Tribal

• In large parts of the subcontinent, society was already divided according to the rules of varna
• These rules were prescribed by the Brahmanas and accepted by the rulers of large kingdoms
• Under the Delhi Sultans and the Mughals, the hierarchy between social classes grew further
• Many societies in the subcontinent did not follow the social rules and rituals prescribed by the Brahmanas These societies are often called tribes
• Members of each tribe were united by kinship bonds
• Tribes obtained their livelihood from agriculture, hunting, herding, or a combination of these activities
• Some tribes were nomadic and controlled land and pastures jointly
• Tribal people were found in almost every region of the subcontinent
• Some powerful tribes controlled large territories, like the Khokhar and gakhar tribe in Punjab
• The Gonds were found in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh
• The Ahoms migrated to the Brahmaputra valley from present-day Myanmar in the thirteenth century
• Nomadic pastoralists moved over long distances with their animals
• Nomadic Pastoralists lived on milk and other pastoral products and exchanged goods with settled agriculturists
• The Banjaras were important trader-nomads who transported grain for the Mughal army
• The Gonds practised shifting cultivation and had a centralised administrative system
• The Ahoms built a large state and used firearms as early as the 1530s
• Ahom society was divided into clans or khels, and they introduced new methods of rice cultivation
• Almost all adult males served in the army during war and were engaged in public works during peace
• The influence of Brahmanas increased in Ahom society, but the kings did not completely give up their traditional beliefs after adopting Hinduism
• Considerable social change took place in the subcontinent during this period
• Varna-based society and tribal people constantly interacted, causing both societies to adapt and change
• Many tribes merged with caste-based society, while others rejected the caste system and orthodox Hinduism
• Some tribes established extensive states with well-organised administrations, bringing them into conflict with larger kingdoms and empires
• Tribes in Multan and Sind were Langhas and Arghuns
• Tribes in Himalayas were Gaddi
• Tribes in Odissa and West Bengal were Mundas and Santhals
• Tribes in Maharashtra and Karnataka were Kolis and Berads
• Tribes in South were Vetars, Koragas and Marvars
• Tribes in western and Central India were Bhills
• Gond lived in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh