SANTHAL : A TRIBE LESS KNOWN

Call it a clan , call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family, whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one

– Jane Howard

SANTHAL TRIBE: HISTORY

The Santhal Tribe is the third largest tribes of India. This tribe habitation is found mostly in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Odhisha and Jharkhand. Santhal's proved to be the great fighters during the British regime in India. A bantam bunch comprising of the Santhals can also be traced back to Bangladesh. Santhals are known for its bravery who fought courageously against the permanent of Lord Cornwallis in 1855.

In 1850, Sidhu the Santhal hero singlehandedly accumulated around ten thousand Santhals to rule parallel government against the British government. The first leader of the Santhal that raised weapons against the Britishers in 1789 was Baba Tilka Majhi. The Santhal tribe estimated population is forty nine thousand, and they worship lord Sarna basically known as Sari Dhorom.

SANTHAL'S ART OF LIVING: CULTURE

The Santhal is a distinct culture on their own as the people delightfully enjoys dancing, that keeps them happy. It's their main attraction form in their festivals. They belief that dancing gives relaxation to the minds after working a long tiring day. Santhal women dress up themselves in the red bordered white sari and dance in the line sequence. The Santhal tribe obtains some unique kinds of instrument such as Tirio made with bamboo flute with the seven holes, an Open chest known as korom, Phet Banam made of fret less stringed instrument with three or four strings. Moreover this tribe pays respect to the ghosts and spirits like Kal Sing, Lakchera and Beudarang.

SANTHAL'S LINE OF WORK : OCCUPATION

The work affair of the Santhal revolve around the forests in which they reside. Their basic needs gets fulfilled by the forest trees and plants. They keep themselves engaged in hunting, fishing and cultivation for their livelihood. Santhals acquire skills in making the musical equipment's, mats and baskets out of the plants. The tribe is mainly known for their unique qualities.

SANTHAL'S WAY OF CELEBRATION : FESTIVAL

Santhal mainly celebrate the Karam festival that comes in the month of September and October. They laud this festival to please the god to increase their wealth and free them from all the enemies. It is the tradition among the Santhals to grow the Karam tree outside their house after the purification process. Other festivals of the Santhal community include Maghe, Baba Bonga, Sahrai, Ero, Asaria and Namah. They also celebrate hunting festival know as Dishum Sendra on the eve of Baisakhi Purnima.