Aboriginal Tribes Of India And Pakistan

Aboriginal Tribes of India and Pakistan is a book by Hawabai Mustafa Shah, first published in 1900. It offers a focused anthropological study of the Bhils and the Kolhis, exploring their origins, traditional occupations, family structures, festivals, belief systems, and the wider cultural world that shapes their daily lives. Shah’s approach is attentive and descriptive, preserving details of customs, storytelling, and social practices that are rarely recorded elsewhere. The book stands at the crossroads of early ethnography and historical observation, drawing on oral traditions and ritual life to present a vivid portrait of two indigenous communities of India and Pakistan. Its blend of folklore, cultural traditions, and social history continues to make it a valuable resource for readers interested in South Asian anthropology, tribal heritage, and the study of local customs during the colonial era. As a historical document, it also offers insight into how these communities understood their place in the natural and spiritual world, making it an enduring reference for anyone exploring the region’s tribal past.