The Bagata tribe, a significant and numerically dominant tribe in Andhra Pradesh, predominantly resides in the Scheduled areas of Visakhapatnam district. Known for their prominent social status and cultural heritage, the Bagata community has a unique way of life that reflects their deep-rooted traditions and practices. Let’s delve into the various aspects of the Bagata tribe, from their demographics and social structure to their customs and livelihood.
According to the 2011 Census, the Bagata population stands at 132,577, with 64,884 males and 67,693 females. The literacy rate among the Bagatas is 45.2%, with a total of 60,004 literates. The tribe predominantly speaks Telugu and has a strong presence in the Visakhapatnam district.
The Bagata tribe occupies the highest rung in the local social hierarchical ladder. Historically, many former Muttadars and traditional village headmen in the tribal areas of Visakhapatnam belong to this tribe.
The Bagata tribe is organized into several unilateral agnatic kin groups called "Gothrams" or "Vamsams," such as:
Members of each Gothram believe they have descended from a common ancestor. These Gothrams are further divided into various surnames (Intiperlu).
The Bagata community recognizes several socially approved modes of acquiring mates, including:
Marriage is usually performed at the groom’s house, and the custom of paying a bride price to the bride’s parents is practiced. Monogamy is common, while polygamy is rare. Widow remarriage, levirate, and sororate marriages are permitted. Divorce is socially accepted.
Nuclear families predominate over joint families among the Bagatas. The society is patriarchal, patrilineal, and patrilocal. In the absence of a son, a daughter can inherit her father's property.
The Bagatas observe various life cycle ceremonies, from birth to death:
Agriculture is the mainstay of the Bagata tribe's livelihood, supplemented by agricultural labor and the collection of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP).
Bagatas worship a variety of gods and goddesses, attributing daily events to the deities' kindness or wrath. Some of the deities include:
They celebrate festivals along with other local tribal communities, such as Korra Kotha Panduga, Kandi Kotha Panduga, Sama Kotha Panduga, and Mamidi Kotha Panduga, often held before consuming new produce.
Traditional councils at the village level, headed by a representative called “Peddamanishi,” play a crucial role in governance and conflict resolution. These councils settle internal disputes and impose penalties on culprits.
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