As a class activity, list two or three tribal groups from your region or State. Document some of their art and belief systems.
This activity requires students to identify tribal groups specific to their region and research their cultural practices. Expected outcomes include: (1) Naming tribal groups (examples from the chapter include the Toda tribals of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, tribes of Arunachal Pradesh who worship Donyipolo, and the Munda and Santhal tribals of eastern India). (2) Documenting art forms such as Warli painting (Maharashtra), Gond art (central India), or other regional tribal art. (3) Describing belief systems — many tribes worship deities associated with natural elements like mountains, rivers, trees, and animals. Some tribes have a concept of a supreme deity, such as Singbonga (Munda and Santhal) or Donyipolo (Arunachal Pradesh). Students should observe that tribal belief systems are complex and sophisticated, not limited to spirits and minor deities, and have interacted with Hinduism for centuries.
Explanation
The chapter explains on Pages 16-18 that India has 705 tribes spread over most states, with a population of about 104 million people. Tribes like the Toda of Tamil Nadu regard mountain peaks as sacred. Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh worship Donyipolo (Sun and Moon combined as a supreme god). The Munda and Santhal worship Singbonga as a supreme deity. The chapter emphasises that tribal belief systems are rich and complex, having mutual influence with Hinduism.