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

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

Celebrating the contribution by Asur, Birhor, Munda, Santal and other tribal communities: State Museum Ranchi – Jharkhand

The State Museum at present has several galleries which display different aspects of cultural heritage, especially those related to the state of Jharkhand. We have galleries separately classified in order to display the anthropological features, especially those related to the tribal way of life. The sculptural section has art objects representing different sculptural styles and … Read more

Video | Life of the Samantha: An Ethnographic film by Sathya Mohan – Andhra Pradesh

Watch on Vimeo: THE SAMANTHAS >> This ethnographic film made by Sathya Mohan is a visual study of the socio-economic and the religious life of the Samanthas. The Samanthas or the Khonds of Vishakhapatnam agency in Andhra Pradesh, India are one of the few surviving ‘primitive tribal groups’ (defined by government of India). They speak the language … Read more

Advantage of Podu (slash-and-burn) cultivation: Almost all varieties of cereals and vegetables grow in one plot – Odisha & Andhra Pradesh

A HORTICULTURE technique, some 10,000 years old and forerunner to the systematic cultivation of food crops, is still practised by tribal societies living on hills and mountains the world over and the hill areas of Visakhapatnam are no exception. Known as slash-and-burn cultivation, or Podu in Visakhapatnam, it involves clearing the jungle on the hill … Read more