Savar Adivasi
The Savar is the one of primitive tribal groups of the Jharkhand state. They are found in Singhbhum districts of Jharkhand, Midnapur and Bankura districts of West Bengal, Keonjhar and Dhenkanal in Orissa. There is no history written, some myth relate migration Savar in Dhalbhum from the Orissa. They belong to Mundari group but speak Bengali.
Culture
The Savar village are situated at the foot of the hill, nearby by water resources. Their houses are in linear fashion in the village. Houses are erect with bamboo, Wood and mud walls.
Family
Savar family is patrilinea. Family structure 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
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 Savar. 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 Savar are aware of death reality. They know well that wherever birth there is death. But they do not know the age and time of death, although it is predicated. 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 participates in death rituals.
Economy
Main economic activities of the Savar are agriculture, collection of forest produce from forest, lac cultivation and basketry.
Religion
Dharamdevata or Dharmesh and mother Goddess earth are the important God and Goddess of the Savar.
Political Organization
The Savar have the concept of village Panchayat, all head of family are the members. The village head is called "Manjhi" head holds rent free land for his service.
© Jharkhand Org
Jharkhand.ORG (India) -> www.jharkhand.org.in
Jharkhand.ORG (United States) -> www.jharkhand.us
Jharkhand.ORG (United Kingdom) -> www.jharkhand.org.uk