Who Are the Gond?
The Gond (Gondi: Koitur) are the largest Adivasi (indigenous/tribal) group in India, numbering approximately 12-14 million people. They inhabit the forested highlands of central India across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha—a vast region historically known as Gondwana ("Land of the Gonds"). The Gond speak Gondi, a Dravidian language with multiple dialects, though many now speak regional Indo-Aryan languages. Despite centuries of Hindu and Muslim influence, the Gond maintained distinctive cultural practices, beliefs, and social organization. They are renowned for their vibrant artistic tradition, Gond painting, which has gained international recognition while remaining rooted in traditional cosmology.
Kingdoms of Gondwana
Between the 14th and 18th centuries, Gond rulers established powerful kingdoms across central India. The Garha-Mandla, Deogarh, Kherla, and Chanda kingdoms controlled significant territories, collected tribute, and engaged in complex diplomacy with Mughal and other powers. Queen Durgavati of Garha-Mandla (1524-1564) famously resisted Mughal invasion, dying in battle rather than surrendering. These kingdoms demonstrate that Gond society was capable of sophisticated political organization, contradicting colonial portrayals of "primitive tribes." The Gond kingdoms were eventually incorporated into Maratha and British domains. This history of independent statehood informs contemporary Gond identity and demands for autonomy. Some activists seek restoration of a Gondwana state within India.
Gond Art
Gond painting has emerged as one of India's most recognized indigenous art forms. Traditional Gond artists painted on walls and floors for ceremonies, depicting spirits, animals, and nature using dots and lines to create intricate patterns. In the 1980s, artists began transferring these designs to paper and canvas for commercial sale. Artists like Jangarh Singh Shyam gained international acclaim, their work exhibited in major galleries. Gond art maintains traditional motifs—the cosmic tree, mythological creatures, forest animals—while adapting to new media. The art carries spiritual significance; creating images is a form of devotion and communication with natural spirits. Contemporary Gond artists balance commercial success with cultural integrity, teaching younger generations while developing new expressions.
Contemporary Gond
Modern Gond communities face significant challenges. Deforestation has destroyed traditional livelihoods; forests provided food, medicine, and income. Development projects—dams, mines, and industries—have displaced thousands. The Forest Rights Act of 2006 promised to recognize Gond forest rights, but implementation has been incomplete. Maoist insurgency in some Gond areas has brought violence and government counterinsurgency. Many Gond live below the poverty line; health and education indicators lag national averages. Despite challenges, cultural revival continues. Gond art provides income and preserves tradition. Gondi language faces pressure from Hindi but survives in rural areas. Organizations advocate for Gond rights, including the separate Gondwana state movement. The Gond demonstrate both the challenges facing India's Adivasi populations and the persistence of indigenous identity and creativity.
References
- FĂĽrer-Haimendorf, C. von (1979). The Gonds of Andhra Pradesh
- Elwin, V. (1944). The Muria and Their Ghotul
- Bowles, J. (2009). Painted Songs and Stories: The Hybrid Flowerings of Contemporary Pardhan Gond Art