Dr.D. Satyanarayana

Historian and Museum Curator – Tribal Museum, Govt. of Telangana

Introduction to Gondi Language and Tribal Roots

Let me start by sharing something about the Gondi language and the Gond tribe. The Gond tribe is one of the largest tribal communities in India, spread across 18 states. Did you know that before India was called “India” or “Bharat,” it was known as Gondwana? The word “Gondwana” means “forest of the hills,” and it reflects the deep connection of tribal communities to the land, especially the forested and hilly regions. The Gond tribe, along with other tribes, has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to ancient times.

The Concept of Equality in Tribal Wishing

In the Gondi language, there’s a ceremonial wishing called “Sami Ramam.” This phrase embodies the tribal philosophy of equality. It means that God resides in everyone and no one is greater or lesser than another. This idea of mutual respect and equality is a cornerstone of tribal culture, not just among the Gond but also among other tribes in Telangana.

Understanding “Vanalo” and Tribal Categories

Now, let’s talk about the term “Vanalo,” which refers to forest dwellers. Tribal communities can be broadly categorized into three groups:
Grāma Lo (Village dwellers)
Pānā Lo (Nomadic or pastoral communities)
Vana Lo (Forest dwellers)

I want to focus on the Vanalo, the forest dwellers. These communities have historically been associated with helping figures like Lord Rama in Indian epics. In the Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, they are often depicted as living in harmony with nature.

Historical Context: British Classification of Tribes

During the British colonial period, there were attempts to classify Indian society, including tribal communities. Terms like “animists,” “primitive tribes,” and “backward tribes” were used, but these classifications were often inaccurate and dismissive. Interestingly, the British census commissioner in 1881 acknowledged that all Indians have animistic tendencies, making it inappropriate to label them as “animists.” Over time, terms like “Scheduled Tribes” and “Vanvasi” were adopted to describe these communities.

Tribal Communities in Telangana

Let me tell you about the tribal communities in Telangana. Telangana is home to 32 tribal communities, making it the only tribal state in South India as per the Forest Act of 1952. The state has three major regions where tribal communities reside:

Godavari Region: This is home to the Gond community, who historically ruled 36 kingdoms in the area.

Krishna River and Nallamala Forests: Here, you’ll find the Chenchu tribe, one of the most primitive communities in India.

Plain Areas: Tribes like Lambadi and Yerukala live in these regions.

Six Pillars of Tribal Life: I’d like to share with you the six key characteristics of tribal life that I’ve observed:

Eco-friendly Lifestyle: Tribal communities live in harmony with nature. They use biodegradable materials for housing and practice sustainable agriculture.

Self-Rule and Community Governance: Tribal societies are governed by traditional systems like the “Pell system,” where a headman (Patel) and a council (Panch) make decisions.

Sustainable Economy: Tribes practice collective sharing of resources, such as honey collection, and celebrate festivals that emphasize community bonding.

Amicable Society: Peaceful coexistence and mutual respect are central to tribal life.

Worship for Well-being: Tribal communities worship nature, ancestors, and deities, focusing on well-being rather than material wealth.

Artistic Life: Music, dance, and art are integral to tribal culture. For example, their dances are often circular, and they create beautiful prehistoric paintings.

Historical Legacy of Tribal Rule: Tribal communities in India have a rich history of self-governance and resistance to foreign rule. For instance, the Satavahana Empire, established by the Andhra tribe, ruled South India for over 300 years. Similarly, the Padma Nayaka community resisted foreign control and fought for their rights over land and resources.

Challenges and Government Initiatives: Despite their rich cultural heritage, tribal communities face economic challenges, which have led to a small percent of them being converted to other religions. To address this, the Indian government has introduced various schemes such as the Conservation and Development Programme (CCDP), PM Janjati Dhaba, and the Forest Rights Act. These initiatives aim to preserve tribal culture and improve their economic conditions.

Conclusion: Appreciation of Tribal Culture: In conclusion, I want to emphasize the importance of appreciating and respecting tribal culture. As non-tribal people, we should either follow and appreciate or leave tribal communities to live their own lives as they choose. Our focus should be on preserving their unique way of life rather than imposing external influences.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts with you.

“We should either follow and appreciate, or leave tribal communities to live their own lives as they choose.”

-Dr.D. Satyanarayana