“Ghotul” culture of tribal life in Baster Chhattisgarh

“Ghotul” culture of tribal life in Baster Chhattisgarh

Ghotul has existed as an institution among Muria Gond tribals of Chhattisgarh in which children ten years onwards learn to socialize and educate themselves about life skills while living together.

The unique system of Ghotul has played a vital role in the development of tribal culture over the years. It has played a significant role in developing awareness or imparting knowledge among members of Muria Gond tribals at early stage of their lives.

The institution promotes mutual understanding between male and female children. As at a tender age of ten years boys and girls become entitled with its membership and social responsibilities. The Ghotul tradition of the Muria tribals points to the equality and unisexuality of primitive humans. In the tribe, young men and women date from the age of ten onwards

The females are known as ‘Motiyaris’ whereas the male workers are known as ‘Chilaks’.

Ghotul has existed as a symbol of tribal’s deep rooted culture.

An interesting fact of Ghotul lies in the development of womenfolk here. Besides participating actively in decision-making process, women are assigned with the administrative task at the Ghotul.Unlike other traditional societies the women are not bound to the hard and fast rule of spouse-selection, arranged marriage.

The system of Ghotul imparts a sense of democracy early in life. In Ghotul, the students share a feeling of friendliness, sympathy and unity among the members. It was through ‘Ghotul’ that all got to know about tradition, dance, games, song and the method of farming. According to some anthropologists, the Ghotul is an ancient institution and some of them describe it as a living university. There are no books or test, yet it teaches one life’s education. Students are teachers here, and teachers are students. It is truly a wonder.

Ghotul is normally located outside the village. A long time before the land grant universities were a norm in the western world, the Adivasis reserved empty tracts of land for educating the young.

The Ghotul building can be as small as a hut or as big as a meeting hall, depending on the village population and leadership. Some have plenty of lighting while others are built small in order to conserve heat. Where there are problem of wildlife attacks, the Ghotuls are built on a raised platform.

In Ghotuls, no distinction is made between love and sex. Everybody is free and behaves responsibly.

Children learn about love at an early age, by watching others. They imitate what they see. Mothers typically teach their daughters about the extent to which they can go at the Ghotuls.

In case of any problem, the Motiyari (girl) tells the elders and they collectively sort out the problem.

 It is very easy to notice the equality of sexes among Chilaks and Motiyaris both grow their hair long, wear combs and jewelry, and adorn themselves with decorations. The Chilaks often outshine the girls in decoration. They wear beads, tusks of boars, feathers and anything colorful that is available, in every imaginable form. The decoration of Motiyaries is limited to their hair, in which they wear combs, mirror, balloons, and even paper fans. They typically have tattoos as permanent decoration on their bodies.

The students at Ghotul consider it their duty to provide entertainment during festive ceremonies. They play music, sing songs and dance. Whenever they have many dancers they form large circles and dance hours on end, in monotonic tones. They do not believe in short dances, and literally dance all night long.

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