The Baiga are one of the oldest indigenous communities in Central India, primarily settled in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
Worship of "Mother Earth": The Baiga hold the spiritual belief that the Earth is their mother. Historically, they have refused to use a plough because they consider it a violent act that "tears the mother's breast."
Bewar Cultivation: They traditionally practice bewar (slash-and-burn agriculture), which involves scattering seeds in the ashes of burnt forest, allowing the land to regenerate naturally.
Medicinal Knowledge: They are famous for being masters of traditional herbal medicine. In fact, the name "Baiga" is often associated with the role of a healer or medicine man (gunia).
Dance and Music: They celebrate life with dances such as the Karma, Saila, and Dadariya, often accompanied by the sound of the mandar drum or the gudum baja.
For Baiga women, tattooing is not just about aesthetics; it is a fundamental part of their identity and spirituality:
The Only Eternal Treasure: They hold a deep belief that jewelry and clothing remain in the earthly world, but tattoos are the only thing they take with them into the afterlife.
Rite of Passage: Tattooing begins around age 7–9 (usually starting on the forehead). As they grow, motifs are added to the legs, arms, and chest. A body without tattoos is considered "impure" or incomplete.
Symbology: The designs represent elements of nature, such as leaves, birds, or paths, and serve to identify them as members of the tribe before their ancestors.
Process: Traditionally, tattoos were performed by women from another tribe (called Godharins) using needles and an ink made from soot and vegetable oil.
Extended info about Baiga People
