Chenchu tribe

Chenchu
(Southern Region)
This south Indian tribal group is living in Mahboob nagar, Kurunool and Prakasham
districts of Andhra Pradesh State with a small population of 4,276 (1991 census). Their
sex ratio is 1:1.
Food gathering makes their cultural profile primitive. It is a patriarchal society, even
though the maternal uncle holds an important position (this being the indication of a
matriarchal society in ancient times).
Their physical features show resemblance with a proto-australoid race.
They speak the Dravidian language but no script is available.
They are divided in rural, forest and urban border dweller and have many gotra.
Birth Ceremony
Chenchu have discrimination between either sex. Avara ritual is celebrated at the time of
the birth and a dinner is given. The pregnant woman does not follow any social
prohibition before the delivery. They worship Bhairava (a local god) for the welfare of
the newborn child and offer sacrifice.
Marriage Ceremony
They are gotra exogamous. Both polyandry and monogamy are in practice (but
monogamy is prevalent). Consent and elopement marriages are in practice. They prefer
matrilineal cross-cousin marriage (same name for maternal uncle and father-in-law).
Bride wealth plays a key role in deciding a marriage. Premarital and extramarital
relations are not considered bad. Once a marriage is settled, then the groom arranges for a
sari and blouse for his wife and a sari for his wife. A dinner is given to the community on
the completion of the marriage. A divorced woman can’t marry, while her ex-husband is
alive.
Death Ceremony
They prefer to bury the dead body, due to acculturation and familiarity with the Hindu
religion, they have adopted the practice of burning the dead body. The ceremony is
spread over three days. The last day is for the farewell of the soul, in which community
dinner is given.
Economy
It is a food gatherer tribe that collects wood, honey, some leaves and forest products.
Fishing and hunting are other means of their economical earnings. The whole family
(husband, wife, children and brother-in-law) carries out food gathering. Udmu (a rat like
animal) is their favorite hunted animal. They are accompanied with dogs, which help
them during hunting. Sale of edible roots and honey collection are their sources of
income. Property is inherited from father to son.
Religion
Hindu religion has affected their lives, but they have their local deities like Bhairava and
Garele Maisama. Bhairava (god of the while tribe), who protects them from every
difficulty. Every hunted animal is offered to him before being used. Garele Maisama
(goddess of life) protects them during hunting. They also worship Shiva (a Hindu god).
Political Organization
Paddo manshi is their traditional panchayat, which is constituted of 5 to 7 elders of the
community. It hears all disputes specially hunting matters. The Chief of the Paddo
manshi acts a priest in every religious work and performs marriage.
Education
5.7% are literate. Due to their nomadic life, they are bereft of education. Two primary
schools and one junior high school are their locality.
Forest co-operative society is a boon for their betterment. Government has launched
many home industries (honey collection, bucket manufacturing) for them. It has made a
strong economical base for them to understand the utility of modern approach.
Bodo Gadaba, Khond Paroja, and Thoti (all tribal groups of Andhra Pradesh) have the
same socio-cultural life as Chenchu.