Tribals
in Bastar (Chhattisgarh)
Gonds Tribals (Bastar)
Gonds
who call themselves 'Koytoria' ,the largest tribal group in the state in terms
of population .Though Gonds can be found almost in all the districts of the
state , there are two important concentration regions .The first is the central
Madhya Pradesh and the other region is the southern part of the Chhattisgarh
state - ie Bastar Division.
More than 20 % of the Gonds in Chhattisgarh state are in Bastar district.In
Bastar the three main subcastes of Gonds are Maria , Muria , and Dorla.
The name Gond is extracted from the Telugu word 'Konda' which means hill.Agriculture,
collecting minor forest produce ,forging metal goods in cottage industries ,
fishing,hunting,other primary sector activities are the main activities of Gonds.
Marriages are preferred within the blood relations mostly according to Hindu
rites and customs.Sometimes mock elopements are also arranged. Gonds have pro-fertility
mentality.Divorces ,remarriages ,widow marriages , marriages with the wives
of the brothers and between brothers and sisters are common.In the event of
the death of the husband the widow can marry the younger brother and in all
cases he need not be unmarried.She also can marry the elder brother of the deceased
husband or any one else .Dowary system is also existing among them- But the
groom has to pay bridal price to the father of the girl and this system gives
respect to women and held their position on top.
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