| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 17,044[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 India | |
| Jharkhand | 10,726 |
| Chhattisgarh | 3,104 |
| West Bengal | 2,241 |
| Odisha | 596 |
| Bihar | 377 |
| Languages | |
| Hindi • Birhor | |
| Religion | |
| Traditional beliefs • Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Munda • Hos • Kols • Bhumijs • Santhals | |
Birhor (orBirhul) are atribal/Adivasi forest people, traditionallynomadic, living primarily in theIndianstate ofJharkhand. They speak theBirhor language, which belongs to theMunda group of languages of theAustroasiatic language family.[2][3]
Birhor means 'jungle people' -bir means 'jungle',hor means 'men'.[4]
The Birhors are of short stature, long head, wavy hair and broad nose. They claim they have descended from the Sun and believe that the Kharwars, who also trace their descent from the Sun, are their brothers. Ethnologically, they are akin to theSantals,Mundas, andHos.[4][5]
Birhors are found mainly in the area covered by the oldHazaribagh,Ranchi andSinghbhum districts before these were broken down into numerous smaller units, inJharkhand. Some of them are also found inOrissa,Chhattisgarh andWest Bengal.[6] They are one of the smaller of the thirtyscheduled tribesinhabiting Jharkhand.[7]
Birhors number around 10,000.[3] According to some sources, their numbers could be fewer than this.[8]
Most speak Hindi, while some speak the critically endangeredBirhor language, which belongs to theMunda group of languages of theAustroasiatic language family. Their language has similarities withSantali,Mundari andHo languages. Birhors have a positive language attitude. They freely use the languages prevalent in the areas they move around and use Sadri, Santali, Ho, Mundari.Literacy rate in the first language was as low as 0.02 percent in 1971, but around 10 per cent were literate in Hindi.[3]
The “primitive subsistence economy” of the Birhors has been based on nomadicgathering and hunting, particularly for monkeys. They also trap rabbits and titirs[what language is this?] (a small bird), and collect and sell honey. They make ropes out of the fibres of a particular species of vine, which they sell in the markets of the nearby agricultural people. Partly forced by circumstances, partly encouraged by government officials, some of them have settled into stable agriculture, but others continue their nomadic life, but even when they settle down in a village, their tendency is to lead a nomadic life. According to the socio-economic standing the Birhors are classified into two groups. While the wandering Birhors are called Uthlus, the settled Birhors are called Janghis.[3][4][5][8][9]
The traditionalmagico-religious beliefs of Birhors are akin to those of the Hos. Mundari deities such asSing Bonga (Sun God[a]) andHapram (ancestral spirits) rank high in esteem.[4][10]
Hinduism andPentecostal Christianity are making significant inroads into their society.[9]
The temporary Birhor settlements are known astandas orbands. These consist of at least half a dozen huts of conical shape, erected with leaves and branches. The household possessions traditionally consisted of earthen utensils, some digging implements, implements for hunting and trapping, rope making implements, baskets and so on. In recent times aluminium and steel have found their way into Birhor huts.[5]
After Indian independence in 1947, the government has attempted to settle the Birhors by giving them land, bullocks for cultivation, agricultural implements and seeds. Schools for children, rope making centres and honey collection training centres were started. However, these efforts have borne little fruit as most of the Birhors have reverted to nomadic life.[5]
