Gonds (indigenous people)

The Gonds are an indigenous tribal community primarily found in central India, including states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra. They have a rich cultural heritage, with unique traditions, language (Gondi), and traditional livelihoods such as farming and forest-based activities. Historically, the Gonds have maintained a distinct social identity, with their own festivals, art forms, and spiritual practices centered around nature and ancestral worship. They have played a significant role in regional history, often resisting external domination. Today, efforts are ongoing to preserve their cultural heritage and improve socio-economic conditions, while recognizing their deep connection to the forests and land they have inhabited for generations.