Introduction / History

The Majhwar are an important tribe in Madhya Pradesh in India. They also live in some regions of Chhattisgarh. They are also called Manjhi which means headman of a tribal sub division. It comes from the word Madhya which means in the center. It is thought that the Majhwar had their origins from the tribes of the Gond, Mundas and Kawars.

The Majhwar of Sarguja seem to be Santhal and Munda. The Bhainsa clan regard the buffalo as holy. The Baghani Majhwars have been named after the tiger. They believe that clan members will not be attacked by tigers provided they do not cause an offence.

Marriage to a partner within the same clan is not allowed. The Majhwar observe birth and death rituals.

Festivals are important in Majhwar culture. They celebrate the Karma festival with much enjoyment. The Majhwar tribes are farmers and livestock production is their next main type of work.

The Majhwar are a low status caste. They are endogamous and practice clan exogamy. This means that they normally marry within the group, but with partners from clans other than their own. Some work as laborers. They are Hindus and have their own tribal gods such as Burha-Deo. They have customs that are similar to other local groups like the Bind and the Chero.

They are also in Uttar Pradesh and in North India.

References

www.indianetzone.com/9/majhwar_tribe.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/majhwar