More than 20 percent of the people in Madhya Pradesh are officially classified as members of scheduled castes and tribes. The main tribes are the Bhil, Baiga, Gond, Korku, Kol, Kamar, and Maria. Away from the tribal stock of Madhya Pradesh the rest of the population consists of Hindu communities. They include Rajput landholders, traditional merchant classes and established agriculturists such as Ahirs, Khatis, Kunbis, Lodhis, Malis and others. The industries and factories in the urban areas have drawn labour from all the classes. A small percentage of Parsis, Muslims and Jains also add to the racial mosaic of Madhya Pradesh. The population is unevenly distributed with the dense concentration being on the Mahanadi valley and the Wainganga valley. By its geographical position, Madhya Pradesh has remained exposed to cultural influences. It is only in the lower part of the state that the Adivasis maintain their indigenous culture. |
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