inz-india

The Lakhera community, though numerically small, holds a distinctive place in the cultural heritage of central India. Predominantly settled in the districts of Jabalpur, Betul, and Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh, they are celebrated for their expertise in crafting lac bangles and ornamental articles. Their artistry, enriched by legends and traditions, has shaped their identity and ensured their cultural continuity across generations. Origins and Mythical Accounts The name “Lakhera” is derived from the Sanskrit term laksha-kara, meaning a worker in lac or glass. Their origin is surrounded by multiple legends and interpretations. Some traditions suggest that they were originally Kayasthas, while others attribute their creation to divine intervention. One popular legend narrates that Lord Shiva created them to make bangles for Goddess Parvati, earning them the title Deobansi. Another tale claims that Lord Krishna formed them to craft bangles for the Gopis. A more elaborate account des...

Kerala, often celebrated as the land of cultural diversity, is home to a wide range of tribal communities, each with its own distinctive traditions and ways of life. Among these, the Kanikkar tribe stands out as one of the largest and most significant groups. According to the Census of India (1981), their population was around fourteen thousand, with settlements concentrated in the forested regions of Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. The Kanikkars embody a remarkable blend of heritage, ecological wisdom, and cultural resilience, making them an Integral Part of Kerala Social Fabric . Origins and Identity The origins of the Kanikkar tribe are steeped in folklore and historical narratives. One belief traces their lineage to Aryans who migrated southward, with the term Kanikkar meaning “landlords.” These landlords were said to be descendants of kings who offered tributes to the Attingal royal family. Another story connects the tribe’s name to the sage Agasthya, linking them to the Malaya...

Introduction The Bhar tribe is regarded as one of the oldest aboriginal communities of India, with a historical presence extending from Gorakhpur in Northern India to Saugor in Central India. Agriculture has long been their primary occupation, which explains their settlement in the fertile eastern districts of Uttar Pradesh such as Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Gonda, Varanasi, Balia, Deoria, Faizabad, Basti, Mau, and Maharajganj. Beyond Uttar Pradesh, Bhar communities are also found in Bihar and West Bengal. Their mother tongue is Bhojpuri, though they also communicate in Hindi and Bengali, reflecting their adaptability and integration into diverse cultural environments. Other Names of Bhar The Bhar tribe is known by several names, including Rajbhar, Bharat, and Bharpatwa. Scholars suggest that the term Rajbhar signifies a landowning Bhar, highlighting their historical association with agriculture and land ownership. These variations in nomenclature emphasize the tribe...