EJEBoris894787 at 00:27, 11 March 2026

2026-03-11T00:27:11Z

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{{more citations needed|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{infobox ethnic group
| group = Halba
| image =
| flag =
| caption =
| population = {{circa|750,000}} (2011 census)<ref name="jankaritoday"/>
| popplace = [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Assam]], and [[Odisha]]
| langs = [[Halbi language|Halbi]], [[Odia language|Odia]] and [[Hindi]]
| religions = [[File:Aum Om black.svg|16px]] [[Hinduism]]
| related = [[Bhunjia]], [[Indo-Aryan peoples]]
}}
The '''Halba''' are a tribe in [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Madhya Pradesh]] [[Assam]] , and [[Orissa|Odisha]] in [[India]]. They speak the [[Halbi language]]<ref name="jankaritoday"/><ref name="mapsofindia">{{cite web|url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/chhattisgarh/people-culture-festivals/chhattisgarh-tribes.html|title=Halba|website=mapsofindia|access-date=17 January 2020}}</ref> and mostly farm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://exploreindia.tv/the-puberty-birth-rituals-of-the-halba-tribe-of-chattisgarh/|title=The puberty and birth rituals of the halba tribe of Chhattisgarh|publisher=exploreindia|access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref> Linguistic evidence indicates they are an aboriginal tribe who adopted Hinduism and an [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] language.<ref name="Russell-2018">{{Cite book |last=Russell |first=R. V. (Robert Vane) |title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume 3 of 4 |publisher=Forgotten Books |date=21 April 2018 |isbn=978-1440048937 |edition=Classic Reprint |pages=227–228 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Grierson-1905">{{Cite book |last=Grierson |first=George Abraham |title=Linguistic Survey vol. vii. |publisher=Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing, India |year=1905 |isbn=81-75363614 |pages=331}}</ref><ref name="KORNEL-2017">{{Cite book |last=KORNEL |first=DAS |title=HISTORY OF TRIBAL PEOPLE IN UNITED KORAPUT |publisher=Das Kornel |year=2017 |isbn=978-93-5281-937-9 |pages=227–230 |language=en}}</ref>

The Halba ancestors were cultivators and farm servants who lived south of the [[Raipur]] district, or [[Kanker State|Kanker]] and [[Bastar State]]; from here small numbers spread to [[Bhandara district]], parts of [[Berar Province]] and into the [[Koraput district]] of [[Odisha]].<ref name="Russell-2018-2">{{Cite book |last=Russell |first=R. V. (Robert Vane) |title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume 3 of 4 |publisher=Forgotten Books |date=21 April 2018 |isbn=978-1440048937 |edition=Classic Reprint |pages=222–224 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="KORNEL-2017" />

==Etymology==
The name Halba might be derived from hal, a plough, and be a variant for harwāha, the common term for a farm servant in the northern Districts of [[Central Provinces and Berar|Central province]] in [[Presidencies and provinces of British India|British India]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Russell |first=R. V. (Robert Vane) |title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume 3 of 4 |publisher=Forgotten Books |date=21 April 2018 |isbn=978-1440048937 |edition=Classic Reprint |pages=227 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="mapsofindia"/> The word ‘Halbar or Halbam in [[Canarese|Canarse]] is ‘old one or ancient’ or primitive inhabitants.<ref name="Russell-2018" /><ref name="KORNEL-2017" />

== Origin ==
According to local legends, Halbas came to settle in Bastar and Kanker was that they had accompanied one of the Kings of Jagannath in Odisha, who was afflicted with leprosy, to the Sihawa jungles, where he proposed to pass the rest of his life in retirement. On a certain day, the king went out hunting with his dogs, one of which was quite white. This dog jumped into a spring of water and came out with his white skin changed to copper red. The king, observing this miracle, bathed in the spring himself and was cured of his leprosy. He then wished to return to Odisha, but the Halbas induced him to remain in his adopted country, and he became the ancestor of the kings of Kanker. The Halbas are still the household servants of the Kanker family, and when a fresh chief succeeds, one of them, who has the title of Karpardar, takes him to the temple and invests him with the royal robes, affixing also the tika or badge of office on his forehead with turmeric, rice and sandalwood, and rubbing his body over with attar of roses. A Halba was also the priest of the temple at Sihawa, which is said to have been built by the first king over the spring where he was healed of his leprosy.<ref name="KORNEL-2017" /><ref name="Russell">{{Cite book |last=Russell |first=R. V. (Robert Vane) |title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume 3 of 4 |publisher=Forgotten Books |date=21 April 2018 |isbn=978-1440048937 |edition=Classic Reprint |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Datt-2015">{{Cite book |last=Datt |first=Tara |url=https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s335051070e572e47d2c26c241ab88307f/uploads/2018/07/2018070495.pdf |title=Odisha District Gazetteers: Koraput |publisher=General Administration Department, Government of Odisha |year=2015 |pages=137–138 |language=en}}</ref>

