Gond

Celebrating victory over unjust authority together with non-tribal communities: The Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara festival – Telangana

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The Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara has got bigger, with believers from various non-tribal communities participating enthusiastically, writes Manjula Kolanu Manjula Kolanu, The Hindu, February 25, 2016 | To read the full article, click here >> Assertion of independence, pride in one’s identity and an open defiance of unjust authority have long been hallmarks of Telangana history. Heroes of … Read more

Tattoos of central India: Traditions and folklore are being modified or declining – Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh

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‘Don’t brand me’: The Indian women saying no to forced tattoos In India, and across the world, getting a tattoo is nowadays seen as a sign of independence and rebellion. Many young people get inked to showcase their identity, what makes them distinctive and who they are. But for me, a decision to not get … Read more

Gond tribal dance revived near Pench National Park – Madhya Pradesh

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Villagers at Sawra have decided to revive their traditional dances in an effort to preserve and showcase their rich culture. Satpuda Foundation (a wildlife conservation NGO working in central India) is encouraging this and other community initiatives. It is hoped that tourists going to Pench National Park will also visit local villages to understand the … Read more

Discussing scholarly publications with the tribal communities concerned: “Madias are not Gonds”

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From the report by Nandini Bedi and Erik de Maaker based on 14 December 2008 discussions including Lalsu, a member of the Madia community: […] The Madias, like the Baigas see the Gonds as their kings or rulers. […] When Nandini questioned the group saying that even scholars like Deogaonkar who had lived amongst them … Read more

A state shaped by tribal civilization: “Look how deep into time these manifestations of culture go” – Jharkhand

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The cultural mosaic of Jharkhand was dreamt about, shaped and polished by generations of communities, which have inhabited this land since time immemorial. From the legendary Asurs and Santhals, to the Banjara, Bihor, Chero, Gond, Ho, Khond, Lohra, Mai Pahariya, Munda, Oraon, Kol or Kawar-over thirty-two tribal groups (28 % of the total population of … Read more