Deep in the remote hills of eastern India, lived two indigenous communities that were vastly different from one another: the Paharias and the Santhals. Outsiders have long tried to draw similarities between these two groups, but in reality, their differences were glaringly obvious. From their language to their customs, their food to their beliefs, everything about them was unique and distinct.
The Paharias, for instance, were a nomadic tribe that roamed around the hills, living off the land. They were skilled hunters and gatherers who valued their freedom above all else. The Santhals, on the other hand, were a settled tribe that took to farming and cultivation. They built permanent houses and created their own community-driven economies. Beyond that, the Paharias held their own beliefs about spirits, while the Santhals were followers of a monotheistic religion.
Although they weren’t necessarily enemies, the Paharias and Santhals maintained a certain distance from each other, mainly due to their differences. But what was it that set them apart? That is what we’ll explore in this article as we delve deeper into the worlds of the Paharias and Santhals.
Paharias and Santhals: Brief Overview
Paharias and Santhals are two tribal communities that are native to India. Both these communities have unique cultures, practices and languages. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two indigenous people.
Differences Between Paharias and Santhals
- Geographical location: The Paharias are primarily located in the hilly regions of Jharkhand and West Bengal, while the Santhals are found mainly in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar.
- Language: The Paharias have their own language called Pahari, which is different from the Santhal language known as Santhali.
- Religion: While the Paharias practice animism and worship their ancestors, the Santhals follow a religion known as Sarnaism that is centred around nature worship and ancestor worship.
Cultural Practices
The Paharias and Santhals have unique cultural practices that are influenced by their geographical proximity and religious beliefs. The Paharias mainly depend on agriculture and forest resources for their livelihood. They have strong social bonds and follow a community-based lifestyle. In contrast, the Santhals are more inclined towards handicrafts, weaving and charcoal making. They are known for their music and dance that includes the famous ‘Chhau’ dance form.
Another notable difference is the attire of these two communities. The Paharias wear simple clothing made of cotton and wool, while the Santhals are known for their vibrant and colourful clothing made of cotton and silk.
Economic Status
Both the Paharias and Santhals have been marginalized for centuries and faced social and economic exploitation. But, in recent years, the government has taken several initiatives to improve their economic status and living conditions. This includes establishing educational institutions, healthcare facilities and providing financial assistance to improve their livelihoods. The Paharias have received recognition as a tribal group, and the government has taken steps for their welfare. The Santhals have also received attention and support for their contributions to the local economy and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Paharias and Santhals might have some differences, but they share a common history of struggles and survival. With government support and social upliftment initiatives in place, these tribal communities are now thriving and adding to the diversity of India’s culture and heritage.
| Paharias | Santhals |
|---|---|
| Primarily located in the hilly regions of Jharkhand and West Bengal | Found mainly in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar |
| Have their own language called Pahari | Santhali is their native language |
| Practice animism and worship their ancestors | Follow the Sarnaism religion |
| Mainly depend on agriculture and forest resources | More inclined towards handicrafts, weaving and charcoal making |
Source: https://www.clearias.com/differences-between-paharias-and-santhals/
Cultural and Historical Background of Paharias and Santhals
The Paharias and Santhals are two tribes found in India with distinct differences in their cultural and historical backgrounds. They occupy different geographical regions, have different languages, and have unique customs and traditions.
- The Paharias:
- The Paharias are an indigenous tribe of India who primarily living in the hilly regions of the Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal states.
- The term ‘Paharia’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Parvatiya,’ which means ‘mountain people.’
- The Paharias are also referred to as ‘Hill Rajas’ because of their chieftain-like social structure.
- They have their own tribal language called Pahari, which has no script, but it is a mixture of various Indian languages.
- Their religious practices are a combination of animism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
- The Santhals:
- The Santhals are one of the largest tribal groups in India who mainly live in the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
- The Santhal community name is derived from ‘Santali,’ which means ‘the people who respect their culture and traditions’
- Their language is known as Santhali, which is one of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the constitution of India.
- The Santhals believe in a supreme god, Thakur, who is believed to have created the universe, and they pray to their ancestors’ spirits.
Both tribes have a rich cultural and historical background and are known for their unique customs, traditions and lifestyle. The Paharias and Santhals have faced several challenges throughout their history, including displacement from their land and cultural practices by British colonialism and modernization pressures.
Despite these challenges, both tribes have persisted, and some still maintain their traditional way of life, while others have integrated into mainstream society. They have unique musical and dance traditions and perform their tribal dance during festivals and ceremonies, showcasing their culture and identity.
Tribes Population Geographical Area Paharias Approximately 200,000 Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal Santhals Approximately 6 million West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha In conclusion, despite the cultural and historical differences between the Paharias and Santhals, both tribes have made significant contributions to India’s cultural heritage. Their unique way of life, music, and dance have been celebrated and appreciated by people worldwide, and it is vital to preserve and promote their culture for future generations.
Language and Literature of Paharias and Santhals
One of the most significant differences between Paharias and Santhals is their language. Paharias speak a language called Pahari, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family. On the other hand, Santhals speak a language known as Santhali, which is part of the Austroasiatic language family. Pahari consists of various dialects, including Sadri, Mundari, and Hindi, while Santhali has several sub-dialects.
