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Tribes of Goa

Goa is home to four main tribes: Gowdas, Kunbis, Velips, and Dhangars, each with unique customs and lifestyles. The Gowdas are believed to be the first settlers and practice Hinduism, while Kunbis are known for their rich cultural traditions and were converted to Christianity. Velips are a sub-caste of Kunbis living in remote areas, and Dhangars, who migrated from Gujarat, lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle as shepherds and practice polygamy.

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1K views3 pages

Tribes of Goa

Goa is home to four main tribes: Gowdas, Kunbis, Velips, and Dhangars, each with unique customs and lifestyles. The Gowdas are believed to be the first settlers and practice Hinduism, while Kunbis are known for their rich cultural traditions and were converted to Christianity. Velips are a sub-caste of Kunbis living in remote areas, and Dhangars, who migrated from Gujarat, lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle as shepherds and practice polygamy.

Uploaded by

gaurangnaa07
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Tribes of Goa

The 4 main tribes in goa live in small groups in


different villages in the state. They have made their
lives work for them in spite of the world becoming
modern. They have kept their unique lifestyle,
customs, traditions, ceremonies, religious beliefs and
superstitions, frozen in time.
Gowdas:
This tribal community is believed to be the first
settlers in Goa. There isn’t any written proof of where
they came from although they have been linked to the
Gowda community from Bengal as they seem to have
similar customs and traditions. It is also believed that
they took their name from the word ‘Goan’ which
means village in Sanskrit. Godas practice Hinduism
but do not seem to have any hierarchical order and do
not marry outside the community. They even allow
cross-cousin marriages between paternal and maternal
cousins. Women play a major role in economic, social
and political activities but cannot take part in any
religious rituals, not even related to the deity
worshipped in the household. These tribes practice
Hindu religion and worship Lord Mallikarjun, a form of
Lord Shiva.
Kunbis:
The most famous tribes living in Goa. The kunbis are
also believd to be among the earliest inhabitants. They
are known to be simple, hardworking folk and can be
found in the interior region of Goa. They tend to lush
green fields and live in small mud huts with bamboo
roofs adorned with coconut palm leaves or straws.
These tribals live in little hamlets known as “kutumba”
from the Sanskrit word “kutumbakam” which means
family. Kunbis have a rich tradition of art and culture
to which they attach particular importance. Their
songs and dances are melodious, fluid and an
explosion of color. The festival of Shigmotsav, held in
February-March is the best way to showcase their
talents. Kunbis used to practice Hinduism but were
converted to Christianity by Portuguese.
Velips:
The Velips are thought to be a sub-caste of the kunbis
and also have certain traditions and customs in
common with them. They aren’t found in large
numbers and prefer to live in the more remote and
rural areas in Goa. Velips can be found in the forest
regions of Canacona, Sanguem, and Quepem. The joint
family system is prevalent in their lifestyle which is
supposed to make them considerably more
economically stable.
Dhangars:
Dhangars are believed to have migrated to Goa from
Gujarat. Members of this tribe are quite pious and
religiously worship their God named “Bira Deva”.
These tribals are mainly shepherds or cattle herders
and live a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Their dressing is
proof of this as is the fact that they carry a stick at all
times and are usually accompanied by 1 or 2 hunter
dogs. This particular community of tribals practices
polygamy with brides normally being purchased in
exchange for cash or kind.
Snehal Jhanwar
221103060

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