Introduction:

Tribes of West Bengal have occupied a large section of the total population of West Bengal. West Bengal state is the abode of numerous tribes who reside in the rural parts of the state. Their culture, religion, costumes, tradition have enriched the culture and tradition of West Bengal. Most of the people of the tribal groups of West Bengal speak in Bengali with their own localized accent. They are, in general, confined to the rural belt of the state. However, a small portion of this population has now moved to the urban belt, in search for employment and a better lifestyle.

Various Tribes in West Bengal

• Among the various tribal groups of West Bengal, most significant tribes are the Bhutia Tribe, Garo Tribe, Lohara Tribe, Mahli Tribe, Mru Tribe, Munda Tribe, Oraon Tribe, Paharia Tribe, Kora Tribe etc.
• These tribes comprises of less than one-tenth of the total population of the state. Most of the people of the tribal groups have adopted the religious culture of Bengal.
• Bauls, Bhuyiya, Santhal, Oraon, Paharia, Munas, Lephcas, Bhutiyas, Chero, Khariya, Garo, Magh, Mahli, Mru, Munda, Lohara and Mal Pahariya are amongst the popular tribes in West Bengal.

Bhutia Tribe of West Bengal:

• Bhutia tribe is one of the prominent tribes residing in West Bengal.
• They generally speak in Sikkimese language. The Bhutia tribes are mostly farmers, producing several vegetables and fruits.
• They are followers of tantric Buddhism. Festivals and fairs are an integral part enriching the culture and tradition of the whole of the Bhutia tribal society.

Mru Tribe of West Bengal:

• The Mru tribes are mostly found in various areas of the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal.
• The occupations of the Mru tribes are mainly agriculture. Festivals are an integral part of this Mru tribal society.

Garo Tribe of West Bengal:

• Garo tribes are located mainly in Burdwan district, Meghalaya, Cooch Bihar, Jalpaiguri and Dinajpur districts of West Bengal.
• The main language spoken by these tribes is Garo, also known as ‘Garrow’ and ‘Mande’.

Lohara Tribe of West Bengal :

• The Lohara are a respected tribe who are prominent in the state of West Bengal.
• They are involved in several types of work in which they earn a living. Some are shepherds; many breed cattle while others weave baskets.
• They make first class iron products. They have special tools for carving. The houses they live in are very artistic in design.

Oraon Tribe of West Bengal:

• Oraon tribes of West Bengal are one of the biggest tribes in the whole of south Asia.
• These Oraon tribes converse with each other in ‘Kurukh’, a popular language belonging to the Dravidian family.
• Most of the Oraon tribal communities have taken up the profession of cultivation.

Munda Tribe of West Bengal:

• Munda tribes are one of the largest tribes of India.
• Main languages spoken by these tribes include ‘Munda’ or ‘Killi’, ‘Santali’ and ‘Mundari’.
• These Munda tribes are pious and religious minded and mainly practice Hinduism.

Occupation and Lifestyle of Tribes in West Bengal

• The tribes of West Bengal are mostly farmers but many of them are engaged in some other occupations like carpentry, weaving, hunting, fishing etc.
• Rice is the staple food of the tribal people of Bengal and sometimes they include fish, meat, chicken and fowls in their diet. Some of the tribes are adept in art and craft and their created items give evidence to the exclusive tribal arts.
• Tribes of West Bengal are famous all over the world for its proficiency in art and crafts.
• Terracotta, earthenware, brass and copper ware, needle works, wall-hanging, hand looms, fine muslin and silk clothes, wood statues, cane works etc. are a couple of examples of handcrafts which have developed from the villages households of these tribes of West Bengal.
• Maximum of these craft products embellish the cottage industry of the state and have been spine of the economy of the rural provinces of the West Bengal state.