Mythologies of the Baiga (Panda) Tribes

The Baiga are an ethnic group found in central India primarily in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and in smaller numbers in the surrounding states of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The largest number of Baiga is found in Baiga-chuk in Mandla district and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. They have sub-castes: Bijhwar, Narotia, Bharotiya, Nahar, Rai maina and Kath maina. The name Baiga means "sorcerer-medicine man". The Baiga tribe is officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes in eight states: Madhya Pradesh (414,526), Chhattisgarh (89,744), Uttar Pradesh (30,006), West Bengal (13,423), Jharkhand (3,583), Bihar (544), Odisha (338), and Maharashtra (333). In Uttar Pradesh, the Baiga population totals 47,393. Among them, the Baigas of Sonbhadra district are recognized as Scheduled Tribes, numbering 30,006, while in other districts of Uttar Pradesh, they are categorized as Scheduled Caste, with a population of 17,387. The Baiga do not plow the land, because they say it would be a sin to scratch the breast of their Mother, and they could never ask their Mother to produce food from the same patch of earth time and time again: she would have become weakened. The Baiga tribes practice shifting cultivation, called "bewar" or "dahiya." Live-in relationships are common among the Baiga. If marriage does take place, the man compensates the woman's family for the loss of a working member. This reverse dowry either involves footing the bill of the marriage celebration or offering the woman's family mahua liquor. If divorced, the new husband must compensate the old one for the dowry amount. If the divorced couple have children, the wife has the first right, followed by the husband. If neither wants to raise the child, the community will allot a guardian to the child until age 15.

The Baiga have been the forest-dwelling aboriginals from central India who claim to be harbingers of the human race and history in India, as it emanated from the conjugation of the Nanga (nude) Baiga as the Indian Adam and the Nangi (nude) Baigin (female Baiga), as the Indian Eve, who were the rightful progenitors of Indians. Baigas always believed that they were the chosen few who were hand-crafted by the God Himself and hence were the kings and rulers of the whole earth. They called God the Bhagwan or Bada Dev (big deity). They may have lived in Central India at least for 20,000 years. They practiced Bewar, a shifting, slash and burn method of growing crops. And hence the non-Baigas called them Bewadias, the practitioners of Bewar. It seems over the years, by the medieval period, Bewadia got its name distorted and was called by its derogatory name of Baigadia — those people who destroy land and forest by burning. By latter medieval times Baigadia shed the last three letters and became Baiga — by which name this community is still addressed and identified. Seven sub-castes of the Baigas are: Narotias, Binjhwars, Barotias, Nahars, Rai Bhainas, Kadh Bhainas and Kath Bhainas. However the authors found that Narotias, Barotias and Bhainas account for 80% of all the Baigas from Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Chhattisgarh states. In a small village, outside Baiga-Chak, authors found a few households of Dudh Bhainas and Kurka Bhainas also. Besides, there are at least 90 surnames that they use. Dhurve, Maravi, Rathudiya, Kohadiya, Kushram, Nadia, Nigunia and Nagvasia are their eight most common surnames. There are three versions of the origin of the Baiga tribal community. One school of thought suggests that they actually emerged from the ancient stock of the Santal tribe. The second says that they emerged independently, but their ancestors had been the close kin of the Gonds. The third does not accept Baigas' proximity either to the Santals or the Gonds, but calls them an independent tribe (Triloki Nath Madan) that emerged from the jungles of present day Rewa district of MP state in ancient times. Table 1 examines some of the comparative basic bodily data of the Gonds, the Baigas and the Santals.