The first settlement of Halbas was the city of Sihawa on the banks of river Mahanadi.<ref name="Russell 228">{{Cite book |last=Russell |first=R. V. (Robert Vane) |title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume 3 of 4 |publisher=Forgotten Books |date=21 April 2018 |isbn=978-1440048937 |edition=Classic Reprint |pages=228 |language=en}}</ref> According to Rai Bahadur Hiralal, they might have originated between Chhattisgarh and the Odisha to the east and south of the river Mahanadi.<ref name="Russell"/><ref name="Datt-2015" /> [[Wilfrid Grigson|Sir Wilfred Grigson]] is of the opinion that the Halba seem to be the descendants of the old garrisons of [[Paika Rebellion |Paika]] militia.<ref name="KORNEL-2017" /><ref name="Datt-2015" />

== History ==
The Halba tribal community are the chief tribe of [[Bastar division|Bastar]] region of Chhattisgarh. They adopted farming. Halbas were born of irregular alliances between the Odia Kings and their retainers with the women of their household servants, and between the different servants themselves.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Russell |first=R. V. (Robert Vane |title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume 3 of 4 |publisher=Forgotten Books |date=21 April 2018 |isbn=978-1440048937 |edition=Classic Reprint |pages=227 |language=en}}</ref> They were employed in militia under various ruling dynasties of the region.<ref name="jankaritoday" /> Halbas were also guards kings of Bastar for a long time.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Russell |first=R. V. (Robert Vane) |title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume 3 of 4 |publisher=Forgotten Books |date=21 April 2018 |isbn=978-1440048937 |edition=Classic Reprint |pages=224 |language=en}}</ref> Subsequently, the Halbas served as soldiers in the armies of the [[Kalachuris of Ratnapura|Ratanpur kings]] and their position no doubt considerably improved, so that in Bastar they became an important landholding caste. Some of these soldiers may have migrated west and taken service under the [[Kingdom of Chanda|Gond kings of Chanda]], and their descendants may now be represented by the [[Bhandara district|Bhandara]] zamindars.<ref name="Russell 225">{{Cite book |last=Russell |first=R. V. (Robert Vane) |title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India Volume 3 of 4 |publisher=Forgotten Books |date=21 April 2018 |isbn=978-1440048937 |edition=Classic Reprint |pages=225 |language=en}}</ref> Others took up weaving and have become amalgamated with the [[Koshta|Koshti]] caste in Bhandara and [[Berar Province|Berar]].<ref name="Russell 228"/>

According to Das Kornel, Halba tribe, which is found in Korapur district of Odisha, are from the Halavur branch of [[Banavasi]] tract and are related to [[Western Chalukya Empire|Western Chalukyas]] and came through present Maharastra region with invading army in medieval period. The Anchola village of Borigumma has the Halba concentration, and it was captured by Western Chalukays the from Cholas.<ref name="KORNEL-2017" />

=== Rebellion ===
The Halba rebellion was the first rebellion against the British in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2022 |title=[Yojana Archive] Freedom movement in Central India |url=https://www.civilsdaily.com/yojana-archive-freedom-movement-in-central-india/ |access-date=18 August 2023}}</ref> After the death of Dalpat Deo (1731-1774), there were a series of wars between the two sons of Dalpat Deo over the throne. Daryao Deo, the younger son of Dalpat Deo, defeated his elder brother Ajmer Singh to took over the king's crown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Jagdalpur, Jagdalpur During British Regime |url=https://www.jagdalpuronline.in/city-guide/history-of-jagdalpur |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=www.jagdalpuronline.in}}</ref> The Halbas rebelled during King Daryao Deo’s reign.<ref name="Russell-2018-2" /><ref name="academia.edu">{{Cite web |author=Ajay Sonkusare |title=Halba Tribe |url=https://www.academia.edu/35614276 |access-date=30 August 2022 |publisher=academia.edu}}</ref> After the decline of the Chalukyas, the situations were such that both the Marathas and the British came, one after the other, to the place in order to rule. The stronger armies of Bastar, supported by the British and Maratha, crushed the rebellion. It had already helped contribute to decline of the Chalukya dynasty, which in turn significantly altered the history of Bastar. The rebellion was mostly defensive in nature and waged by the tribe to protect its lands and traditions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-08-29 |title=Halba rebellion (1774 – 1779) |url=https://anarchyindia.wordpress.com/the-tribal-revolt/halba-rebellion-1774-1779/ |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=Anarchy India |language=en}}</ref> Even after defeat, Halbas were considered a tribe of considerable influence, since they could attempt to subvert the ruling dynasty.<ref name="Russell-2018-2" />

==Society==
The tribe have local divisions known as Bastarha, Chhattisgarhia and Marethia, according as they live in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, or Bhandāra and the other Maharashtra Districts. The last two groups intermarry, so only the Bastar Halbas form a really separate subcaste. They are also divided into two groups of pure and mixed Halbas. These are known in Bastar and Chhattisgarh as Purait or Nekha, and Surait or Nayak, respectively, and in Bhandāra as Barpangat and Khalpangat. The Suraits or Khalpangats are said to be of mixed origin, born from Halba fathers and women of other castes.<ref name="Russell 225"/>

