Cultural Portrait of Baiga People in Central India

The Baiga tribe are a forest-dwelling indigenous tribal community of central India.

They lived in intimacy with the elements of nature, and even at present, their everyday lives and livelihoods continue to be closely intertwined with their forest. They are nomadic hunter-gatherers. They are also known to be extremely knowledgeable about the medicinal and healing properties of the various species of flora and fauna.

Tattoos hold a special significance for the Baiga women. They are considered to enhance the beauty of the women. Women like being tattooed not only because it increases their attractiveness. Getting elaborately tattooed is culturally appreciated and women take pride in their tattoo

The weekly market is an important event in the lives of the Baiga people and, women in particular elaborately dress up to visit the market.

The market that I have visited, everywhere you turn your head are young mothers -very young mothers indeed as early as 12 or 13 years old handling or carrying at their back their own newly born babies and toddler.

In western culture where at this age, they are anxious about getting pimples or experiencing their first love or crush, the Baiga people are already in the market looking for the food to buy and cook. Young kids as early as 9 years old are being taught by their also young mothers on chores such as buying food, preparing them for early family life

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
– Hunter S. Thompson

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