Tadvi Bhil
| Tadvi Bhil | |
|---|---|
| Languages | Marathi and Bhili |
| Populated states | Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh |
| Subdivisions | 12 main clans |
The Tadvi Bhil is a tribal community found in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in India. They are from the larger Bhil ethnic group, and are a clan of it. They use the surname Tadvi or sometimes the name of their Kul or Gan; the Dhankas of Gujarat and Maharashtra use Tadvi or Tetariya.
The Tadvi Bhil inhabit an area which roughly covers the border areas of the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. This territory forms the core of the Faruqi kingdom, a medieval state in central India.In the Western part of this area, Tadvis and Vassawas are mainly Hindu, Still some of Christian missionery activities are seen in this region. A close association between the Bhil of this region, and the Faruqi state led to the conversion of some of them to Islam. As they was converted from Aborigin Faith and Hinduism, The RSS has initiated steps for their reversion right back to their original faith, which is still seen in their day to day activities
The Tadvi Bhil in Maharashtra consist of three sub-groups, the Tadvi proper, the Nirade, and Nahay. Each of these groups intermarry, although the Tadvi proper perceive themselves to be superior.
The Tadvi speak a dialect of their own, also known as Tadvi, but many are switching to Hindi and Marathi. Their language is also Dhanka, which belongs to the Bhil group of the Indo-Aryan language family. They inhabit villages which are largely Tadvi, although interact with neighbouring Muslim communities such as the Bohra and Pinjara. The community consist mainly of small cultivators. Like the wider Bhil community, they maintain the custom of gotra exogamy, and are strictly endogamous. In Maharashtra, their main clans are the Sirsat, Mankar, Dhopi, Tadvi, Kedar, Masre, Khate, Ghatte, Solanki and Wadhe. They are found mainly in Dhule and Jalgaon, and in this state are mainly small and medium sized farmers. They are also raise sheep and other livestock.
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