Customary Law in Birhor Tribe

Abstract

Customary law prevalent in the Particularly Vulnerable Tribe Birhor was analysed through the process of group discussion carried out in the villages of Jashpur district where a major population is found. Every society has some conventionally established rules through which it functions, the same customary laws transferred from one generation to another in the society. Birhor tribe also has the traditional caste panchayat system to strengthen social organization as well as the smooth functioning of the community. It deals with matters related to caste disputes, prohibition of marriage in the same clan as well as intercaste marriage, settling issues related to the conduct of religious festival in accordance with the prevailing culture of the society. The studies related to polygamy, pre marital relations, widow marriage and intercaste marriage were done according to social norms. There exist penal provision also like penalty and social banquet for the violation of rules.