In the earliest of times there was no land but only water all around. One fine day, God created the earth. Immediately after, two ascetics emerged from the depths of the ground. One of the ascetics was the Brahmin and the other was the Nanga Baiga. To the Brahmin, God gave pen and paper for reading and writing. But to the Nanga Baiga, he gave an axe. Further, God instructed the Nanga Baiga to cultivate kodo and kutki. Since then the Baiga people have been practicing Bewar (swidden agriculture) by clearing trees in forests. The Baiga adivasis are a forest-dwelling indigenous tribal community of central India. In the local mythologies of the region, they are often recognized as the original inhabitants of the Earth. Identified as a primitive Dravidian tribe, the Baigas are known for their traditionally minimalistic ways of life (Russell 1916). They lived in intimacy with the elements of nature, and even at present, their everyday lives and livelihoods continue to be closely intertwined with their forest ecologies. Erstwhile nomadic hunter-gatherers, who practised shifting agriculture, they are also known to be extremely knowledgeable about the medicinal and healing properties of the various species of flora and fauna found in the forests of central India. In fact, it is also believed that the word ‘Baiga’ probably originated from the Hindi word Vaidya (the healer). The Baigas continue to possess a keen knowledge of their environment and of the biodiversity of their region which they pass on through oral traditions from one generation to the next. Oral histories of the tribal communities of central India, strongly highlight the minimalism and simplicity of the Baiga tribe. The Baiga tribe is admired for being unattached to their material possessions, which are few in the first place. It is said that in the past, the Gond tribals would occupy the Baiga agricultural land by tilling their land with a plough. Because the Baigas were opposed to tilling of land, once a plough had been used in a piece of land, they would abandon that patch and move elsewhere into the forests. Even when the Baiga Chak region was established under the influence of the colonial British, several Gonds were organized to live in the regions originally inhabited by the Baigas and to spread practices of settled agriculture. As a result, the Baigas were pushed away to rocky, unfertile and unproductive patches of land.

Nestled in the heart of India, the state of Chhattisgarh boasts a rich cultural tapestry, and among its diverse communities, the Baiga tribe stands out as a testament to the resilience and uniqueness of indigenous cultures. Spread across the dense forests of central India, the Baiga people have nurtured their distinct way of life, deeply intertwined with nature and traditional practices. In this article, we will delve into the intricate details of the Baiga tribes, exploring their history, lifestyle, cultural practices, and the challenges they face in preserving their heritage. The Baiga tribes have a rich history that stretches back centuries, rooted in the ancient landscapes of central India. Historians believe that the Baigas are one of the oldest indigenous communities in the region, with their presence dating back to prehistoric times. They are known for their sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature, relying on the abundant resources of the dense forests that surround their habitats. The name “Baiga” is thought to be derived from the Hindi word “Bhaya,” which means brother. This title symbolizes the brotherhood and unity that has been an integral part of Baiga society for generations. The Baiga people have a strong oral tradition, passing down their history, myths, and customs through generations, which adds to the richness of their cultural heritage. The Baiga tribes of Chhattisgarh stand as guardians of a unique cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. Their sustainable practices, spiritual connection with the forest, and vibrant cultural traditions make them an invaluable part of India’s diverse tapestry. However, the challenges they face, ranging from displacement to cultural erosion, necessitate concerted efforts to ensure the preservation of their way of life. As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize the rights of indigenous communities, including the Baiga tribes, and actively engage in initiatives that empower and support them. Balancing conservation with cultural preservation is a delicate task, but it is one that holds the key to a future where both nature and indigenous cultures thrive in harmony. The story of the Baiga tribes is a reminder of the need to cherish and protect the rich diversity that makes our world truly extraordinary.

The Baiga, also known as Panda, are an ethnic group found in central India primarily in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and in smaller numbers in the surrounding states of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The largest number of Baiga is found in Baiga-chuk in Mandla district and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, where they inhabits the dense hilly forests in the eastern part. They have sub-castes – Bijhwar, Narotia, Bharotiya, Nahar, Rai Bhaina, and Kadh Bhaina. The 2011 Census of India reported they number 17.387. The Baiga tribes practice shifting cultivation in the forest areas. They say they never ploughed the Earth, because it would be akin to scratching the breast of their Mother, and they could never ask their Mother to produce food from the same patch of earth time and time again – she would have become weakened. For this reason, Baigas used to live a semi-nomadic life, and practiced Bewar, or 'dahiya' cultivation – out of respect, not aggression. These techniques, (also known as 'swidden' agriculture), rather than being a cause of deforestation, have been shown to be effective conservation devices, employed for centuries by tribal peoples. Courageous woodsman and hunters, the Baigas of Central India were reluctant to do work for others. They saw themselves as people of the forest, who could only live on the produce of the forest. It was below the dignity of a Baiga to become a labourer. Members of the Baiga tribe do not interact even with other tribals like the Gonds, as interaction with any other tribe is a crime for them. After a death in the family, the Baigas leave the house and build another one. Being dependent on the forest, they also do not engage in tendu patta collection, which is a major livelihood provider in Madhya Pradesh.

