Culture of coastal area of Gujarat, Tribal Culture

The total coastal length of Gujarat is about 1600 Km.Valsad, Navsari, Surat & Bharuch districts of Gujarat state have its western boundary as Arabian sea. It has been observed On western boundary of Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Bharuch & Jamnagar districts & on eastern boundary of Bhavnagar, Amreli, Junagadh, Porbandar & Jamnagar districts there is coastal erosion. The erosion is taking place mostly under the action of strong tidal current accompanied by wave action. Particularly just before monsoon and in monsoon season. The shore line at these villages have been approached to habitable area, Local people of coastal villages are belonging to Machhimar community. The general situation of these villages is favourable from view point of fishing trade. Tendency of local people of coastal villages is not to leave their original place of dwelling near sea coast which facilitate their access to sea for fishing business and therefore, it is not possible to persuade local inhabitants to shift to the another place. Heavy damages are found to houses, fertile land and other property due to coastal erosion. Local people are representing for providing protective measures to prevent the Land ward Recession of coastline.

Gujarat is the home for five millions tribal communities who reside by the slopes of Aravalli’s, Vindhya’s western flank of Satpura and northern flanks of Sahyadri, encompassing parts of Vadodara, Surat, Sabarkantha, Broch, Banaskantha and Panchmahals. The major tribes of the region are Siddhi, Rabari, Bhils, Ahirs and Bharwads. Every sect has distinct origin, habits, habitats and cultural ethos.

Siddhi

The Siddhis are known to have migrated from East Africa and have distinct Negroid features. Various studies have revealed that these tribes are descendants Bantus of Africa and brought in India as slaves by Portuguese and Arabic merchants.

This tribal community earn their livelihood by Forestry and animal hunting. Sidhi people are culturally enriched. Sidhis mainly eat vegetarian food on a daily basis. But during festivals and marriages, they prefer mutton locally called Akhni, Biryani, Fish and Paya. They are very fond of Pan and Supari.

Both men and Women in Sidhi community wear frock, odhani or dupatta with heavy junk jewelries. They perform Dhamal dance and Goma songs in Africa’s Swahili language. After marriages, the tribal girl joins the clan with her husband.

Rabari

Rabri tribe have migrated from the Mediterranean region are mainly pastoralists. Rabari are found in the Kutch region. Rabari people are divided into 5 sub-groups called Debar, Gardo, Kantho, Katchi and Ragad.

Dairy is the primary form of living of Rabari people. They keep animals like sheep, cattle, goats, camels and buffaloes and extract and sell milk and ghee.

They are also renowned for a creative embroidery work. They eat vegetarian food and avoid alcohol except festivals and marriages. Rabari males wear turban and Cotton white trousers while females wear jacket or open blouse, skirt, silver colored heavy jewelries and bangles in upper arms.

Bhils

The largest and most popular tribal community of Gujarat is the Bhils who live in parts of Surat, Bulsar, Banaskantha, Baroda, Dangs, Sabarkantha and Broach.

Anthropological studies reveal that Bhils were appointed by Rajputs as Shikharis because they have tremendous knowledge of the terrain. Locally Bhil means bowman as they are proficient in the use of bow and arrow.

Ahir

Ahir tribal communities have traveled from Sind and have settled in the Morvi and Kutch in Saurashtra of Gujarat. Ahir people mostly depending on cow herding and cultivation for their livelihood.

They are non-vegetarian and consume chicken, mutton, fish but avoid beef and pork. Wheat is their staple diet and occasionally eat rice. In winter, they also consume Millets.

Bharwad

Bharwad tribe has drifted to Gujarat from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and said to be followers of Lord Krishna. They are found in forested areas of Vadodara and peripheries of Gir forest of Junagarh district and mostly live by forest grazing. Bharwad males wear turban and cotton white trousers and woman wear backless top covered by veils and skirt along with heavy jewelleries. Their cloths are vibrant and mostly has designs of flowers, parrot and peacock. Bharwad tribe celebrate their annual Tarnetar fair along with Janmashthami and Navaratri. They eat non-vegetarian only on festivals and marraiges.

Gujarat is a state in northwestern India. It is the fifth-most populous state in India, with over 60 million inhabitants. The state is bordered by Rajasthan to the north, Madhya Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. The capital of Gujarat is Gandhinagar.

Gujarat is a diverse state with a rich history and culture. The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, including Gujaratis, Kutchis, Bhils, and Kolis. Gujarati is the Official Language of the state, but there are also a number of other languages spoken, including Kutchi, Bhili, and Bharwari.

The majority of people in Gujarat are Hindu, but there are also significant Muslim, Christian, and Jain minorities. Gujarat is home to a number of important religious sites, including the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar and the Somnath Temple in Veraval.

Gujarat is also home to a number of important historical sites, including the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization at Lothal and the ancient city of Dholavira. The state is also home to a number of beautiful beaches, including the beaches of Diu and Daman.

Gujarati cuisine is known for its use of spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Some popular Gujarati dishes include dhal, tandoori chicken, and samosas. Gujarat is also home to a number of popular festivals, including the Navratri festival, which celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Gujarat is a beautiful and diverse state with a rich history and culture. The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, languages, religions, and historical sites. Gujarat is also home to a number of beautiful beaches and a popular cuisine. If you are looking for a unique and interesting travel destination, Gujarat is definitely worth considering.

