Descrizione

The present work is the fifth volume of a series of monographs on the aboriginal tribes of the Central Hill Belt of India. The Bhuiyas are comparatively more primitive in their customs and manners than the other sections of the tribe. These primitive Pauri or Hill Bhuiyas of Keonjhar, Bonai and Pal Lehera states, and the Hinduized Bhuiyas of Himgir or Nagra of Gangpur state of Orissa in British India are the subject of this study, delineating their various stages of cultural development over a period of time. This book, a goldmine of socioanthropological studies, offers much needed details about the Pauri Bhuiyas’ affinities and population, habitat, physical and mental characteristics, economic life, social and kinship organisations. This volume also delves deep into their folklore, religious faith, superstitions and magic practices. It further discusses certain points of agreement and difference in the customs and beliefs of the Hill Bhuiyas and some other Mundsspeaking tribes of the Central Hill Belt.