Key Facts about Sahariya Tribe

About Sahariya Tribe:

• The Sahariya tribe is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) spread across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
• Sahariya, also known as Seher, Sair, Sawar, Saor, Sahara, etc.
• Traditionally, they trace back their beginnings to the days of the Ramayana and even beyond.
• They are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable population groups in the country.
• Residing in communities with non-Sahariya members, the Sahariyas mostly live in a separate area in the village, which is called ‘Seharana’. It is generally a cluster of houses.
  • The houses are made of some stone boulders and the roofing is also made of stone slabs - locally called In some villages, mud structures are also constructed. 
  • In villages, ties to the caste system are very strong and people belonging to the same caste live in close proximity. 
• Religion: They practice Hinduism as their religion.
• Language: They speak a dialect influenced by Hindi and Brij Bhasha.
• They are known for their dance, the Saharia Swang, which is performed during the month of Holi.
• • The dance is performed to the beats of the dhol, nagari and matki.
  • It features a male dressed in female attire who dances around the male performers.
• Economy:
  • Members of the Sahariya tribe are mostly dependent on forest products, agriculture, and daily wage labor to sustain their lives.
  • They are particularly skilled in making catechu from khair trees.