Give a brief account of the people of Bastar.
OR
What kind of life is led by the tribals of Bastar?
Answer:
- Bastar is located in the southernmost part of Chhattisgarh.
- Different communities live in Bastar such as Maria and Muria Gonds, Dhurwas, Bhatras, etc.
- They speak different languages but share common customs and beliefs.
- They believe that each village was given its land by the Earth and in return, they look after the Earth by making offerings during the festivals.
- In addition to the Earth, they pay respect to the spirits of river, the forest and the mountain.
- Since each village knows its boundaries, they look after their natural resources within that boundary.
- If they want to take some wood from another village, they pay a small fee called ‘devsari’ in exchange.
- Some villages protect their forests by keeping watchmen and each house contributes grains to pay them.
- They meet once in a year to discuss issues of concern, including forests.