The Halba have four subgroups: Pentia Halba, Bunkar Halba, Telia Halba and Jadi/Jadia Halba. Pentia are those who have migrated to Odisha. Bunkar are those who adopted weaving for their livelihood, Telia Halba who reside in Chhattisgarh.<ref name="jankaritoday">{{cite web|url=https://jankaritoday.com/halba-caste-history/|title=Halba caste history|publisher=jankaritoday|date=19 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref> Weaver Halba are also known as [[Koshti]].<ref name="timesofindia">{{Cite news |date=15 July 2018 |title=Halba women to hit the road on Monday |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/halba-women-to-hit-the-road-on-mon/articleshow/64989898.cms |access-date=30 August 2022 |publisher=timesofindia}}</ref> The population of Halba is around 0.75 million.<ref name="jankaritoday" />

They have many surnames including Som,Naik, Raut, Voyar, Nadge, Kothwar, Gharait, Chudi, Pakhle, Gawad, Hedu, Medke, Yele, Mankar, Sherkar, Margai, Chandrapur, Bhandara etc.<ref name="jankaritoday" />

=== Pentia ===
Pentia Halba are found in south of Chhattisgarh state and have spread into [[Koraput district|Koraput]] in [[Odisha]]. As per Administrative records, Pentia and Halba are classified as separate tribes. The Halbas of [[Jeypore]] region call themselves Pentia whereas the Halbas in Mathli region, border to Bastar call themselves as Halba. According to [[C. Hayavadana Rao|Mr. C. Hayavadana Rao]] and [[Edgar Thurston]] the Pentias had migrated from Bastar and settled at Pentikonna near Potangi of Koraput district, thence are known as Pentia or Pentiya or Pentikonaya. They lost a war and were in [[Malkangiri district|Malkangiri]] of Dasmantpur. The Pottangi hill Mohaprabhu is the main place of worship of for Pentias as claimed. There are villages of Pentia near Bastar border close to Mathili and it is surprising that Pentias of Jeypore belt have no relationship with the Pentia of Bastar. At present their main occupation is cultivation in [[Koraput district]].<ref name="Datt-2015" />

Halbas have territorial and titular names and many totemistic names. They are Ghsorpatia (a horse), Kawalia (lotus), Auria (tamarind), Lendia (a tree), Gohi (lizard), Makjur (a peacock), and Bhringraj (a black bird). The Bastar totemistic groups are known as Barags and Thok. The Halba in Koraput (in Jeypore) has the following clans Bareng, Mudli, Nago, Dalaie,Sunakaria, Kaktia,Uparia, Soam, Khamaria, Dhangundia and Makad.<ref name="Datt-2015" />

==Culture==
===Language===
Halba speak [[Halbi language]] which is mixed language of [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[Odia language]].<ref name="jankaritoday"/> According to [[George Abraham Grierson|Sir George Abraham Grierson]],"Their dialect [[Halbi language|Halbi]], is a curious mixture of [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Chhattisgarhi language|Chhattisgarhi]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]] the proportions varying according to the locality. In Bhandara it is nearly all Marathi, but in Bastar it is much more mixed and has some forms which look like Telugu."<ref name="Russell-2018" /><ref name="Grierson-1905" /> Halbi dialect also contains traces of [[Canarese]]<ref name="Russell-2018" /><ref name="KORNEL-2017" />

===Cuisine===
Although Halba are primarily agricultural community.<ref name="mapsofindia"/> Halba are also professional weaver. Many became jobless when modern powerlooms methods came in 1970s. Then, many started selling their foods which have become quite famous in Nagpur city. Their traditional food is known as Saoji which includes Sundari, Tari Pohe, Wada Bhat, Pithla Bhakar, Jhunka Bhakar, Sabudanawada, Saoji Chicken, Patwadi Rassa, Khur Saoji, Mutton Saoji, and Kothmirwadi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsinc24.com/news/halba-tribes-food...-saoji-cuisine|title=Halba Tribe's Food... Saoji Cuisine|publisher=newsinc24|date=23 January 2022|access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref>

The [[Danteshwari Temple]] was established by Chalukya king in 14th century in [[Bastar district]].<ref name="academia.edu"/> They also worship other deities including Maili mata, Gusain-Pusain, Budhadeo, Kunwardeo.<ref name="jankaritoday"/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n0gwfmPFTLgC&pg=PA281|title=Tribal Roots of Hinduism|isbn=9788176252997|access-date=17 January 2020|last1=Tiwari|first1=Shiv Kumar|year=2002|publisher=Sarup & Sons }}</ref>

==References==
*{{Source-attribution|{{cite book |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41424 |title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India, Volume 3 |first=R.V. |last=Russell |date=1916 |ref=none}} }}
{{reflist}}

{{Scheduled Tribes in Maharashtra}}{{Social groups of Maharashtra}}

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[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in India]]
[[Category:Social groups of Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Tribal communities of Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Social groups of Madhya Pradesh]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of India]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Chhattisgarh]]

Halba tribe - Revision history

EJEBoris894787 at 00:27, 11 March 2026