|
|
|
|
The Parhaiya one of the lesser known Adivasi Groups of the Jharkhand state. They are found in the districts of Gumla, Palamu, Hazaribag and Santhal Pragana and Gaya.
Culture
Parahiya's village are situated on hills or on plains below the hills. The hill villages have less number of families but plain villages have more number of families. They erect houses with bamboo, wood, bushes mud, leaves, grasses, and tiles. In hill villages, there is the existence of huts, but in plain village houses of mud and tiles are found. The houses are triangular or rectangular in shape having no windows. There is a little gate to go in and come out. The door is closed with a tati. In plain village, one finds wooden gate. They lock the door and go out for work they have wooden racks.
Family
Family is nuclear, husband-wife and their unmarried children. Married son established their own family and married daughter leave the house to lead a family with their husband.
Marriage
The ritual of marriage generally comes in the life of all boys and girls of the Parahiya, Monogamy is the usual form of marriage. Bigamy is also allowed. Levirate and Sorrorate marriage are possible depending on the situation. Pre-marital relations within lineage group is not allowed. But in case of other lineage group it is excused and finally results in marriage. Marriage may take place between boys and girls of two lineage but generally it is avoided. They generally follow village exogamy. Usual way of acquiring bride is by bride-price and through the consent of parents of boys and girls. But marriage by exchange, elopement service and love may also take place.
Birth
Birth is regarded as very joyous occasion in the society of the Parahiya . It makes the couple fertile and washes the strain of barrenness for ever. It enhances the status of the husband and the wife as father and mother.
Death
The Parahiya are aware of death reality. They know well that wherever birth there is is death. But they do not know the age and time of death, although it is predicted. Some die just after birth, some die in infancy, some in young age. The death during old age is taken good because it brings occasion of transformation of body and soul of a person. The dead body is buried or cremated. Only male members participate in death rituals.
Economy
Main economic activities of Parahiya are agriculture, collection of forest produce from the forest, lac cultivation and basketry.
Religion
The Parahiya believe in a number of Gods, Goddesses, and Spirits and ancestral spirits.
Political Organization
The Parahiya have the concept of village Panchayat, all head of family are the members. The village head is called "Mahato" and Khato is his assistant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
