The Gond and Naikpod tribes are among the significant tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. These tribes have a strong presence in the central regions of India, including Andhra Pradesh, where they have maintained their unique identities and customs. This article provides an in-depth look at the demographics, social structure, cultural practices, and livelihood of the Gond and Naikpod tribes.
According to the 2011 Census, the combined population of Gonds, including Naikpods, in Andhra Pradesh is 6,691, with 3,347 males and 3,344 females. The literacy rate among the Gonds is 37.60%. Gonds are found in larger areas of Central India, historically known as Gondwana, while Naikpods are listed alongside Raj Gonds in the Scheduled Tribes list.
The Gond tribe is divided into several important sub-divisions:
These sub-divisions collectively refer to themselves as Koitur in their dialect. The patrilineal Gond society is organized into four exogamous phratries (Saga) attributed to their legendary hero “Pahandi Kupar Lingal”:
Each phratry is associated with totemic animals/objects and is divided into several exogamous clans (Padi), which are further subdivided into Khandans (lineages).
Marriage within the phratry is taboo, and the Gonds encourage cross-cousin marriages but prohibit marriage with one's own sister's daughter. Accepted methods of acquiring mates include:
Polygamy is rare, and monogamy is the general rule. Divorce is permissible for reasons such as adultery, barrenness, impotency, and maladjustment. Widow remarriages, known as 'pat', are also socially accepted.
Gonds worship a plethora of deities and spirits, including:
Major ceremonies honor Persa Pen and other clan deities. Gonds observe two important ceremonies in Bhave (April-May) and Pus (December-January) months. They do not consume new food grains or vegetables until they are offered to village deities in a ceremony called 'nowon'.
The Gonds perform robust dances such as 'Dandari' during Ashada (June-July) full moon days and festive occasions. Both males and females participate in 'Demsa' dances during marriage ceremonies. Dandari dances include five varieties: Gusadi, Gummela, Parra, Tappal, and Kodal, with specific dances performed by members of corresponding phratries.
The Gond community has strong traditional village councils, and inter-village councils called Raya Sabha, which settle disputes among groups of villages. These councils also maintain Grain Golas (grain banks) to help members in times of need.
Gonds primarily subsist on agriculture and agricultural labor, growing crops such as jowar, cotton, red gram, black gram, and green gram.
The Naikpods are distinct from the Gonds but are listed alongside them in the Scheduled Tribes list. They do not follow the phratry system of Gonds and have their own exogamous groups based on surnames. Naikpods claim superiority over Gonds and do not accept cooked food from them. They worship deities such as Laxmi devata and perform rituals with colorful masks representing various gods and mythical figures.
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