Cultural mapping of the Baiga tribe in Madhya Pradesh

The Baigas are a tribal community of central India (M.P). They live in the districts of Balaghat, Dindori, Mandla & Shahdol. For centuries the Baigas have been living in the forest and are regarded as forest dwellers and expert hunters.

The Baiga people have a distinctive, culturally rich lifestyle and heritage. Their appearance, clothing and even the way they interact within and outside their community gives them a unique identity. The new and older generation of Baigas coexist and are sometimes referred to as the asli Baiga or purana Baiga, loosely translated as the authentic Baigas and the naya Baigas or the new generaton of Baigas in the community.