According
to 1991 census, nomadic tribes constitute about 73.18 lakhs in
Maharashtra. They are spread over in large areas, mainly on hilltops.
Bhil, Gond-Madia, Katkari, Koli, Oraon, Warli are the major tribes of
Maharashtra. A greater part of the tribes still follows the primitive
characters. They live in groups moving from one place to another in
caravans in search of livelihood.Their dress, dialect, folklore, customs and practices exhibit that they have a rich cultural heritage that is distinctly different from other social groups. Old traditions like worship of nature in different forms, animal sacrifices during religious ceremonies, adorning head with horn, etc. are still in practice.
As they keep on wandering from one place to other, these tribes are in lack education, which makes their survival difficult. So, they are forced to continue with this tradition of moving from place to place in search of work, which hurdles them to fit into the settled society.
This does not allow them to fit into the settled society they are forced to continue with this tradition of moving from place to place in search of work. Thousands of families belonging to these tribes wander from place to place and stay in temporary structures.