Tribes In Goa
Goa is the smallest state in India located right between the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Though it has only been few years that Goa has been confirmed as a state in India, yet the history and people of Goa dates back to long periods of time. There are various different tribes in Goa, and they reside in their respective villages. The population of Goa also comprises of the descendants from various ancient tribes. Goa is one of the top most holiday destinations in India. Tourists coming to Goa are often taken to these tribal villages as a sightseeing activity. This in turn, helps the tourists to get an insight of the lifestyle, food habits and economic conditions of these tribes.
There are in fact very few tribes left in Goa, but these remaining tribes reflect the cultural values and traditions of Goa. Some of the chief tribes in Goa are Gowdas, Kunbis, Dhangars, and Velips. These tribes occupy different villages, and they still follow the ancient patterns of living and the traditional ways of life. The customs, the lifestyles and practices followed by them are still ancient and traditional, and they are different from the touches of the modern world. The developments in the outside world have not affected them in any way, and they largely prefer to stay connected to their roots.
The Major Tribe:
Gowdas are the largest and the major tribes in Goa, and they have successfully retained their ancient culture and heritage. At the same time they also prefer to follow an indigenous way of life along with their traditional practices, way of living and customs. They reside in the interior villages, but there is no official records regarding the migration of these tribes. Hinduism is practiced by them, and they worship Lord Shiva. The blood lines and ethnicity are protected by them strictly. Gowdas permit cross-cousin marriages, and they are also quite protective about women.
The Kinbis are the next important tribe in Goa and they are considered to be the original tribes of Goa. They are very hostile and soft-natured people, and they work very hard in order to make their living. Initially they practiced Hinduism, but later they were forcefully converted to Christianity. The folk dance of these tribes is quite famous in Goa, and is also one of the major forms of attraction for the people who visit Goa.
The numbers of Velips and Dhangars tribes are lesser, and there are very less people within these tribes in Goa. They still cling to the roots of the ancient tradition and culture, without being slightly affected by the modern culture and west influence. However, the Portuguese created a great influence on these tribes, and the descendants of these tribes that cling to the tradition and culture of the tribes are very less. Very less information is available about these tribes, and they make a source of living through fishing and farming. Today Goa is known as the top beach destination and there are hardly places for the tribes.