Katkari Tribe

Current Context : The Katkari tribe, recently in the news for over 550 of its members receiving caste certificates at a ceremony in Male village, Pune. 

ABOUT KATKARI TRIBE

• It is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) located mainly in Maharashtra (Pune, Raigad, and Thane districts) and parts of Gujarat.
• Historically forest dwellers, the Katkaris were known for producing katha (catechu) from the Khair tree, which led to their alternate name,
• PVTG Status: Katkaris are one of the 75 PVTGs in India, a classification that identifies the most vulnerable tribal groups based on backwardness, low literacy, and a negative population growth rate.
• Language: The tribe is bilingual, speaking Katkari (a dialect of Marathi-Konkani) and Marathi, with some also speaking Hindi.
• Occupation: Traditionally, Katkaris are agricultural laborers and sell firewood and jungle fruits. Many engage in fishing, brick manufacturing, coal making, and they hold substantial knowledge of uncultivated foods.
• Due to high landlessness (87% compared to 48% for rural households in India), migration is common, and their livelihoods are often seasonal.