Economic life( general article

Economic Life
(General Articles)
Almost every Indian tribe is based on the natural economy to survive by means of food
gathering, hunting, fishing and cultivation. 49.3%of the total tribal population are
cultivators and agriculturists, while 1.9 lakhs are in government service (1991 census).
258 are in Indian Administrative Services (I.A.S.) (2000 government report), while 231
are in I.P.S. (1999 government report).
Food Gathering
Birhore (North India), Kharia (Eastern India), Chenchu, Malpantaram, Kadar, Paliyan,
Paniyan, Yanidi and Kurumba (South India) are tribes engaged in this economy.
Agriculture
Oranav, Munda, Bhil, Santhal, Majhawar, Bainga, Korba (North Indian tribes) are mainly
engaged in agriculture. Kamar, Reddi, and Andamani-Nicobari tribes are primitive
agriculturists of South India.
Shifting Agriculture (Slash and burn Cultivation)
90% tribal groups are engaged in such cultivation (tribes cut and burn the forests and in
the ashes of the trees, they sow seeds and grow crops). This cultivation is known as Jhum
in Northeastern states, Dahi in eastern India, Podu in south India, Penda in central India
and Bevara in north India. But due to the low yields these tribal groups have poor
economies. Step and plain cultivation are also in practice.
Kuki, Naga, Khasi, Lusai of the northeastern states, Asur of Bihar, Saora and Juang of
Orissa and Bainga and Gond of Madhya Pradesh are the main tribes with this economy.
Cattle Headers
Toda of south India is the only tribe with a buffalo based culture. Their economy is based
on buffalo and its milk products. Bhotia and Jaunsar bawar of Uttaranchal are engaged in
goat rearing. Jujjar of Himanchal Pradesh encompass their economic life with cow,
buffalo and sheep.
Handicraft
Bhotia of Uttaranchal are engaged in carpet manufacturing. Maria and Gond of north
India make spirit from forest product. Saora of Orissa is famous for metal work, weaving
and bamboo handicrafts. Korba and Agaria are traditional workers of iron-ore and make
agricultural implements. Northeastern tribes make thread from animal fibers. Tharu of
Uttaranchal produce wooden item (domestic utensils), bucket manufacturing, musical
instruments (flute), implements, ropes and mats. Jrula of Tamil Nadu are based on
bamboo work (mats), hoe-heads and wheels of bullock carts. Apatami of Arunanchal
Pradesh are maintaining their economic life with knife and sword production. Kota of
south India are expert carpenters, iron-smiths and potters. Riang, Naga and almost every
northeastern state based tribe are good weavers, who sell their goods in the markets.
Maria and Muria of Central India are famous for terracota and metal toys. Bhil and
Bhilala of central India are experts in making carpets from old clothes.
Industrial Labor
Industrialization has given the tribal groups a new horizon for their survival. Migration
from their original places to another is visible as Santhal (Bihar), Khond (Orissa) and
Gond (Madhya Pradesh) shifted to the Assam (northeastern India) as laborers in tea
gardens.
Maximum tribes of Central India are engaged as laborers in mine areas (Bihar, West
Bengal, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh states are rich for natural resources).
Industrialization has generated two types of tribal laborers, one who are engaged in tea
gardens of the northeastern states and the second who are engaged in industries. Such as
Ho as unskilled laborers in Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Bhilai of Bihar, Rourkella of Orissa iron
industries.
Bhil of central India are engaged as laborers in Indian railways, whereas Padhar tribe of
Gujarat is engaged as daily laborer in urban areas.
Government Service
Bhotia of Uttaranchal state, tribes of Andaman and Nicobar islands, Meena of Rajasthan,
Bhil of Central India, Miri, Apatani, Naga, Lushai of northeastern states, Garasia, Sharia
of Rajasthan, Badaga of south India have acquired government services as a new sphere
of economy. 4.9% are in I.A.S. (Indian Administrative Services) upto 2000 and 7.2%
were in I.P.S. (Indian Police Service) upto 1999 government records.
Property Inheritance
Indian tribal groups are patrilineal and matrilineal. Property is transferred from father to
son in the case of a patriarchal society and from mother to daughter in the case of a
matriarchal society. Implements, cattle and clothes are governed as property in tribal
communities. Property is inherited according to their custom rules as in Khasi of
Meghalaya. The youngest daughter gets the maximum share in the inheritance. Same
condition exits among the Garo of northeast.
Toda of south India provide an additional animal (buffalo) to the eldest and the youngest
son. Whereas among the Badaga of south India, the eldest son gives up his house after
marriage and the whole property goes to the youngest son.
Market (Hat)
Bhil of central India come to the Hat weekly to sell their produce. Tribes of the
northeastern states come to the market to sell their homemade products. Bhotia
(Uttaranchal) market is famous for selling and purchasing. Almost the complete middle
and bottom Himalayan region in the states of Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh is well
known for Bhotia markets of carpet and wool work. Marai (market of the Maria of
Madhya Pradesh) takes place one every year after the harvest. Purchasing and selling is
completed for the whole year.