Bastar - Fade-out of a Tribal Culture

 Bastar is a major part of the state of Chhattisgarh. It is to be reached from the rail-head of Raipur, by a drive of about 150-160 miles. One may also reach the main headqaurters at Jagdalpur by train from Vishakhapatnam that runs to Kirandul near the Bailadilla Hills; this train journey is  picturesque with many high bridges and tunnels.

The population of Bastar was mainly tribals of Gond origin, such as the Muria, Bison-horn Maria, the Hill Maria, the Dhurwa, Poroja, and others. They were living in the hills and forests of Bastar, around the villages (now towns) of Antagarh, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Jagdalpur,  Dantewada and Sukma. It was a difficult life as the terrain is hilly and the soil  stony. But they still had their songs, and dances, their arts and crafts. Their gods and goddesses like Burha Deo and Telgin Mata had their abode in the same hills and forests. 

But with time, trade and commerce with neighbouring districts and states increased. This affected tribal life in many ways, and the old practices, the old songs and dances were progressively discarded. Whether Bastar will still be able to hold on to what is distinctive about  their culture only time will tell.