Page 10 - India Destination Guide - Alluring Asia

TRIBALS For most people, it comes as a surprise to learn that more than 50 million Indians belong to tribal communities distinct from the great mass of Hindu caste society. These Aadivasi, as they are known in India, have origins which precede the Vedic Aryans and the Dravidians of the south. For thousands of years they have lived more or less undisturbed in the hills and densely wooded regions which were regarded as unattractive by the peasantry of more dynamic populations. RELIGION Many still speak tribal languages not understood by the politically Although India is dominant Hindus, and they follow archaic customs foreign to both overwhelmingly Hindu Hindus and Muslims alike. (Hinduism is practiced by approximately 80% of the SACRED COWS population), there are large India has nearly 200 million cattle, which play a vitally important role in minorities of other religions. the rural economy - pulling the farmer's cart to market or plowing the These include Muslims, fields. Their religious protection probably first developed as a means of Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists safe-guarding them during droughts or famine when they might have and Janis. About 7% of the been killed off and subsequently been hard to replace. There is also population is classified as some dairy production. 'tribal'. They are found scattered throughout the One of the most amazing sights in India, especially for the first-time country, although there are visitor, is the number of cows which roam the streets of every town and concentrations of them in the city. They seem to be completely oblivious to the Tata bus bearing down north-eastern corner of the on them at 100 miles an hour country, as well as in Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and In the cities, cows also form an involuntary arm of the garbage-disposal Andhra Pradesh. department, and when not roaming the streets munching on cardboard, they can be seen rummaging through the concrete bins where waste ETIQUETTE vegetable matter is tipped. As a general rule, open anger or shows of temper should be avoided. Causing another person to 'lose face' is not recommended and status- particularly in terms of age - should be accorded due respect. Use your right hand for giving, taking, eating or shaking hands as the left is considered to be unclean. Women do not shake hands with men as this form of contact is not traditionally acceptable between acquaintances.