Gond (Chhattisgarh & North India)

Chhattisgarh is a nature lover's paradise. The state provides a glimpse of central India's cultural potpourri and of the prevailing lifestyle. The tribes of Chhattisgarh are mostly a primitive race who faithfully follow all traditional customs and their archetypal age-old ritual. The oldest and most populous tribe of Chhattisagrh are the Gonds. 

The Gonds Tribals, who are also recognized as the Koytorias are widely dispersed throughout the state. However they mainly predominate the dense forests enclosed in southern Chhattisgarh's Bastar District that accounts for more than 20% of Chhattisgarh's population. The three principal sub castes of the aboriginal Gonds are the Dorla, Maria and Muria races. The etymological significance of the term Gond is derived from the Telegu connotation"Kond" meaning hill. The tribal economy is predominantly agrarian. But the poverty stricken people also depend upon forestry, local cottage industries, hunting and fisheries for their economic subsistence. Some of the Gond people are however employed in cushy primary sector jobs as well as other allied industries. The unique and one of a kind Ghotul marriage tradition of the Gonds is renowned all across the world. They mainly practice the traditional Hindu customs and marry within the family in order to preserve the customary completion of the nuptial vows within the family. Of course some of the romantic daredevils choose to elope with their beloved. Gond marriages however are not a bed of roses. Remarriage, widow marriage, divorce and marrying in laws as well as brothers and sisters are a common affair. Gond society is somewhat matriarchal where the groom has to pay a substantial dowry top the bride's family to pay his due respects. 

To Reach this people group we need $10,000 per year.