Inside the Tribal Villages of West Bengal by Bruno Lavi
The state of West Bengal, located in the eastern region of India, represents one of the most culturally diverse territories in the Indian subcontinent. Among its diverse population, the tribal communities serve as guardians of ancient traditions, languages, and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. According to the 2011 Census of India, West Bengal is home to approximately 5.3 million tribal people, constituting about 5.8% of the state's total population [1]. These communities are officially recognised as Scheduled Tribes under the Indian Constitution, a designation that provides them with special protections and affirmative action benefits.
The tribal landscape of West Bengal is remarkably diverse, encompassing 40 distinct communities, each with its own unique cultural identity, linguistic heritage, and traditional practices. The largest among these is the Santhal community, numbering over 2.5 million people, followed by the Oraon and Munda tribes.
The significance of West Bengal's tribal communities extends far beyond their numerical presence. They represent living repositories of indigenous knowledge systems, sustainable agricultural practices, traditional crafts, and oral literature that have evolved over thousands of years. Their festivals, rituals, and social institutions offer insights into alternative ways of organising society and maintaining harmony with the natural environment. Moreover, their struggles and adaptations in the face of modernisation, industrialisation, and social change provide essential lessons about cultural resilience and the challenges of preserving indigenous identity in contemporary India.
The tribal communities of West Bengal have deep historical roots that extend back thousands of years, representing some of the earliest inhabitants of the region. Archaeological evidence and linguistic studies suggest that many of these communities have been present in the area since prehistoric times, developing distinct cultural identities through centuries of adaptation to the local environment and interaction with various waves of migration and cultural influence.
West Bengal is home to more than 5 million tribal people.
West Bengal officially recognises 40 tribes, making it one of the states with the highest diversity of tribal communities in India. These communities range from large populations numbering in millions to smaller groups with just a few thousand members.
The tribes of West Bengal represent a living heritage that continues to evolve while maintaining its essential character. Their festivals, crafts, music, and social institutions offer valuable insights into alternative ways of organising society and maintaining harmony with the natural environment.
One of the most fascinating aspects of West Bengal's cultural heritage is the traditional Pattachitra Art, a centuries-old form of scroll painting that combines visual storytelling with music. The word Pattachitra originates from the Sanskrit words "patta" (meaning cloth or scroll) and "chitra" (meaning picture), which together form "pictures on cloth." Artists known as Patuas create long, hand-painted scrolls that narrate religious epics, folklore, and even contemporary social issues. What makes this art truly unique is the way it is performed: the artist slowly unrolls the scroll while singing verses that tell the story, in a tradition known as Pater Gaan. Using natural dyes and brushes made from twigs and animal hair, each scroll becomes a vibrant, eco-friendly canvas full of life and expression. Today, Pattachitra has evolved beyond its religious roots, addressing modern topics such as climate change, health awareness, and women’s rights, transforming this ancient art form into a living, breathing medium of communication.
The tribal villages of West Bengal are home to some of the most unique and ecologically adapted housing traditions in India. Tribes build their homes using locally available natural materials, such as mud, bamboo, thatch, cow dung, and straw. These houses are typically single-story, with thick earthen walls that help keep the interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Roofs are usually made of sloped thatch or tiles to allow rainwater to drain efficiently during the monsoon. Many homes are artistically decorated with tribal motifs, murals, and symbolic patterns, especially by women, reflecting the tribe’s cultural identity and connection to nature. Courtyards often serve as communal spaces for cooking, rituals, and social gatherings. These homes are not just shelters—they are deeply intertwined with the tribe’s spiritual beliefs, family life, and sustainable living practices.
The tribal communities practice rich and deeply rooted forms of indigenous spirituality that are closely connected to nature, ancestors, and the spirit world. Their religious beliefs are generally animistic, meaning they see the natural world—trees, rivers, animals, mountains—as sacred and inhabited by spiritual forces. Many tribes worship a supreme nature deity, such as Marang Buru (Great Mountain) among the Santhals, alongside a host of local spirits and ancestral beings. Rituals and festivals are often held in sacred groves (Jaher) and involve music, dance, animal sacrifices, and offerings of rice beer. Unlike organised religions, tribal spirituality is not centred around temples or written scriptures but is instead passed down orally and lived through community practices, seasonal rituals, and storytelling. Though many tribal people have adopted elements of Hinduism or Christianity over time, traditional beliefs remain strong and continue to guide their daily lives and relationship with the land.
In the tribal villages, dance is more than entertainment—it is a powerful expression of identity, celebration, and connection to nature. One of the most visually striking traditions is the Santhal tribal dance, where women wear colourful flowers, especially marigolds or forest blooms, arranged elegantly in their hair or on headbands. These dances are performed during festivals like Baha (the spring flower festival) and Sohrai, and often celebrate nature, fertility, and the rhythms of rural life. Accompanied by tribal drums (madal) and bamboo flutes, dancers move in synchronized lines or circles, with gentle, swaying steps and graceful hand gestures. The flowers are not just decoration—they symbolise purity, beauty, and the tribe's deep reverence for the earth and its cycles. Men often join in with rhythmic drumming and war cries, creating an energetic and immersive atmosphere that blends movement, music, and meaning.
As India continues to develop and modernise, the experience of tribal communities provides essential lessons about cultural resilience, environmental sustainability, and the importance of preserving diversity in an increasingly homogenised world. Their struggles and successes offer hope that it is possible to honour the past while embracing the future.
The images in this photo essay capture just a glimpse of the rich cultural tapestry that characterises West Bengal's tribal communities. Behind each photograph lies a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring human capacity to create meaning and beauty in the face of challenges.
These communities remind us that development and progress need not come at the cost of cultural identity and environmental harmony. Their example suggests that the path forward lies not in choosing between tradition and modernity but in finding ways to honour both while creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