Despite the language barriers, both Paharias and Santhals have rich oral traditions and a vibrant literary heritage. They have passed on their history, culture, and traditions through stories, songs, and poems from one generation to another. However, their literary styles differ significantly.
Literary Styles
- Paharias tend to use simple and straightforward language in their storytelling, which is more direct and vivid.
- Santhals, on the other hand, employ a more complex and poetic style, using metaphors and symbolic language in their narratives.
- Additionally, Paharias prefer to use songs as a means of storytelling, while Santhals use both songs and dances to share their cultural values and traditions.
Written Literature
It is worth noting that both Paharias and Santhals have limited written literature due to their preference for oral traditions. However, in recent years, some Paharia and Santhali writers have emerged with literary works in their respective languages. These works include poetry, short stories, and novels and provide insight into the rich cultural traditions of these tribal communities.
Language and Literature Studies
Academic institutions and linguists have also taken an active interest in studying the language and literature of Paharias and Santhals. Several universities and research institutes have conducted comprehensive studies on the various dialects of Pahari and Santhali, including their grammatical structure, syntax, and vocabulary. Such studies have contributed immensely to preserving the language, literature, and culture of these tribal communities.
Paharias Santhals Tibeto-Burman language family Austroasiatic language family Simple and straightforward language More complex and poetic style, using metaphors and symbolic language Prefer songs as a means of storytelling Use both songs and dances to share their cultural values and traditions Overall, the language and literature of Paharias and Santhals reflect the unique cultural heritage of these tribal communities. Their oral traditions and literary works provide a glimpse into their history, beliefs, and values, and contribute significantly to the multicultural fabric of India.
Economic and Social Life of Paharias and Santhals
Both Paharias and Santhals are tribal communities found in the eastern region of India, particularly in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. Although these two communities have a lot in common, there are some notable differences between their economic and social life.
Economic Life
- The Paharias are primarily hunters and gatherers, while the Santhals are agriculturalists. Paharias rely on the forest for their subsistence, hunting wild animals for meat and gathering fruits, seeds, and firewood.
- The Santhals, on the other hand, practice shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn cultivation. They clear a patch of forest by cutting down trees and burning the debris, then plant crops on the fertile soil.
- Paharias often trade forest products like bamboo, honey, and herbs with neighboring villages in exchange for grains and vegetables. Santhals also engage in trade, selling surplus crops in the market.
- Both communities are relatively isolated, living in remote and hilly areas. This geographic location limits their access to roads, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
Social Life
Although the Paharias and Santhals share some cultural and linguistic similarities, they have distinct social structures and customs.
- Paharias are organized into patrilineal clans, and each clan has its own totemic animal or plant. They believe in animism, worshipping spirits of the forest and mountains. Their social hierarchy is based on age, with elders holding the highest authority.
- Santhals, on the other hand, are divided into exogamous clans, and marriage within the same clan is prohibited. They worship various deities, including the sun, moon, and nature gods. Their social structure is also based on age and gender.
- Both communities have their own languages, although both have been heavily influenced by the dominant languages of the region. Santhals have a unique script, known as Ol Chiki, which is still in use today. Paharias use a modified version of the Bengali script to write their language.
Conclusion
Overall, the economic and social life of Paharias and Santhals reflects their close relationship with nature and their unique cultural practices. Understanding these differences is essential for developing effective policies that address their needs and support their sustainable development.
Aspect Paharias Santhals Occupation Hunting and gathering Agriculture Trade Forest products Crops Social structure Patrilineal clans Exogamous clans Religion Animism Sun, moon, and nature gods References:
- Bose, S. (2016). Tribal culture, forest, and conservation: The case of the Paharias of West Bengal. Society & Natural Resources, 29(5), 561-579.
- Mandal, M. (2018). Shifting Cultivation in Santhal Parganas: A Study of the Socio-Economic Conditions of the Santhal Tribes in Jharkhand. Agenda: A Journal of Policy Analysis and Reform, 25(2), 27-37.
- Datta, K., Singh, A., & Kadam, J. (2019). An assessment of tribal livelihood and social life in Santhal Parganas: A case study of selected villages in Dumka district of Jharkhand. Agricultural Science Digest, 39(2), 109-113.
Religious Beliefs and Practices of Paharias and Santhals
Both Paharias and Santhals have their unique religious beliefs and practices. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
- Paharias: The Paharias worship a variety of deities and spirits and believe in animism. Their religion is deeply linked with nature and the environment around them. They believe in the existence of supernatural powers that can control nature and the spirits. They offer prayers to the spirits to ensure good and favorable conditions and also practice witchcraft and sorcery. They believe that the spirits can take possession of people and can cause illnesses or other forms of harm.
- Santhals: The Santhal religion centers around the worship of spirits, ancestors, and deities called Marang Buru. They believe that these spirits protect their tribes and villages and offer prayers and sacrifices to appease them. They also believe in reincarnation and that the soul can exist in multiple forms. They offer sacrifices during festivals, marriages, and other significant events. The Santhals also have a tradition of worshipping jaher than, which are sacred grooves where their deities reside.
