Tribes

Although Ambalika has adopted 8 tribes all over Jharkland, it has started working with three primitive tribes namely Shabars, Bishour and Korwa. These tribes are not only remnants of dying culture but also a sad reminder of failing economic tribal arrangements. Ambalika, a committed NGO is working towards the upliftment and aesthetic renewal of these backward tribes who are struggling for their very existance by braving the challenges of hunger, disease and natural calamities. The tribes mentioned are Shabars, Bishour, Korwa, Birjia, Asur, Mal Pahariya, Sauria Pahariya and Pahariya.

The Shabars are one of the most primitive tribes on the verge of extinction. They are located in the districts of Sainghbhum, Ranchi and Hazaribagh. These people earn their livelihood through collecting edible roots, labouring for wages, agriculture, and mine making. Environment has played a tremendous role in the life of Shabars. They are not isolated toay and are well connected to other tribal and non-tribal people. They speak a corrupt mixture of Oriya, Bengali and Hindi and the Shabars of Dhalbhum has become thoroughly Hinduised and Brahmins serve them as priest in the worship of the gods. Thus they are gradually giving up their tribal customs and assimilating Hindu culture in their daily lives.

Korwas are a Kolarian tribe found in Surguja,Jashpur, and Palamau. Interestingly, they possess a proper administrative system consisiting of a pancayat and a head called Mukhiya. They are mostly employed as Dhangerd or labourers on wage by thr dominant tribe of the area. So far, almost no development work among them had been taken up any agency. Korwas have forgotten their aboriginal language and customs. They follow the religion of the dominant tribe of the region.

The Birhors are largely a nomadic tribe but their primary abodes have been Ranchi, Palamou, Hazaribagh, Singhbum, and Chota Nagpur. They are divided into two classes - the Uthlus (the wanderes) and Jagis (the settlers) under th esecond five year lan 45 Birhorsfamilies have been settled in colonies and have been alotted 5 acres of land each for cultivation. The traditional occupation of Birhors has suffered due ti this settled way of life.From hunting, roop making and woodwork they are moving to a more sedentary lifestyle