Ethnicity

Ethnicity of Bihar can be traced back to the Indo-Aryan descent. The ethnicity of the people of Bihar can be traced back to the many tribes and communities that came and settled in this territory.

Ethnicity of Bihar is reflected in its tribal population. Yet it is noteworthy that with effect from 15th November, 2000, most of the area that contained these tribal people is now in Jharkhand: a new state that was culled out of Bihar.

Therefore, talking about the ethnicity of Bihar, we can say that the tribal population of Bihar can be divided into 30 different tribal groups. Some of the important tribes and races that constitute the ethnicity of Bihar are:

Negrito

Proto-Australoid

Mongoloid

Mediterranean

Nordic races

Dravidian, etc.

These tribal groups or ethnic groups, as it can be said, reflects the ethnicity of the people of Bihar. We can find these ethnic traits among the following categories in Bihar:

• Negrito traits are visible among the aborigines around the Rajmahal hills.
• Proto-Australoid features are found in the Kharwar Munda, Bhumji and the Mal Pahariyas.
• An admixture of Mongoloid blood may be found among the Tharus (Champaran).
• Among the Austic groups belong the Munda, Santhal, Ho, Birhor, Kharia, etc.
• The representative of the Dravidian races are the Hos, the Santhals, the Oraons, the Mundas, etc.

Among the other backward communities that comprises the ethnicities of Bihar are:

• Asur
• Korwa
• Birjhia
• Chick Baraik
• Lohara
• Karmali
• Mahlis
• Kisans, etc.

It is remarkable that these ethnic groups are yet untouched by the hustle and bustle of the city life. In fact, these representative of the ethnicity of Bihar remain under cover and lead a tranquil life in the forests.

Moreover, these ethnic groups, a part of the ethnicity of Bihar, depend largely on the forest and forest products; and still lead a nomadic life.