The Face Book of Innocent Tribal People of Bastar
One has to comprehend the inimitability of tribal culture, in order to admire them, to experience their warm hospitality and simple ways of living. Such can be described as the subtle and innocent qualities of Chhattisgarh tribal people, who at times rake recourse to perceptive and sincere judgement of opinions to determine their birthright and destiny.
Chhattisgarh is generally perceived as a tribal dominated state. Although this is factually incorrect it does reflect the significantly high proportion of tribals in the region. It also underscores a fundamentally important point that the tribals in Chhattisgarh have been able to retain their culture and traditional way of life despite the all pervasive influence of forces of modernity. While tribal people constitute 7.8 % and 23 % of the total population of India and Madhya Pradesh respectively they constitute 32.5 % of the population of Chhattisgarh. 
According to the 1991 census the tribal population in the then districts of Chhattisgarh was Durg -12.6 %, Raipur -18.6%, Rajnandgaon -25.3 %, Bilaspur -23.4 % Surguja -54.8 %, Raigarh - 45.5%, Bastar -67.7 %. The various tribes in the Chhattisgarh region are Gonds, Muria, Bhumja, Baiga, Kanars, Kawars, Halbas etc. 
A few of these tribes particularly the Gonds have influenced by the Hindu tradition and have in turn influenced local practices in the Hindu tradition as well. Other tribes like the Kamars and the Baigas have largely been untouched by the mainstream and have retained more of their traditional culture and way of life.
Urban-rural population of Chhattisgarh
Male - ( Total - 10,474,218) ( Urban - 2,166,775) ( Rural - 8,307,443 )
Female ( Total -10,359,585) ( Urban -2,018,972) ( Rural - 8,340,613 )
Total ( Total - 20,833,803 ) ( Urban - 4,185,747) ( Rural - 16,648,056 )
Source: Census of India, 2001
The population of Chhattisgarh is notable for the high proportion of Scheduled Tribes and for specific Sects primarily constituted of Schedule Castes. Of the total population of Chhattisgarh, tribals constitute at least 32.5%, which is a significantly high percentage. In the last few decades, the demographic profile of tribal dominated areas has undergone a change. 
This is a cause for concern as it represents large-scale intrusion of non tribals in tribal areas. This changing demographic profile is strongly evident in Bastar, where the proportion of tribals has decreased in the last few decades.
Population according to category (in percent)
Scheduled Castes - 11.61%
Scheduled Tribes - 31.80%
Other communities including Backward Classes - 56.59%
Source: Census of India, 2001
A positive and blissful note on Chhattisgarh tribal people is that such endangered men folk are at various stages of social, economical and educational development. Access to sophisticated communication and modern-day transport is yet one of the umpteen domains in which Chhattisgarh tribal people needs to look towards the future. Yet, the fact that underlines Indian history is not rather surprising, because Chhattisgarh tribal groups of people perhaps have existed since the birth of history of ancient India. 
The interesting and novel mode of lifestyle that such Chhattisgarh tribal people lead, accounts for a vast section of Chhattisgarh travelogue. Be it in the sphere of much-retold Chhattisgarh tribes or yet-to-be-known tribes, various styles of eating, drinking, working, singing, dancing, clothing, accessorising, or religious customs, Chhattisgarh tribal people lead a life of their own. This distinctness is as if encased and enveloped within a protective covering, that at times receives massive public coverage. 
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