Bison Horn Maria Dance of Bastar’s Dandami Maria Tribe
Why in the news
The Bison Horn Maria dance of Bastar drew attention for its ceremonial colour and the tribe’s strong cultural identity.
About the tribe
- Names: Dandami Maria, Bison Horn Maria, Khalpati Maria; part of the Gond (Koytorias) community.
- Roots in ancient Gondwana; language Dandami Maria with Gondi dialects (Dravidian).
- Live mainly in Bastar, southern Chhattisgarh (Darbha, Tokapal, Lohandiguda, Dantewada), in forest settlements.
Dance attire
| Who | Wears |
|---|---|
| Men | Bamboo headgear with bison or cattle horns, feathers, cowries, beads, ankle bells |
| Women | Handwoven saris, silver and brass jewellery, coin ornaments, crowns |
Social life
- The ghotul, a youth dormitory, anchors socialisation and cultural continuity.
- Divorce and widow remarriage are accepted.
Exam angle
- Tribe: Dandami Maria; region: Bastar; dormitory: ghotul.