Situated along the Maharashtra -Telangana border, the Jangubai Cave Temple and the Kaplai Caves bear significant cultural and religious importance for the aboriginal tribes of the region. The Gond, Pradhan and Kolam tribes consider these caves as their pilgrimage sites, attributing them a special place in their tribal culture and traditions.
Understanding the Kolam Tribe
The Kolam tribe, also known as Kolavar in their native language, is a scheduled tribe primarily residing in the Indian state of Maharashtra. They can also be found in other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. The Kolams have their own unique language, Kolami, which falls under the Dravidian language group similar to Gondi.
Kolams practice monogamy and largely follow the Hindu faith. In 2018, the Government recognized Kolams alongside Katkaria (Kathodia) and Maria Gond as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the scheme “Development of PVTGs” has been implemented for the comprehensive development of these tribes. The scheme provides flexibility for States to focus on specific areas relevant to the well-being and cultural environment of PVTGs.
Insight into the Gond Tribe
The Gonds tribe is spread over various Indian states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal. They are predominantly found in forest and hilly areas between the Vidhyans and Satpura ranges.
Overview of the Pradhan Tribe
Predominantly a subgroup of the Gond people, the Pardhan tribe is largely concentrated in central India, mainly across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. They have their own language known as Pardhan. Alongside this, some members of the tribe also speak Hindi, Marathi and Gondi.
The Pardhan tribe’s traditional occupation roots back to being singers and musicians at festivals and key life events, thereby playing a pivotal role in the cultural fabric of the region.
Key Facts About These Tribes
| Tribal Group | Resides In | Language | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolam | Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh | Kolami | Varied |
| Gond | Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal | Gondi | Varied |
| Pradhan | Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh | Pardhan, Hindi, Marathi, Gondi | Singers, Musicians |
Preservation and Development Initiatives of the Tribes
Focused measures are being taken by the Government to ensure the overall welfare and development of these tribes. The scheme “Development of PVTGs”, introduced by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, offers a flexible framework for States to concentrate on areas that they deem essential for the tribal communities and their socio-cultural environment.
