1. THE GOND TRIBE

2. Gonds are known for their heroics in the battle against Britishers, these proud tribes of India also gained control of Malwa after the decline of the Mughals followed by the Marathas in the year 1690. Like many other tribes in India, a watch at the costumes of the Gonds tribe is a delight. A unique ideology and thought process about the religion makes the Gonds tribe stand apart from any other tribe in India. INTRODUCTION TO GONDS

3. Gonds tribe are generally found in Gond forests of the central India. Chhindwara District of Madhya Pradesh, Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Orissa are some of the other places of inhabitation by these warrior and royal Indian tribes. LOCATION OF GOND TRIBE

4. PAINTINGS OF GOND PEOPLE

5. Gonds tribes of India have a typical Indian dress culture. Male members in the Gonds tribe wear Dhoti ( long piece of cotton cloth wrapped around the waist passing through the legs). Females wear soft cotton saris along with the Choli or blouse. COSTUMES OF GOND PEOPLE

6. Gondi language is the prime language spoken by Gond tribes of India. Beside this, these Indian tribes also have a good command on Telgu, Hindi, Marathi, Parsi and many other Dravadian languages. LANGUAGES SPOKEN BY GONDS

7. FOOD&FAMILY LIFE OF GOND TRIBE Two millets known as Kodo or Kutki are the staple food of Gonds tribes of India. Most of the Gonds are the meat consumers, though they prefer Rice during the festivals. Gond society is divided into four groups known as phratries or sagas in Gondi. Each saga traces its descent to one of the four groups of gods who emerged from the cave after their release by the hero Lingal. The saga is divided into several clans (pari).

8. These tribes of India are highly religious minded. These Indian tribes worship Janani or the mother of creator. Gonds tribe also worship Pharsa Pen, inform of nail or a piece of iron chain. Mariai- the Goddess of plague and other diseases, and Bhimsen – the Hindu God are also worshiped by Gonds tribes in India. One unique feature of their beliefs is the existence of spirits. LORD SHIVA GOD OF FERTILITY RELIGION FOLLOWED BY GONDS

9. Gonds face problems typical of tribal peoples throughout South Asia and much of the world. They suffer exploitation and discrimination, and often are forced to live on less productive lands in remote areas. They are experiencing increasing pressure on their land, a rise in the number of landless laborers, and high levels of poverty. Lack of education and low levels of literacy further reduce economic opportunities. SOCIAL PROBLEMS FACED BY GONDS