Both these communities have their unique way of celebrating important occasions and festivals. They have their distinct dances, songs, and customs.
It’s also essential to note that the religious beliefs of both communities have a significant influence on their daily lives. Their spiritual beliefs and concept of divinity are intertwined with their culture and traditions.
Paharias Santhals Animism Marang Buru worship Believe in supernatural powers Reincarnation Spirit possession Offering sacrifices to appease spirits Overall, the religious beliefs and practices of Paharias and Santhals are an essential aspect of their identity, and it guides their way of life.
Art and Craft of Paharias and Santhals
One of the biggest differences between the Paharias and Santhals is in their approach to art and craft. While both groups have a rich cultural history and a tradition of creating beautiful works of art, the style and motifs they use are quite distinct from one another.
The Paharias are known for their intricate basket weaving, which is a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation. In addition to baskets, they also create beautiful musical instruments, including flutes and drums. The designs used in Paharia art often incorporate natural materials, such as leaves and vines, and are highly ornate and detailed.
- Paharias are skilled in basket weaving.
- They also create musical instruments such as flutes and drums.
- Designs are often highly ornate and detailed, incorporating natural materials.
The Santhals, on the other hand, are known for their use of bright colors and bold patterns in their art and crafts. They are particularly renowned for their paintings and murals, which often depict scenes from nature and everyday life. Santhal artisans also create beautiful embroidered works, which are often used as clothing or household objects such as curtains or wall hangings. The traditional motifs used in Santhal art are strikingly geometric and often incorporate animal and plant forms.
Here is a table summarizing the differences in the art and craft of the Paharias and Santhals:
Paharias Santhals Intricate basket weaving Brightly-colored paintings and murals Beautiful musical instruments Embroidery work Natural and highly-ornate designs Geometric and animal/plant motifs In conclusion, while both the Paharias and Santhals have a rich artistic heritage, their styles and techniques are distinct from one another. The Paharias’ use of natural materials and highly-detailed designs contrasts with the Santhals’ bold use of color and striking geometric motifs. Both groups, however, are known for their dedication to their craft and their commitment to preserving their cultural traditions.
Politics and Governance among Paharias and Santhals
Politics and governance in the tribal communities of Paharias and Santhals have many similarities and differences. Both communities have their own distinct political systems and styles of governance that reflect their cultural values and beliefs.
- Paharias often practice a form of direct democracy where village councils make decisions collectively. They also have a system of chiefdom, where a chief or headman is elected by the entire community for a set term and acts as a mediator between the people and the government.
- Santhals have a more hierarchical political system where the village headman or munda is responsible for leading the community. The munda is often chosen based on descent and lineage, and is seen as a representative of the community’s ancestors. Santhals also have a system of clan governance, where each clan has a leader who makes decisions for the entire group.
- In terms of governance, Paharias and Santhals both prioritize community participation and decision-making in all aspects of their lives. However, Paharias often prioritize social equality and collective ownership of land, while Santhals focus more on maintaining traditional cultural practices and beliefs.
Both communities have faced challenges to their political and governance systems due to external factors such as colonization and modernization. However, they have also demonstrated resilience in adapting to these changes while maintaining their cultural identities.
Overall, while Paharias and Santhals have some differences in their political and governance systems, both emphasize community involvement and cooperation in decision-making. It is important to recognize and respect these unique systems when working with these communities toward development and progress.
Here is a table summarizing the main differences between Paharias and Santhals in terms of politics and governance:
Paharias Santhals Direct democracy Hierarchical leadership Chiefdom Clan governance Collective ownership of land Focus on maintaining cultural practices and beliefs By understanding and appreciating these differences, we can better collaborate with Paharias and Santhals to respect and promote their unique cultures and political systems.
What was the difference between Paharias and Santhals?
1. Who are Paharias and Santhals?
Paharias and Santhals are two different tribal communities residing in different parts of India. Paharias are mainly found in the hill areas of Jharkhand and West Bengal, while Santhals are predominantly located in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
2. What is the difference in the language spoken by Paharias and Santhals?
Paharias have their own dialect, which is a mixture of Dravidian and Indo-Aryan languages, while Santhals have their own language known as Santhali.
3. How do the cultures of Paharias and Santhals differ?
The culture of Paharias is more primitive and traditional, with a focus on hunting and gathering. Santhals, on the other hand, have a more established culture with a history of agriculture and a rich tradition of music, dance and art.
4. What is the difference in the religious practices of Paharias and Santhals?
Paharias follow animism and ancestor worship while Santhals mainly worship a supreme god called Marang Buru along with other regional gods and goddesses.
5. What are the major socio-economic differences between Paharias and Santhals?
Paharias are mostly landless and work as daily wage labourers, while Santhals have a history of settled agriculture and have been able to acquire land over time. Santhals also have a more established system of governance and social structure compared to Paharias.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the differences between Paharias and Santhals. Despite their differences, both these tribal communities have unique cultures and traditions and contribute to the rich cultural fabric of India. Thank you for reading and do visit again for more informative articles.