Abujhmadiya tribe

Why in News?

Recently, members of the Abujhmadiya tribe have been participating in the Bastar Olympics’ tournament in growing numbers.

• The Abujhmadiya tribe, also known as Abujh Maria, is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) found in central India.
• Location - Primarily inhabit the Abujhmarh region in Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh and found in parts of Maharashtra and Odisha
• Habitat – They live in dense forested, hilly terrain.
• Social & Cultural Features
  • Belong to the Gond tribal group
  • Traditionally semi-nomadic
  • Practice community living and collective decision-making
  • Society is largely egalitarian
• Livelihood
  • Shifting cultivation (jhum)
  • Collection of minor forest produce
  • Hunting and fishing (traditionally)
• Language
  • Speak Abujh Maria, a dialect of the Gondi language
  • Part of the Dravidian language family
• Beliefs
  • Practice animism
  • Worship nature spirits, ancestors, and village deities
  • Have minimal influence of mainstream religions

Reference

The Indian Express | Abujhmadiya tribe