Over 100 cases of malnourished children have been identified among children of the Sahariya tribe of Rajasthan, raising concerns about the effectiveness of local health services and the implementation of child welfare programs.
About the Sahariya Tribe:
- Sahariyas are one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- Geographical Distribution: They primarily inhabit Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
- Alternate Names: Seher, Sair, Savar, Saonar, Sahra, called ‘Raut’ in the Guna-Shivpuri region.
- Preferred Title: ‘Khutia Patel’ as a mark of respect.
- Population and Technology: PVTGs are characterized by declining or stagnant populations, the use of pre-agrarian technology, economic backwardness, and low literacy rates.
- Settlement: They generally reside in separate bastis within villages, known as Saharana.
- Economic Activities: Their economic activities include rainfed agriculture and collection of minor forest produce.
Socioeconomic Context:
- Family Structure: Large family sizes, often 7-8 children, contribute to a cycle of poverty and food scarcity.
- Health Vulnerabilities: Sahariya children are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to the economic conditions and lifestyle of their families.
Economic Activities:
- Agriculture: Primarily rainfed farming.
- Forest Produce: Collection of forest produce, honey harvesting, basket making, rope making, and wood cutting.
- Diet: Consumption of jowar, bajra (millets), vegetables, roots, and gram flour bread on special occasions.
Festivals and Deities:
- Major Deity: Sita, along with village deities like Thakur Dev, Bheru Dev, Nahar Dev, Dareth Dev, Karas Dev, Bhumiyan Dev, Hariman Dev, and Tejaji.
- Festivals: Follow popular deities and festivals from surrounding communities.
- Dance: Lehengi, a special dance form.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What are the main regions where the Sahariya tribe is found?
The Sahariya tribe primarily inhabits Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
What economic activities are common in the Sahariya tribe?
The Sahariya tribe engages in rainfed agriculture and the collection of minor forest produce like honey, basket-making materials, and wood.
Why is malnutrition prevalent among Sahariya children?
Malnutrition is common due to the economic conditions, large family sizes, and food scarcity faced by the tribe.
What are some alternate names for the Sahariya tribe?
The tribe is also known by names such as Seher, Sair, Savar, and Sahra.
What are the major festivals and deities of the Sahariya tribe?
The Sahariyas worship deities like Sita, Thakur Dev, Bheru Dev, and celebrate festivals influenced by surrounding communities.