Mythologies of the Chero Tribe


The Chero is a caste found in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh in India. The community claims to have originally been tribal people. The Chero are essentially one of many tribal communities, such as the Bhar, Pasi and Kol, that inhabit the southeastern corner of Uttar Pradesh. Chero dynasty was ruling parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand until they were deposed by the Rajputs and the East India Company. They are now found in a territory extending from Allahabad in the west to Muzaffarpur in the east. The Chero have two sub-divisions, the Mahto and Chaudhary. In Bihar, the Chero are known as Charwa or Cheru and in Palamu, they are known as the Barahazari, Terahazari and Pachchasi. The community is mainly found in Jharkhand, especially in Ranchi, Gumla,Simdega, khunti and west singhbhhum. Those of Palamau were substantial landowners. The Chero are classified as a Scheduled Tribe in Sonbhadra and Varanasi districts, but a Scheduled Caste in most parts of Uttar Pradesh.[3] They are also classified as a Scheduled Tribe in Bihar and Jharkhand.[4] They have OBC status in Odisha. The community has a traditional caste council that maintains a strong social control on the community. With Sanskritization they are Hindu, but also worship several their own indigenous tribal deities, such as Sairi-ma, Ganwar Bhabhani and Dulha Deo.[6] The Chero of Jharkhand have two sub-divisions, the Barahazari and the Terahazari. These two groups are endogamous, and do not intermarry. They practice clan exogamy, and their main clans are the Mawar, Kuanr, Mahato, Rajkumar, Manjhia, Wamwat, and Hantiyas. These clans are of unequal status, and the Chero practice clan hypergamy. The Chero of Jharkhand are mainly farmers, with many were substantial landowners. The 2011 Census of India for Uttar Pradesh showed the Chero Scheduled Caste population as 596.


The Chero lived in the Jharkhand State of India. They are “Adivasis” and belongs to the Wotriol tribe. Many people called them “Cherus or Cher was”. In some districts of Jharkhand, they are widely recognized by name of “Bara Hazar”. In many books, I found that they called themselves Rajput and are divided into two sub-divisions – 1) Bara Hazari, 2) Barbadian. These two subgroups are endogamous, and both groups are further divided into several septs. The chero village is situated in plain areas marks the hills and dense forest. Coming to their family structure, the Chero has a patrilocal and Patriarchal system. They have full faith in marriage and they have confidence in the sacred ritual of marriage. They usually follow the rule of monogamy. The Chero has also adopted dual worship. They worship Hindi gods and goddesses and also worship local gods and spirits. The female members of a family tattooed themselves made by malariam.


The Chero tribe, my friends, boasts a history that stretches back centuries, with their roots firmly planted in the Indian subcontinent. Understanding their origins is key to appreciating their journey and the legacy they've built. Traditionally, the Cheros trace their ancestry to the Rajputs, claiming descent from the legendary Chandravanshi lineage. This connection to the Rajput clans adds a layer of historical significance to their identity, linking them to a warrior tradition and a proud lineage. This claim of Rajput ancestry has been a significant part of their social identity and historical narrative. Geographically, the Cheros primarily inhabited the regions of present-day Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Their presence in these areas is well-documented in historical records and oral traditions. Within Bihar, the Shahabad district (now comprising the districts of Kaimur, Rohtas, Buxar, and Bhojpur) served as a major stronghold for the Chero kingdom. These regions provided fertile grounds for their settlements and allowed them to establish a powerful kingdom. The geographical landscape played a crucial role in shaping their socio-economic and political structures. The Chero kingdom rose to prominence during the medieval period, particularly between the 16th and 18th centuries. They established their rule by asserting their dominance over the existing local chieftains and consolidating their power. During this time, the Chero kingdom controlled a vast territory, commanding significant political and economic influence in the region. The kingdom's power was characterized by a well-organized military structure and a system of governance that allowed them to maintain control over their subjects. Their rise to power is a testament to their military prowess and political acumen.

The Chero tribe, an indigenous community with deep-rooted traditions, contributes to the cultural mosaic of eastern India. Spread across regions like Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal, the Chero people encapsulate a unique heritage that reflects their historical journey and enduring spirit. The Chero Tribe, a significant Scheduled Tribe, graces the landscapes of North India, primarily in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Their cultural footprint extends into the realms of West Bengal and Jharkhand, notably in Santhal Parganas and Palamu. Within the Chero community, there exist two distinctive sub-divisions – the Mahto and Chaudhary. Chero, a tribe steeped in ancient history, stands as a testament to cultural richness and historical significance. Designated as Scheduled Tribes in Jharkhand, the Chero people, also known as Cheran or Cherava, carry a legacy that intertwines with tales of valor and unique nomenclature. The roots of the Chero Tribe delve into the non-Aryan tribal families associated with Dravidian origin. The nomenclature 'Chero' finds its roots in the Sanskrit words 'Chetak' or 'Chedak,' signifying a connection to the term 'slave.' Notably, the Chero people converse in a language that bears the same name, underscoring their linguistic distinctiveness. The Chero tribe's historical origins are intertwined with the ancient soil of eastern India. They have a notable presence in Jharkhand, Bihar, and parts of West Bengal, where they have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. The precise historical trajectory of the Chero people remains a subject of scholarly exploration. The Chero tribe, with its unique nomenclature and legendary origins, weaves cultural threads that contribute to the diverse tapestry of Jharkhand. Their legacy, etched in the numerical symbolism of "twelvehajari," reflects a deep connection to their historical roots and the valorous tales of their ancestors. The Chero Tribe, with its unique linguistic heritage and cultural practices, weaves a narrative that echoes through the fields of North India. In their agricultural toil and societal nuances, the Cheros continue to embody a cultural resilience that stands as a testament to the rich diversity ingrained in the cultural fabric of the region. As they navigate the complexities of modern times, the Chero Tribe's story remains an integral part of North India's cultural legacy.


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