Social Organization of the Birhor Tribe in Purulia District, West Bengal

Tribal communities in India have historically remained socially and economically marginalized despite gradual exposure to modern civilization. Among such communities, the Birhor tribe is recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) due to its low literacy rate, forest-based livelihood, and socio-economic backwardness. This paper examines the social organization of the Birhor tribe residing in the Purulia district of West Bengal. Focusing on their traditional leadership structure, kinship system, religious authority, and community governance, the study highlights how indigenous institutions such as the Tanda, Naya, Diguar, and Mati regulate social life. The paper is based on secondary sources and aims to contribute to anthropological and historical understanding of tribal social systems in eastern India.