MCQ
Q.
Which of the following tribe are semi-nomadic Dravidian tribes and are linked to Indo-Australian aboriginal groups?
Correct Answer: A
The correct answer is Baiga.
Key Points
- Baiga
- It is a sub-tribe of Gond.
- The Baigas are semi-nomadic Dravidian tribes and are linked to Indo-Australian aboriginal groups. Hence, Option 1 is correct.
- The largest number of Baigas is found in Southern districts i.e. Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.
- Some important sub-castes of Baiga are Bijhwar, Narotia, Bharotiya, Nahar, Rai Bhaina, Kadh Bhania, etc.
- It is believed that the ancestors of the Baigas spoke an Austroasiatic language.
- Now they are speaking in the ‘Baigani’ language which is a variety of Chhattisgarhi influenced by Gondi and Western Hindi used by the Baigas.
- The Baigas are true inhabitants of forests, retaining customs, traditions, handed by their ancestors.
- They are fierce protectors and worshippers of the forests and Mother nature.
- Five panches of Baiga Panchayat are Mukdam, Deewan, Samrath, Kotawar, and Dawari.
- The Baigas eat coarse grain, Kodo and Kutki, drink pej (made from grounding macca or from the water left from boiling rice).
- Tattooing all over the body is an integral part of their lifestyles.
Additional Information
- The women who work as tattooing artists belong to the Ojha, Badni, and dewar tribes of Madhya Pradesh.
- A weekly market is an important event in the lives of the Baiga people.
- Widow remarriage and bride price are prevalent in this tribe.
- Baiga lives in a joint family and endogamy is prohibited among them.
- Their main dance forms are Karma, Saila, Phaag, etc.
- They have great faith in Magic and the Baiga regard themselves as the most powerful Magician. They worship sal trees.
- Their sacred beliefs prohibit them from plowing the land as this is perceived as traumatizing Mother Earth.
- Baiga depends on agriculture. They adopt the slash and burn form of shifting agriculture known as ‘Webar’ as ‘Pondu’.
- They are courageous woodsmen and hunters and it is below the dignity of a Baiga to become a laborer.
