Binjhal ( Binjhwar)
Total population
256,758 (2011)[1]
Regions with significant populations
Odisha137,040[1]
Chhatishgarh119,718[1]
Languages
Odia (Sambalpuri), Chhattisgarhi
Religion
Animism, Hinduism

The Binjhal (also known as Binjhwar)[2] is an ethnic group and an offshoot of the Austroasiatic Baiga tribe, are found mainly in many districts of Odisha, Chhatishgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.[2][3] The 2011 census showed their population to be around 137,040. They are classified as a Scheduled Tribe by the Indian government.[1]

Etymology

There are multiple legends regarding the origin of the tribe's name. According to one legend the name is derived from the words Bin and Jhal, meaning without sweat. The name Binjhal or Binjhwar is derived from the Vindhya Range hills (also known as Vindhyanchal) and they worship their patron deity Bindhyabasini'.[2][3]

History

Historically the tribe has been known for fighting spirit. It is said that the tribe gave shelter to the mother of Chauhan Dynasty king Ramai Dev in 14th century. They also fought on the side of Veer Surendra Sai & Madho Singh (Ghess) during the Paika rebellion.[2][4]

Subdivisions

The Binjhals are divided into a number of exogamous groups called Vansas, namely Amri, Nag, Khusal, Duguke, Kamati, Mahaiinga, Bagha, Marthi Endja, Bentakar, Majhi. These are further divided into patriarchal lineages such as Surya Bansi, Nag Bansi, Hillchip, Chauhan and Rajput.[3]

Culture

Binjhal families are mostly nuclear. They follow Paternal lineage and Patrilocal traditions. Marriage with same exogamous vansa is prohibited. Monogamous marriages are common. Marriage by negotiation is the most common type of marriage. However cross-cousin marriage, junior levirate, junior sororate, marriage by elopement, and by capture are also allowed. Divorce, remarriage of widows, widowers and divorcees are also permitted. The groom has to pay the bride price in cash.[3] They practice burial in cases of deaths.[3] However cremation is practised by the rich.[5]

They do not have any traditional village council. Elders of the village play a central dispute resolution.[3] The tribe worship Hindu deities. Animist beliefs are also followed by the members.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India". www.censusindia.gov.in. Government of India. Archived from the original on 7 September 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d Danver, S.L. (2015). Native Peoples of the World: An Encyclopedia of Groups, Cultures and Contemporary Issues: An Encyclopedia of Groups, Cultures and Contemporary Issues. Taylor & Francis. p. 524. ISBN 978-1-317-46400-6. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  3. ^ a b c d e f scstrti, scstrti. "Binjhal". Home. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  4. ^ O'malley, L.S.S. (2007). Bengal District Gazetteer : Sambalpur. Concept Publishing Company. p. 27. ISBN 978-81-7268-139-5. Retrieved 2019-10-30.
  5. ^ O'malley, L.S.S. (2007). Bengal District Gazetteer : Sambalpur. Concept Publishing Company. p. 79. ISBN 978-81-7268-139-5. Retrieved 2019-10-30.
  6. ^ O'malley, L.S.S. (2007). Bengal District Gazetteer : Sambalpur. Concept Publishing Company. p. 77. ISBN 978-81-7268-139-5. Retrieved 2019-10-30.

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