Bhil

Indian civilization is a mosaic of many cultures, within which tribal cultures hold great significance, especially in the context of modern man’s search for his roots. According to Census reports, about 6.97% of India’s population are tribals. The numerical strength of tribes varies widely, from about two dozen (e.g., Andamanese) to more than 5 million (e.g., Bhils). These tribes encompass various racial types, including proto-Australoid, Mongoloid, Negrito stocks, with contributions from Palaealpine, Nordic, Mediterranean, and Negroid backgrounds. Their languages belong to all the major language families, though Austric, Dravidian, and Tibeto-Chinese predominate.

Traditionally, the tribals live on agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry. However, most tribal societies are rapidly adjusting themselves to the changing milieu.

Bhil

Among the tribals in India, Bhils are the most numerous. They live in compact but isolated villages over a fairly well-defined territory comprising the western districts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The panchayat, consisting of elders, is a feature of their village life. The Bhils till the soil for livelihood and often work as agricultural laborers to supplement their income.

Bhil women do most of the work at home and in the fields. They wear very colorful dresses and deck themselves with a profusion of silver jewelry. They worship many deities, some connected with crops, water, mountains, and forests.

(Consultant for text: B. K. Roy Burman)