The Tribal Valentine in Chhattisgarh

Historically, a comb has been given as a love gift in many cultures. Particularly signifying a desire for a long-lasting relationship as the act of combing hair represents the care and attention one would give to a beloved partner, often symbolizing a commitment to "grow old together" with their hair turning white over time. This is especially prominent in Chinese culture where gifting a comb is seen as a romantic gesture with deep meaning.

The Muria tribes of Chhattisgarh have an age-old custom of gifting combs as an expression of affection and longing within their ghotuls.

Beyond its practical purpose, the comb in Chhattisgarh's Muria culture served as a powerful emblem of courtship. Exploring this tradition reveals the intricate ways in which objects can be imbued with meaning, transforming a simple tool into a symbol of love and longing. We uncover the stories woven into these handcrafted expressions of affection.

However, deep in the heartland of Bastar district in Chhattisgarh, wooden combs are the favourite object with which men have been expressing their love for centuries.

Boys (cheliks), would spend hours even days to gift it to the girl (motiari) they liked. This was a very integral part of the 'ghotul tradition' in which young Muria boys and girls would spend their evenings and nights at the community ghotul which not only initiated them into the rules of community living but also for learning arts, crafts, courtship and sex.

Verrier Elwin, the British anthropologist and tribal activist, documented the distinctive tradition of comb-making and gifting as a form of adolescent courtship within the context of his studies on ghotuls.

In the book, Savaging the Civilized: Verrier Elwin, His Tribals and India (1999), historian Ramchandra Guha writes, Training the young in the arts of sex and the conventions of social life the ghotul was also a stimulus to artistic expression. The walls of the ghotul were painted with models of motiaris and tigers and pillars carved with animals fighting or tribals dancing. The art of combing and comb-making was highly developed. Combs came in many shapes and sizes, carved by the chelik for his motiari. They were used for the hair and to titillate the skin on the arm and back. 

A Chelki (boy) would make multiple combs for a motiari (girl). The girls would collect combs from multiple boys and beautifully decorate their hair, leaving the message to the others that she is greatly desired.

The comb held significant symbolic value within certain tribal communities, representing female beauty (shringar) and forming an integral part of a bride's dowry. Young men would meticulously carve designs onto these combs, featuring floral and fruit motifs, traditional tribal patterns, and even stylized depictions of the female form.

A young woman's collection of combs reflected her social standing and desirability among her peers.

The complexity and size of a comb were often interpreted as indicators of a suitor's (chelik's) devotion to his beloved (motiari). Upon reaching marriageable age, a young woman would express her choice of partner by selecting his comb and presenting it to her mother, thereby signifying her decision. This practice highlights the  role of comb as a crucial element in courtship and marriage rituals, according says Dr. Kapil K.Tiwari, Former Director of the Adivasi Lok Kala Akademi in Bhopal.

The unique tradition has now almost faded along with the change in the ghotul system which found itself amid much controversy after the BBC film The Muria in 1982.

The documentary's portrayal of ghotuls, traditional youth dormitories of certain tribal communities, ignited a national and international debate. The polyamorous practices observed within these institutions were particularly contentious, with Sahapedia consultant and former deputy director of the Crafts Museum Mushtak Khan characterizing them as 'outside the ambit of civilized society. While ghotuls still operate, their function has evolved, now primarily serving as recreational hubs for tribal youth to socialize in the evenings rather than centers for extended communal living and complex traditional practices.

Locally known as kakais, pedias, and kanghis, the comb holds a rich cultural significance, particularly within the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh. Beyond its role in female shringar(beauty) and bridal traditions. It served as a vital tool in courtship, conveying unspoken emotions between lovers. While its romantic symbolism may be less prevalent in contemporary society, its historical importance remains a testament to its deep-rooted cultural value.

Written by Ramya, Assistant Professor & Tribal Researcher, Department of English, P.K.R Arts College for Women, Erode Dt Tamilnadu

Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.

Keep Reading

California Fires Live updates: destructive wildfires in history

Hollywood Hills burning video is fake and AI generated

Devastating wildfire in California: wind, dry conditions to blame?

Los Angeles Cracks Under Water Pressure

From tourist paradise to waste wasteland: Sindh River Cry for help

Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected]. 

Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel for video stories.