PAHARIYA TRIBE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Vulnerable Section)

Context: The Pahariya tribe in Jharkhand strives for seed self-sufficiency by storing indigenous varieties in community-managed seed banks.

Pahariya Tribe

• About: The Pahariya Tribe primarily resides in Jharkhand and West Bengal, with smaller communities in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
• Agricultural Practices: They practice jhum cultivation, involving the temporary clearing of land through burning vegetation for agricultural purposes.
• Types of Pahariyas in Jharkhand

oMal Pahariya: Residing in the southern hills of Damin-i-koh and south and east of Santhal Parganas, they belong to the Proto-Ostroloid race.

oShauria Pahariya (or Maler Paharia): Predominantly found in Santhal Parganas.

• Migration and Settlement: Initially located in Karnataka, they now inhabit the mountains of Rajmahal and Santhal Parganas.
• Language and Communication: The Pahariyas communicate in their native language, "Malto," influenced by Havli and Chharisgarhi.
• Religious Beliefs: They worship various deities including household, clan, and village gods such as Mait, Maa, Gangadi, Sunadi, Rupadi, and Budharaj.

Pahariya Revolt

• About: The Pahariyas' Rebellion occurred in 1778 in the Raj Mahal Hills region, present-day Jharkhand, India, instigated by the encroachment of British authority on Pahariya territory.
• British Response: In response to the rebellion, British authorities declared the Pahariya-inhabited region as "damni-kol," or forbidden territory, acknowledging the Pahariyas' resistance and agreeing not to extend their administration further into the area.
• Significance of Damni-kol: Designating the region as damni-kol aimed to establish a buffer zone between British territories and the Pahariya stronghold, intending to prevent further conflicts and maintain stability.