed in the museum due to their creativity.
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The artwork of the thick red coral bead necklaces used by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes can defeat modern designs any day.
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The Bhutia people of Sikkim are so passionate about gold that they only use 24-karat gold to make Bhutia jewellery.
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Tribes of Kerala are so creative that they turn wild plants, seeds, and leaves into beautiful jewellery.
By understanding the weird and fascinating rituals of Indian tribes, we not only gain insight into the lives of Indian tribes but also develop a greater appreciation for the unique and diverse Indian culture.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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AUTHOR’S PROFILE:
The author is a freelance content writer and a UPSC aspirant. She specializes in entertainment, travel and lifestyle and finance niche.
