The Bhumia people are an indigenous ethnic group in India, primarily recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. Their name is derived from the Sanskrit word bhumi, meaning "earth" or "soil," signifying their identity as original "sons of the soil."
Location: They are mostly found in southern Madhya Pradesh (Anuppur, Shahdol, and Umaria districts) and Odisha (specifically the Koraput region).
Culture & Religion: They largely practice a form of folk Hinduism, blending the worship of Hindu deities with ancestor worship and nature spirits. They primarily speak Odia in Odisha and Hindi or local dialects in Madhya Pradesh.
Lifestyle: Historically, they have relied on agriculture and the collection of forest products. Many work as agricultural laborers due to limited land ownership.