The Baiga community has been kept in the category of special backward tribe, because there have been comparatively less changes in their living conditions, beliefs etc. and their population is also very less. According to the 1991 census data, the total population of Baigas was 3,17,549 in Madhya Pradesh. Baigas mainly live in forest covered areas and hilly areas of Mandla, Dindori, Shahdol, Umaria, Balaghat and Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh. The Baigas are believed to be an branch emerging from the Bhumia tribe of the Chhota Nagpur region. Baigas consider themselves servants of the earth and kings of the jungle. The settled villages of the Baigas came much later. It was a community that used to do Bevar i.e. farming without ploughing, cutting and burning the forest, making temporary houses in the forests, which used to go and settle in some other nearby forest after a few years. According to the origin story of a Baiga, there was a big black rock in the midst of rippling water all around, from which a cluster of bamboo had grown. Baggins (female baiga) was born from one half of the bamboo and Baiga from the other. Baggins saw the land of ‘pataalwasi’ in his dream. Next day Baiga sent a 'Kariman' crow to explore the earth. The crow brought the earth and then the Baiga sprinkled the seeds of the earth in the water. Meanwhile, a girl and a boy had been born to Baiga-Baigan. They get off from the bamboo to the earth, but it was still unsteady. Baiga-Baggins understood that the earth would not be stable without worship, without paying the price. In order to sacrifice their own children, they kept them in a bamboo 'dhooti' and walked away. On the way, he met first cock-hen, then goat-she goat and then pig-she pig. Knowing their purpose, all the animals gave them its kids to offer to the earth, so that the human seed would remain on the earth. Baiga-Baigan got iron, copper and bronze nails made from Agariya, Tamasura, Kansasur communal brothers. Waking them up, he struck the nine pieces of nails on the ground, then worshiped the earth and by this way the earth became stable on the surface of the water.

The Baiga are an ethnic group found in central India primarily in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and in smaller numbers in the surrounding states of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The largest number of Baiga is found in Baiga-chuk in Mandla district and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. They have sub-castes: Bijhwar, Narotia, Bharotiya, Nahar, Rai maina and Kath maina. The name Baiga means "sorcerer- medicine man". The Baiga are designated as a Scheduled tribe in much of Uttar Pradesh. The 2011 Census of India for that state showed those so classified as numbering 17,387. They are, however, designated as a Scheduled Tribe in Sonbhadra district. The Baiga do not plow the land, because they say it would be a sin to scratch the breast of their Mother, and they could never ask their Mother to produce food from the same patch of earth time and time again: she would have become weakened. The Baiga tribes practice shifting cultivation, called 'bewar' or 'dahiya'. Live-in relationships are common among the Baiga. If marriage does take place, the man compensates the woman's family for the loss of a working member. This reverse dowry either involves footing the bill of the marriage celebration or offering the woman's family mahua liquor. If divorced, the new husband must compensate the old one for the dowry amount. If the divorced couple have children, the wife has the first right, followed by the husband. If neither wants to raise the child, the community will allot a guardian to the child until age 15. The Baigas in Chhattisgarh are classified as Particularly vulnerable tribal group(PVTG) by Government due to their declining population and low level of literacy.The Government of India has notified 75 PVTG which reside in 18 states and one UT which are classified on the basis of five criteria and in Chhattisgarh Baigas along with Abhujmaria, Kamar, Pahadi Korwa and Birhor are included in this group.The women of these tribes were not provided reproductive rights like right to use contraceptives but in 2018 on a Public Interest Litigation Chhattisgarh High Court allowed them to have access to contraceptives. The Baigas were found to be highly focused on family planning.