Here are some additional details about the culture of the coastal area of Gujarat and tribal culture:

The coastal area of Gujarat is home to a number of different ethnic groups, including the Kutchis, the Bhils, and the Kolis. Each of these groups has its own unique culture and traditions.
The Kutchis are a seafaring people who have a long history of Trade and Commerce. They are known for their hospitality and their love of music and dance.
The Bhils are a tribal people who live in the forests of Gujarat. They are known for their hunting and gathering skills and their traditional way of life.
The Kolis are a fishing people who live along the coast of Gujarat. They are known for their skills in fishing and their colorful costumes.

Tribal culture in Gujarat is rich and diverse. Each tribe has its own unique customs and traditions. Some of the most common features of tribal culture in Gujarat include:

A strong sense of community
A belief in the importance of nature
A respect for elders
A love of music and dance
A belief in the supernatural

Tribal culture in Gujarat is under threat from a number of factors, including modernization, Urbanization, and Globalization/”>Globalization-3/”>Globalization. However, there are a number of organizations working to preserve tribal culture and traditions.

Culture of coastal area of Gujarat

What is the culture of coastal Gujarat?

The culture of coastal Gujarat is a mix of Hindu, Muslim, and tribal influences. The people of coastal Gujarat are known for their hospitality, their love of music and dance, and their strong sense of community.

What are some of the traditional foods of coastal Gujarat?

Some of the traditional foods of coastal Gujarat include dhokla, khandvi, and fafda. Dhokla is a savory cake made from fermented rice and lentils, khandvi is a savory roll made from yogurt and gram flour, and fafda is a crispy snack made from gram flour and spices.

What are some of the traditional festivals of coastal Gujarat?

Some of the traditional festivals of coastal Gujarat include Navratri, Diwali, and Holi. Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, Diwali is a five-day festival of lights, and Holi is a festival of colors.

What are some of the traditional arts and crafts of coastal Gujarat?

Some of the traditional arts and crafts of coastal Gujarat include woodcarving, embroidery, and Pottery. Woodcarving is a popular art form in coastal Gujarat, and is used to create furniture, doors, and windows. Embroidery is also a popular art form, and is used to decorate clothing, bedspreads, and curtains. Pottery is another popular art form, and is used to create pots, pans, and other household items.

What are some of the traditional dances of coastal Gujarat?

Some of the traditional dances of coastal Gujarat include Garba, dandiya, and ras. Garba is a dance that is performed during the Navratri festival, dandiya is a dance that is performed during the Diwali festival, and ras is a dance that is performed during the Holi festival.

Tribal Culture

What is tribal culture?

Tribal culture is the culture of indigenous peoples who live in small, close-knit communities. Tribal cultures are often characterized by their strong sense of community, their respect for nature, and their unique customs and traditions.

What are some of the characteristics of tribal culture?

Some of the characteristics of tribal culture include:

A strong sense of community: Tribal peoples often live in small, close-knit communities where everyone knows each other. This sense of community is very important to tribal peoples, and it provides them with a sense of belonging and support.
Respect for nature: Tribal peoples often have a deep respect for nature. They believe that all living things are interconnected, and they have a responsibility to protect the Environment.
Unique customs and traditions: Each tribal culture has its own unique customs and traditions. These customs and traditions are passed down from generation to generation, and they help to preserve the unique identity of each tribe.
What are some of the challenges facing tribal peoples?

Some of the challenges facing tribal peoples include:

Loss of land: Tribal peoples often lose their land to development projects, such as mining and logging. This can lead to displacement, POVERTY, and loss of traditional way of life.
Discrimination: Tribal peoples often face discrimination from the dominant Society. This can lead to social exclusion, lack of access to Education and healthcare, and violence.
Environmental Degradation: Tribal peoples are often the first to experience the effects of environmental degradation, such as deforestation, pollution, and Climate change. This can lead to loss of land, food, and water, and it can also threaten their traditional way of life.
What are some of the ways to support tribal peoples?

There are many ways to support tribal peoples, including:

Raising awareness about tribal issues: One of the best ways to support tribal peoples is to raise awareness about their issues. This can be done through education, advocacy, and media outreach.
Donating to organizations that support tribal peoples: There are many organizations that work to support tribal peoples. You can donate Money or time to these organizations to help them in their work.
Buying products from tribal communities: When you buy products from tribal communities, you are supporting their traditional way of life. You can find these products at fair trade stores or online.
Visiting tribal communities: If you have the opportunity, you can visit tribal communities and learn about their culture and way of life. This is a great way to show your support and learn more about these unique cultures.

Here are some MCQs about the culture of coastal areas of Gujarat and tribal culture:

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the culture of coastal areas of Gujarat?
(A) The people are very friendly and welcoming.
(B) The food is delicious and flavorful.
(C) The culture is very diverse.
(D) The people are very religious.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of tribal culture?
(A) The people are very close to nature.
(B) The people have a strong sense of community.
(C) The people are very traditional.
(D) The people are very open to change.
Which of the following is a traditional dance of Gujarat?
(A) Garba
(B) Dandiya
(C) Raas
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a traditional instrument of Gujarat?
(A) Dholak
(B) Tabla
(C) Sitar
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a traditional food of Gujarat?
(A) Khichdi
(B) Roti
(C) Curry
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a traditional festival of Gujarat?
(A) Navratri
(B) Holi
(C) Diwali
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a traditional dress of Gujarat?
(A) Saree
(B) Dhoti
(C) Kurta
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a traditional language of Gujarat?
(A) Gujarati
(B) Hindi
(C) English
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a famous tourist destination in Gujarat?
(A) The Great Rann of Kutch
(B) The Gir Forest
(C) The Somnath Temple
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is a famous person from Gujarat?
(A) Mahatma Gandhi
(B) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(C) Narendra Modi
(D) All of the above