Santhals

The santhal children enjoyed a merry moment

I am doing a personal project upon the "SANTHALS",the largest tribal community of India. It is almost more than 7 years I am adhere with the project. I visited their villages innumerable times.In this continuing project the major photographs were shot in  three remote villages named Sairpara, Harispur & Beldanga situated in Birbhum district ,West Bengal. My effort is to unveil their daily life,cultural life,their happiness and sorrow,the changes faced by the community in this fast jet globalized world.

About Santhals: The largest tribal community of India, Santhals are spreaded over in the states of Jharkhand,Bihar, West Bengal, and Orissa as well as in Bangladesh and Nepal. By nature, the Santhals love Music,Wine & Dance.The great Sidhu Murmu, Kanhu Murmu, Chand Murmu and Bhairo Murmu fought against British Permanent Settlement Act of Lord Cornwallis at late 1850. The lifestyle is simple and colourful. You will find beautiful artworks and painting in the walls of their houses.Santhals don't believe in idol worship.

A Santhal woman decorated herself and awaiting for her husband to return from his work

According to their religion view Sun is omnipotent and  treated as the creator and father whereas earth is believed as mother and she brings up all. They have a very distinct and firm judicial system. The head of the Santhal community is called Manjhi Hadam (headman of village). He is the chief of the executive, judicial and all other functions within society. In their social structure the Murmu are the priests  and Mardi the businessmen, while Kisku are the rulers and Hemram judges. Similarly, the Tudu are musicians and Soren soldiers.

 
The Santhal marriage Known as "Bapla" generally executed through the consent of the parents of bride and groom followed by the deposition of Bride-price. The prime festivals like Karma, Badhna & Baha (Holi) are celebrated with lot of enthusiasm, dance & wine.