Bhil Tribe

A translated collection of folk tales of the Bhil tribe from Madhya Pradesh will soon be available on the Ministry of Tribal Affairs' Adi Vaani website and app. This initiative aims to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage and oral traditions of the Bhil people, offering insights into their unique worldview, customs, and traditions.

About the Bhil Tribe:

The Bhil tribe is one of the oldest and most widely distributed tribal communities in India. They are considered to belong to the Dravidian racial group and are categorized under the Australoid tribal group.

Origins and Name:

• The name ‘Bhil’ is derived from the word ‘villu’ or ‘billu’, meaning bow in the Dravidian language, which reflects their traditional association with archery.

Occupation:

• Agriculture is the primary occupation of the Bhil tribe. While some Bhils use the slash-and-burn (jhum) method of cultivation, the majority employ the traditional plow method.

Language:

• The Bhil people speak Bhili, which is a blend of Gujarati and Marathi. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family.

Distribution of the Bhil Tribe:

• The central and eastern Bhils, also referred to as Rajput Bhils, are found in the mountainous regions of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

• They are also found in the northeastern parts of Tripura.

• The Bhils are one of the most widespread tribal communities in India.

Beliefs and Customs of the Bhil Tribe:

• Religious Practices:

  • The majority of the Bhil tribe practice ethnic religions, which have been heavily influenced by Hinduism over the centuries.

  • They worship local deities such as Khandoba, Kanhoba, Bahiroba, and Sitalmata.

  • Some Bhils also worship a Tiger God known as ‘Vaghdev’.

• Festivals:

  • The Baneshwar Fair is the most prominent festival among the Bhils. It is celebrated around the time of Shivratri and is dedicated to Baneshwar Mahadev, also known as Lord Shiva. The fair is a significant cultural event for the Bhil community.