Beyond The Frame: Adivasis of Chhattisgarh

I traveled to central India in October 2004 to photograph the Adivasis (tribals) in Chhattisgarh, a recently established state originally part of Madhya Pradesh. One of the more interesting tribal belts is in the Bastar region, and it is there that I photographed members of the Muria, Muria-Gond, Bison-Horn Maria,Halba, Dhurwa, Bhatra and Dorla tribes. I witnessed their ceremonial dances, and rubbed shoulders with them at their weekly markets, or 'haats', where they barter for products and produce. I sampled their delicacies, including a rather spicy concoction of red-ants. Their ceremonial dances are very similar in style to Native American dances.

This photograph is of two members of the Bison Horn Marias tribe, a major sub-caste of the Gonds, photographed after they had performed one of their ritualistic dances. These tribes prefer to live in isolation in forests, and generally shun the outside world. The majority of Bison Horn Marias speak various unintelligible dialects of Gondi, an unwritten language of the Dravidian family. They practice shifting cultivation method of agriculture and collect forest produce for survival.

Due to the presence of the separatist Naxalites, who attack police stations and government building, it is wise to hire guides that are of the area and knowledgeable of the situation. Chhattisgarh and its Bastar region is not for everyone, however I was impressed by the courage against adversity shown by these tribes, and by their desire to preserve
their identity. For the genuinely interested, this region offers an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of a fast disappearing way of life.

Photograph from The Adivasis of Chhattisgarh-Copyright Tewfic El-Sawy