Jaelgaon Baiga Tola
Past vast stretches of dense forest, the members of Jalgaon Baiga Tola barely cling to survival. Suffering from neglectful Panchayat, a higher ratio of elderly to young adults, and rancid water, the Baiga of this land, while being natives, find little comfort in their domain. The beauty and fertility of the land is juxtaposed with the destitute conditions of the denizens. A large pond that was built during the British Raj is in close proximity. One would assume this be a great advantage, but because of all the other scarcities around them, it provides little cushion to the hardships in life.
Even Bhuriby Marawi's parents and grandparents were living here, but still do not own the land. If they could farm, at the very least they could provide subsistence to their families, but without it, they can barely afford the monthy budget for rice at 2 rupees per kilo at the ration shop. A few of them do go for labor. Some know the art of farming, but they can never use such talents for their own reaping, and are only working for others. They have job cards which allow them to make 100 per day with government jobs but with the dominance of private contactors , they will receive only 50 because of job scarcity. Being that there are many people to support under the wages of a couple of people, these meager wages do not provide enough for everyone’s needs.
As it is their traditional practice, they go foraging three times a week, bringing back 2,3, or 4 bamboo per person in order to make the products and sell them. Though they are relatively lucky compared to many other Baigas in Baihar who have are fully bared from the forest, they are unable to sustain life from the bamboo trade becuase there are very few thickets left in the surounding jungle. Guards bother them, telling them not to cut bamboo, and will abuse them, but they were never sent to jail. The forest on the periphery of this village is not Kanha, or a biodiversity zone, yet the forest department is still restricting the tribes. Ramaliji, says that it is their whole life to go into the forest, yet at the most 10 rupees per piece, either they do not get sufficient money, or have to search the whole forest all day only for a few. For eight hours of this they are only making 40-50 rupees. Ripe bamboo seem to be very scarce in this area, but the government has been taking the initiative to plant shoots in rainy season. Trouble is that is takes 10 years to grow to right width and height.
The most basic resourse, their water source is also in a sad state. It is quite visible that the hand pump brings red, rusty water, while well water is green from some algae or bacteria. The well is 3 years old, and the hand pump is 25 years old and no one has come since to maintain. To wash clothes they go to Jelgaon pond which is 1 km away. They seem far better in appearance than all the other disadvantaged Baigas we had witnessed, if only because of their ability to bathe regularly.
A quick and begrudging conversation about the local governing system was drenched in apathy. The surpanch is a Gond who does not attend to the needs nor does he even try to listen to their issues. During election he came and brought a feast of chicken, chipatis and mahua wine, but since the election he seems to have forgotten all of his promises, and has not returned since.
Despite all of their woes they seem to have retained many of their traditions. They worship gods which they call by the names of Boredeo, Chotedeo, celebrate Nordurga, and Deepvali . The two gods being ancient Baiga gods, and the latter being Hindu festivals that have taken up a secular presence in this neighborhood. They sacrifice goats and hens once a year during Nordurga in their own house. The ancient practice of Ghotul, Ramaleby Tecam has heard about in her childhood, but does not know any details.
Despite all of their woes they seem to have retained many of their traditions. They worship gods which they call by the names of Boredeo, Chotedeo, celebrate Nordurga, and Deepvali . The two gods being ancient Baiga gods, and the latter being Hindu festivals that have taken up a secular presence in this neighborhood. They sacrifice goats and hens once a year during Nordurga in their own house. The ancient practice of Ghotul, Ramaleby Tecam has heard about in her childhood, but does not know any details.
Being it was rationshop day, the residents at the tola could not take the trip to the local oasis, but offered to meet later to speak about their religious practices. A short ride down freshly turned dirt road brought us to the hub for work, leisure, and social interaction for the Baigas of this region. Jaelgon pond was teeming with activity when we arrived; we were able to wintness Baiga swimming, playing, washing and making their bamboo products. The pond priovides a most essential element of the manufacturing process, soaking of the stalks. If the bamboo is saturated it will remain soft and maliable for weaving baskets, fences and fans for sale in the market.
Pichiliby Tecam comes to river to wash and make bamboo products, and from the looks of her pockets, also to collect mahua fruits. She is struggling to afford food as she waits for her son to return from migrant labor in Mumbai.
The shoots that soak in the water are as valulable as gold to these Baiga, because of the scarcity in this region.