Tribes of Daman & Diu
History :-
For over 450 years, the coastal enclaves of Daman (Portuguese: Damão) and Diu on theArabian Sea coast were part of Portuguese India, along with Goa and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Goa, Daman and Diu were incorporated into the Republic of India on December 19, 1961, by military conquest. Portugal did not recognise the Indian annexation of these territories until 1974.
The territory of “Goa, Daman and Diu” was administered as a single union territory until 1987, when Goa was granted statehood, leaving Daman and Diu as a separate union territory. Each enclave constitutes one of the union territory’s two districts. Daman and Diu are approximately 650 kilometres away from each other by road.
Tribes of Daman & Diu :-
are considered two distinguishable parts, in every domain of living and entertainment. The tribal population in Daman and Diu is sure to constitute a significant portion in its administration. Tribes of Daman and Diu make up a major section in the island’s tourism, with varied forms of tribal uniqueness to be exhibited. This small Scheduled Tribes population is aggregation of population of five tribes namely, Dubla, Dhodia, Varli, Naikda andSiddi. Varli have the highest rural population, followed by Dubla and Dhodia.
Dubla Tribe of Daman and Diu: The Dubla are largely distributed in the Surat,Valsad, Bharuch and Vadodara districts of Gujarat. The Dubla are non-vegetarians and rice is their staple diet.
Dhodia Tribe of Daman and Diu: The Dhodia are located in the extreme southeastern districts of Gujarat. The Dhodia, a non-aggressive people, retreated deeper into the hills during the conflict.
Naikda Tribe of Daman and Diu: According to one legend, the Nayaka and the Dhodia are the descendants of Rupakhatri and Dhanakhatri.
Tribes in Daman and Diu have always been impressed and affected upon by Portuguese and British domination. The manners of daily life, of occupation, of self-governance, of social customs, of culture and traditional festivals or costumes and culinary domains, tribe’s men of Daman and Diu stand out in each special way. Besides a hefty count of sub-sections of tribals in the islands, scheduled tribes also make up a major portion in tribal population.