Sahariya Tribe

Latest News

The President of India recently interacted with Cheetah Mitras and members of the Sahariya Tribe during a visit to Kuno National Park in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the important role of the tribal community in wildlife conservation and eco-development.

About the Sahariya Tribe

Introduction

The Sahariya Tribe is one of India's 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). It is considered among the country's most socio-economically vulnerable tribal communities and is primarily found in the forested regions of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The tribe is also known by several other names, including Seher, Sair, Savar, Saonar, and Sahra, reflecting regional variations in nomenclature.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographical Distribution

The Sahariyas mainly inhabit the forests and rural villages of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where they traditionally depend on forests for their livelihood.

They usually reside in a distinct settlement known as "Seharana," which consists of a cluster of houses separated from the main village settlement.

Traditional Houses

Traditional Sahariya houses are constructed using stone boulders, while the roofs are covered with stone slabs locally known as "Patore." In some villages, mud houses are also commonly found.

Language and Religion

Language

The Sahariyas have largely lost their original tribal language and today communicate primarily in the local dialects of the regions in which they reside.

Religious Beliefs

The tribe predominantly follows Hinduism, blended with animistic traditions that reflect their long association with forests. They worship local deities such as Bhavani, Gond Devta, and Bijasur, while also revering various spirits and natural elements.

Social Structure

Sub-Tribes

The Sahariya community is divided into five occupational sub-groups, namely Jati, Arsi, Muli, Kindal, and Kumbi.

The Jati are traditionally farmers, the Arsi are weavers, the Muli are iron workers, the Kindal specialise in basket making, and the Kumbi are traditionally potters. This classification is primarily based on occupation rather than lineage.

Culture and Traditions

Saharia Swang Dance

The tribe is well known for the Saharia Swang, a colourful folk dance performed during the festival of Holi.

The dance is accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as the dhol, nagari, and matki. A distinctive feature of the performance is that a male dancer dressed in female attire dances around the other male performers, making it a unique cultural tradition of the Sahariya community.

Livelihood

Forest-Based Economy

The Sahariyas are predominantly forest dwellers whose livelihoods depend largely on the collection of minor forest produce. They also cultivate small agricultural plots and frequently work as landless agricultural labourers.

The community possesses traditional expertise in preparing catechu (katha) from the khair tree (Acacia catechu), which has historically been an important source of income.